The 7-day Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," offers a thrilling yet challenging trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes, this route takes trekkers through lush rainforests, the expansive Shira Plateau, and the famous Barranco Wall before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak. The extended 7-day itinerary with Wildebeest Footsteps Adventures allows for better acclimatization, greatly improving your chances of a successful summit. This route is perfect for adventurous trekkers seeking a rewarding challenge amid stunning natural surroundings. After the trek, you will embark on a 3-day exploration of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, where you can spot all of the Big Five animals.
The drive from Moshi/Arusha to the Machame Gate takes approximately 50 minutes, passing through the village of Machame on the lower slopes of the mountain. After leaving the park gate, we embark on a winding trail through the dense rainforest, ascending a ridge until we reach Machame Camp.
We depart from the rainforest glades and follow an ascending path up a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we traverse through heather and open moorlands before crossing a large river gorge to reach Shira 2 Camp.
We proceed east up a ridge, then head southeast towards the Lava Tower, a striking 300-ft volcanic rock formation. From there, we descend to Barranco Camp, passing through the unique Senecio Forest, to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although we start and finish the day at the same elevation, spending time at higher altitudes aids in acclimatization.
We start the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. We then climb the steep, nearly 900-ft cliff—non-technical but challenging. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we traverse a series of hills and valleys before making a sharp descent into Karanga Valley. A final, steeper climb brings us to Karanga Camp. This shorter day is designed for acclimatization.
We depart from Karanga and join the Mweka Trail at the junction. We then ascend through a rocky section to reach Barafu Hut. At this point, you will have completed the Southern Circuit, offering views of the summit from various angles. We set up camp here, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. From this location, both the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible.
Very early in the morning, around midnight, we begin the most challenging part of the trek—our ascent to the summit. This stage tests both mental and physical endurance, as trekkers face extreme cold, strong winds, and darkness. We move steadily with frequent short breaks. As we approach Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. After celebrating at the summit, we descend to Mweka Hut, stopping at Barafu Camp for lunch. The rocky trail can be tough on the knees, so trekking poles are highly recommended. Mweka Camp, nestled in the upper forest, often experiences mist or rain by late afternoon. We end the day with a final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.
On the final day, we descend to Mweka Gate to collect our summit certificates. The trail can be wet and muddy at lower elevations. From the gate, we continue to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will transport us back to our hotel in Arusha. We’ll have an overnight stay and time to relax and recover.
Mount Meru Hotel Arusha