Also known as the “Whiskey Route,” the Machame Route is one of the most scenic and popular trails on Mount Kilimanjaro and a favorite of Ahsante Tours, whose founder grew up on its forested slopes.
Though more challenging than the Marangu Route, Machame offers a higher summit success rate thanks to its ideal topography that allows climbers to “trek high and sleep low.” This gradual acclimatization approach makes it a rewarding choice for fit trekkers seeking both adventure and breathtaking views.
Unlike the steady ascent of Marangu, Machame features steeper trails and longer trekking days, rewarding climbers with ever-changing landscapes from lush rainforest to heather-covered moorlands, alpine desert, and finally the glacial summit zone.
Starting on the south-western side of Kilimanjaro, the Machame Route climbs steeply northwards, crossing the Shira Plateau, where it merges with the Shira and Lemosho Routes before heading to the summit.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi town. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or exploring this charming town.
In the evening, you’ll meet your mountain guide and operations team for a detailed pre-climb briefing and equipment check to ensure you’re fully prepared for the trek.
Accommodation: Weru Weru River Lodge
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a short 30-minute drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate, the starting point of your climb. Following park registration, your 6-day adventure begins with a steady ascent through dense rainforest, home to unique flora and fauna.
The trail can be wet and muddy underfoot, especially after rainfall, but the scenery is lush and rewarding.
Distance: 10 km
Approx. Hiking Time: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The trek continues uphill through forest before reaching a steep climb onto the Shira Plateau, offering expansive views of Mount Meru above Arusha in the distance.
As the forest thins out, you’ll notice a change in vegetation and terrain.
Distance: 4.8 km
Approx. Hiking Time: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today’s hike crosses the high moorlands, transforming the landscape completely. The trail traverses Kilimanjaro’s southwestern face, passing beneath the Lava Tower (4,600m) and the Western Breach before descending to Barranco Camp.
This stage follows the key mountaineering principle “climb high, sleep low” — helping your body acclimatize effectively to the altitude.
Distance: 10 km
Approx. Hiking Time: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Your day begins with a descent into the Great Barranco Valley, followed by a climb up the dramatic Barranco Wall a steep but non-technical ascent offering incredible views.
The route continues beneath the Heim and Kersten Glaciers, then across the Karanga Valley, the final water point before the summit. From there, traverse rocky, arid terrain to reach Barafu Camp, your final stop before the summit push.
Distance: 8.5 km / 5.3 miles
Approx. Hiking Time: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Your summit day begins around midnight. The climb ascends steeply over scree slopes toward Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim, reached just as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the glaciers.
Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the ice cliffs, Mawenzi Peak, and the African plains below.
After another hour, you’ll reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa!
Celebrate your achievement before descending to Barafu Camp for breakfast and continuing down to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest.
Distance: 13.4 km
Approx. Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a gentle descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll sign out and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate a lasting memento of your incredible journey.
From here, you’ll be driven back to Moshi, where a hot shower and celebration await!
Distance: 11.5 km
Approx. Hiking Time: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Weru Weru River Lodge
Explore more exciting tours to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
