7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via the Machame Whiskey Route

Depart from Moshi to Machame Gate. The journey passes through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

Walk through the dense rainforest on a winding trail, climbing up a ridge until you reach Machame Camp.

Leave the glades and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge.

On the Shira Plateau, pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.

Continue to the east, up a ridge, and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower - a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation.

Descend to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is beneficial for acclimatisation.

Begin the day by descending into a ravine, heading to the base of the Great Barranco Wall.

Then, climb the non-technical but steep cliff of nearly 900 ft.

From the top of the Barranco Wall, cross a series of hills and valleys until you descend sharply into Karanga Valley.

One more steep climb leads you to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatisation.

Leave Karanga and reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.

Continue up the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from a multitude of different angles.

Here, you make camp and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.

Start at midnight and push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.

Ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.

Finally, arrive at Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, continue your descent straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful.

Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

On the last day, continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect your summit certificates.

From the gate, continue walking for another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to escort you back to Arusha or Moshi.