No, we do not sell or serve whiskey on the Machame Route, a popular route on Kilimanjaro. It is nicknamed the "Whiskey Route" because it is more difficult than other routes, such as Marangu ("Coca Cola Route") or Rongai. It is best if you have some hiking or climbing experience before you attempt Machame, but trust me: it is doable, because the Honey Badger did it!

The Lemosho Route is a Kilimanjaro favorite because of its longer acclimation time (eight days) and gentler slope, although it can also be done in 7 days by skipping Shira I camp on day two.  However, we strongly recommend opting for the Machame 7 day route if you don't want to do 8 days. 

The Marangu or "Coca Cola Route" is considered to be easier than the Machame "Whiskey Route," and thus it is nicknamed after a soft drink instead of hard liquor. In reality, although it is shorter duration and has sleeping huts, it isn't easier. The fewer days allows less time to acclimate to altitude, which is the major consideration in climbing Kilimanjaro.

The Marangu is another of the tribal groups in the larger Chagga tribe from the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. There are several other subsets in the Chagga tribe, including one that was discussed in the Machame Route.  Our very own RG3 hails from the Marangu branch of the Chagga tribe.

We highly recommend at least 6 days on this route, but a 5-day option is available. 

The Rongai Route is unique because it is the only one that approaches from the North, near the Kenyan border. Here, you can find members of the Chagga tribe living in the foothills behind Kilimanjaro. Although Rongai can be done in six days, we recommend doing it in seven to increase your chances of summiting. However, if you are hell-bent on doing it in six, we can arrange it for you.

One advantage of Rongai is that it is less popular, so you won't see as many hikers on the trail. 

Umbwe is not for the faint of heart. Though it is similar to Machame, it is much steeper and more rugged, and therefore we recommend that only experienced, very fit climbers attempt this route. It also does not offer much opportunity to acclimate to high altitude.

The Northern Circuit Route is a Kilimanjaro favorite because of its longer acclimation time (nine days) and gentler slope.

The Shira Route is similar to Lemosho but only lasts six days instead of eight. Naturally, this means your chances of summit success drop. However, the route is generally easy, with shorter distances and a shorter summit night. Climbers should note that if the Arrow Glacier approach is used, there is an important restriction: You must proceed to the summit once you start; it is very difficult, if not impossible, to go backwards because it is too steep.

Mount Meru is smaller in height than Kilimanjaro, but don't underestimate her! She's got a steep pitch at the summit that you will have to scramble a bit to get over. But the views are worth it. And--Meru makes a great warmup hike for Kilimanjaro.

Although there is a 3-day option, we strongly recommend against it. Most hikers have trouble getting to the park exit by 6 pm, which will attract another day's park fees. Give yourself that extra day to avoid wearing yourself out and to also enjoy the after-summit.