The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers stunning views, diverse habitats, and a gradual acclimatization profile, making it an excellent choice for adventurous climbers.
Drive from Arusha (approximately 2 hours) or Moshi (around 1 hour) to Machame Gate, passing through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. Once at the park gate, we begin our ascent through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. The trail can be muddy and slippery at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. After a short distance, we reach the Machame Camp.
Altitude: 6,000 ft (1,830 m) to 10,200 ft (3,100 m)
Distance: 11 km
Duration: 5-7 hours
Vegetation: Montane Forest
Meals: Full Board at Machame Hut Camp
After breakfast, we leave the rainforest behind and continue uphill along a steep rocky ridge. The route turns west, passing through a river gorge before arriving at the Shira campsite.
Altitude: 10,200 ft (3,100 m) to 12,600 ft (3,840 m)
Distance: 9 km
Duration: 4-6 hours
Vegetation: Moorland
Meals: Full Board at Shira Cave Camp
Today’s hike begins with a gentle ascent and offers panoramic views. We pass beneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach. After a hot lunch at the base of Lava Tower (4,600 m), we descend into the Great Barranco Valley (3,950 m) for our overnight stop.
Altitude: 12,600 ft (3,840 m) to 12,700 ft (3,860 m)
Distance: 15 km
Duration: 5-7 hours
Vegetation: Semi-desert
Meals: Full Board at Barranco Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and ascend the steep Barranco Wall (4,250 m/13,900 ft). From there, we descend into the Karanga Valley (4,050 m/13,250 ft), then head uphill to the junction with the Mweka Trail. We continue to Barafu Camp, where you’ll get your first views of the summit.
Altitude: 13,000 ft (4,000 m) to 15,350 ft (4,700 m)
Distance: 9 km
Duration: 6-8 hours
Vegetation: Alpine Desert
Meals: Full Board at Barafu Camp
We begin the summit ascent very early (midnight to 2 AM), heading between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, which is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point, enjoy a short rest and witness a breathtaking sunrise. If you’re fast enough, you may catch the sunrise from the summit. The final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) takes around an hour, where you’ll reach the highest point in Africa.
After summiting, we descend directly to Mweka Camp, stopping for lunch at Barafu along the way. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel on the descent.
Altitude: 15,350 ft (4,700 m) to 19,340 ft (5,895 m)
Down to: 10,150 ft (3,090 m)
Distance: 6 km up / 13 km down
Duration: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Vegetation: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Full Board at Mweka Camp
After breakfast, we continue our descent to Mweka Park Gate, where we’ll receive our summit certificates. The trail is often wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. At lower elevations, shorts and t-shirts are comfortable, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
A Kilimanjaro Nature Tours vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Gate to take you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Altitude: 10,150 ft (3,090 m) to 5,500 ft (1,680 m)
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Vegetation: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Fullmoon Safaris is a locally owned tour operator based in Moshi, Kilimanjaro. They’re registered and managing their own packages, including safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, Tarangire) and Kilimanjaro treks, with a local foundation receiving 10% of income.
Founded by Emmanuel Teshaa, the company has been operating since around 2011 with a team of 26–50 employees TanzaPages+1.
A Traveller (Thibaut & Florie) described a 6‑day climb via Machame route as “unbelievable and unforgettable,” praising the guides, cook and cheerful porters. They felt safe and well-supported at all times Tripadvisor.
Another reviewer (Faith Makaza Maipisi, Dec 2022) recounted a 7‑day Lemosho route with Fullmoon Safaris: “guides gave us ample time… the cooks were amazing… hot ginger water… celebration cake… brilliant stuff”—highlighting top-tier service and care Tripadvisor+1.
Returning client Sid (July 2023) booked a 3‑day safari and a coffee/waterfalls day trip with Emmanuel, and praised the accommodation, guide knowledge, and overall seamless experience. “You can be 100% confident…” he wrote Tripadvisor.
Fullmoon Safaris, your partner for individual or group organized trips and safaris in Tanzania.
Fullmoon Safaris, We accept all means of payments listed below:
copyright©Kilifullmoon Safaris
