The Machame Route - also known as the Whisky Route, the Machame Route leads in 6 or even 7 days (for better acclimatization) up to Africa's highest peak in the Kilimanjaro massif, Uhuru Peak.

In terms of scenery, this stage is probably the most beautiful route, as each day you hike through completely different vegetation zones.

Overall, it is technically very doable. The varied altitude profile allows a very good acclimatization and through the climbing passage at the "Barranco Wall" one or the other is also technically challenged.

Route description

Day 1: Kilimanjaro, Park Gate 1840m - Machame Camp 2980m 

After a two hours drive to Landorossi Gate, on the west side of Kilimanjaro, we first have to register for the route and deposit our ID number. This procedure is done after each day so that the statistics can be collected correctly. After that we divide our luggage into a big one, which our porter will carry, and a small one, for which we are responsible ourselves. Now the ascent begins, at first on asphalt, but very quickly after about one kilometer we get into the dense rainforest. If you are lucky, you can even see one of the black and white stubby monkeys (colobus) jumping from branch to branch. After about six hours (approx. 9km) of climbing through the fascinating rainforest, you will finally reach Machame Camp at 2980m.

Day 2: Kilimanjaro, Machame Camp 2980m - Shira Camp 3830m 

The second day is seven kilometers through a slowly changing landscape. Quite quickly you leave the dense rainforest and follow a very steep, rocky path up through a very distinctive high moor with the typical heather bushes.  The higher you climb, the more the landscape changes, which is now more and more dominated by obelia and senecia. On the last meters you finally get the feeling that you are climbing up to a crater. The ground changes its color and geigantic rock formations pave the way on the right and on the left. Arriving at Shira Camp at 3830 m, you can now enjoy for the first time the insane view of the summit of Kilimanjaro in the distance, as well as Kibo, Mount Meru and parts of Shira Crater.

Day 3: Kilimanjaro, Shira Camp 3830m - Barranco Camp 3950m 

The third day is the most strenuous day for any climber with the summit day. This section is mainly for acclimatization, because already in the morning you climb steadily uphill to the Lava Tower at 4600m, and then in the afternoon you descend again a good part. If you still have enough strength, you can even make a detour to the Lava Tower. The crater landscape above 4000 m now slowly turns into a more lush landscape during the descent. On the long stretch straight ahead at the end of the day, you can already glimpse the Barranco Wall from a distance - the climbing passage of the Machame Route, often referred to as the "Breakfast Wall".

Day 4: Kilimanjaro, Barranco Camp 3950m - Karanga Camp 3950m

After a hearty breakfast (because you really need this strength today), the first set off for the so-called "Breakfast Wall". A one-hour climbing passage at the beginning of this stage up the Barranco Wall. The highlight at the end is the so-called "Kissing Wall". Mountain guide and porter have to lead you slowly and carefully past an exposed rock, which is then also gladly kissed by its climbers. From there you have a stunning view of the Karanga Valley. And also the next hours again and again uphill and downhill lead past a fascinating landscape of small rivers and stony meadows. After a long downhill phase at the end of the stage, we finally fight our way up to Karanga Camp.

Day 5: Kilimanjaro, Karanga Camp 3950m - Barafu Camp 4600m - Uhuru Peak 5895m - Barafu Camp 4600m

Today is summit day! After an easy ascent at the beginning and a beautiful view of the now visible Rebmann Glacier, we will climb steeply uphill to Barafu Camp at noon. On the last leg you fight your way through scree to the 1st summit, Stella Point, and then up to Uhuru Peak. After a few minutes you have to descend again, because the oxygen level can be dangerous, especially at these heights.

Day 6: Kilimanjaro, Barafu Camp 4600m - Millennium Camp 3820 - Park Gate Mweka 1800m 

After climbing the highest mountain in Africa, it is now time to return to Park Gate Mweka at 1800m, where a personal certificate will be issued. Afterwards you will be brought back to your hotel by your tour operator.