Five Worlds climate band on Kilimanjaro ascent: Heath & Moorland near 3,500 M

The Whisky Route

Machame.

Kilimanjaro's Machame Route, often called the Whiskey Route, is one of the most sought-after scenic Kilimanjaro trekking routes, taking climbers through a constantly changing landscape of rainforest canopy, open volcanic ridges, and glacier-lined summit approaches. Steeper and more physical than the Marangu Route, it rewards trekkers who enjoy long walking days and dynamic terrain. Available as a 6-day or 7-day Machame Route itinerary, the 7-day option follows a natural "walk high, sleep low" acclimatization pattern.

Side

Southern Approach

Days

6 / 7

options

Distance

63 km

round-trip

Grade

Moderate Route

From

$2,040

group departure floor

— 01

Altitude profile

TRAILHEAD 1,800M

MACHAME 2,835M

SHIRA 3,750M

BARRANCO 3,960M

KARANGA 3,995M

BARAFU 4,673M

UHURU 5,895M

MWEKA 3,068M

MWEKA GATE 1,640M

— 02

Duration & Trek Type

Prices listed by trek type and duration. Join a scheduled group departure, or begin your own private trek. Package rates are updated annually to reflect changes in Kilimanjaro National Park fees.

Prices are indicative per person, based on standard camping or lodge tier as quoted. Luxury upgrades and single supplements are quoted on enquiry.

Days on mountain	Group departure	Private party
6 days	$2,040	$2,215
7 days	$2,330	$2,520

Compare

Which trek type fits you?

We offer daily departures via both group and private treks. To see which type suits you best:

Group departure

Pros

Lower per-person price - the clearest upside when budget matters most.
Join existing groups - if you don't want to trek alone, we can pair you with other trekkers.
Built-in social experience - meet fellow trekkers, share stories around the camp, and form new lasting friendships.

Cons

Fixed pace and itinerary - Itineraries are pre-set, so trekkers move together as a group rather than at their own preferred pace.
Less solitude - shared tents, communal meals, limited alone time while on the trail

Private party

Pros

Customizable - you can set your own pace and customise the itinerary and duration of the
Personalised attention - the guides and crew focus only on you, which is better for photography and dietary needs.
Only guests you invite - quieter camps and company you are already comfortable with.

Cons

Higher investment - the crew costs are not split with other trekkers, so the smaller the group, the higher the person package cost.
Isolating - for small groups, there are no built-in trekking companions, and you could feel lonely on longer treks.

If this trip is a once-in-a-lifetime investment for you, private often protects what you cannot redo — how you feel on the mountain every day.

Tell us preferred dates and party type — we will confirm availability within one business day.

— 03

The itinerary

An indicative plan. Every climb is privately tailored to your party’s pace and acclimatisation profile.

DAY 01

Hotel to Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Your Kilimanjaro climb via the Machame Route begins with a transfer from Moshi to Machame Gate. After park registration, the trek starts through Kilimanjaro National Park’s lush southern rainforest, where towering trees, giant ferns, and misty trails create a memorable first impression of Africa’s highest mountain. Following a steady ascent through the forest zone, you arrive at Machame Camp, perched on the edge of the rainforest and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery the perfect start to your Kilimanjaro trekking adventure.

1,800 m → 3,010 m · 11 KM · 5 H

Tonight · Machame Camp, first camp on the southern slopes.

Meals · Breakfast (Hotel) | Lunch | Dinner

DAY 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

The second day leaves the forest behind and climbs into open moorland. The route becomes steeper, but the scenery expands quickly, revealing volcanic ridges and broad mountain views. By afternoon you reach camp near the spectacular Shira Plateau.

3,010 m → 3,845 m · 5 KM · 4 H

Tonight · Shira Camp, on the western edge of the plateau.