Machame Route
7 days | 6 nights
Climbing Overview
Also known as the “Whiskey” route, the Machame route is now the most popular ascent route on Mt Kilimanjaro. Compared with the Marangu route, the walking days on the Machame route are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.
The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro southern ice field.
Full Itinerary
Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, climb to Machame Camp
Your 7 days Machame route climbing start for driving you from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate it takes about 45 minutes.
We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
- Distance: 11km/7mi
- Climbing Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
- Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 5km/3miles
- Walking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Climb Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
- Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Walking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Climb Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction, which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation, as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Climb Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail.
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 5km/3miles
- Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Climb Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 4km/2miles
- Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Climb Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft - Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8miles down
Climbing Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
Climb Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and then drive to Moshi.
After breakfast we continue descending down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). End of your 7 days Machame route climbing
- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
Included for safaris
- All park entrance, camping and rescue fees
- All meals and filtered drinking water while on the mountain
- Guides, cook and porters salaries and fees
- Transport to/from Kilimanjaro gate before and after climb
- Airport transfer – To and From airport
- Mid class accommodation in Arusha before and after climb on bed and breakfast basis
- Camping equipment including mountaineering tents sharing with 2 people, sleeping mattress and kitchen gears for camping routes
Prices do not include
- Items of personal nature, gratuities (tips),
- Soda/alcohols,
- Travel insurance, visa fees,
- International airfare,
- Airport taxes,
- Laundry,
- cultural tours, climbing gears,
- and other extras not stated above as included.
NB – Sleeping bag and other personal mountain gears are available for hire at Arusha.
NB: Private helicopter for Rescue and evacuations is available at Mount Kilimanjaro up to approximately 5000m asl. A cliet(s) needed his/her insurance to cover up to 6000m asl. For more details -http://kilimanjarosar.com/
Your Wild Escape Starts Here
Enquire This Tour
See What Else Awaits You
Ralated Kilimanjaro Trekking Route
- 9 Days
- Kilimanjaro
9 Days Lemosho Route
The 9 days Lemosho Route is one of the lengthiest, most picturesque routes on Kilimanjaro and it is our ‘secret favourite.
- 7 Days
- Kilimanjaro
7 Days Machame Route
Also known as the “Whiskey” route, the Machame route is now the most popular ascent route on Mt Kilimanjaro.
- 6 Days
- Kilimanjaro
6 Days Marangu Route
Marangu – or “Coca-Cola” – route is rightfully popular amongst Kilimanjaro climbers. It is unique in that it provides
