The 'whiskey route': varied, scenic and popular, with a good climb-high, sleep-low profile.
Machame climbs quickly through forest onto the Shira Plateau, then follows the southern circuit under the glaciers. It’s busier than Lemosho but still one of the most beautiful routes on the mountain. Seven days is the minimum we recommend.
Best time: January to March and June to October
Register at the gate and climb steadily through rainforest.
Out of the forest and up a rocky ridge to the plateau.
Climb high to Lava Tower, sleep low at Barranco.
Scramble the Barranco Wall and traverse to Karanga.
Short climb to base camp and early rest.
Midnight start to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak, then down to Mweka camp.
Descend to the gate and transfer to your hotel.
No technical experience is needed, but you should be fit enough to walk for six to eight hours a day for several days. Regular hill walking in the months before is the best preparation.
Success depends mostly on the number of days on the mountain. That’s why we recommend seven to nine days and don’t offer five-day climbs. Your guide’s first priority is your safety, not the summit.
Tips are an important part of crew income. We send a clear guideline before your climb, based on the size of your crew and the number of days, and tips are shared openly among the whole team.
A deposit of 30% confirms your booking, and the balance is due 60 days before you arrive. We accept bank transfer, and card payments can be arranged. Full details are in our booking terms.
Our prices include park fees, accommodation, meals as listed, your guide and vehicle, and airport transfers. International flights, visas, travel insurance and tips are not included. Every proposal lists exactly what’s covered.
8 days
Our recommended route: quiet forest, the Shira Plateau and an excellent acclimatisation profile.
7 days
The gentle northern approach - drier, quieter and a good choice in the rainy months.
9 days
The longest, quietest route on the mountain, with the best acclimatisation of all.
