Machame Route
The Machame 'Whiskey Route' is one of the most scenic ways to the top of Kilimanjaro. What to expect on the route, and our Machame climbs.
Also on this route: 7 Days Machame Route
Kilimanjaro climb
6 Days Machame Route
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro has six established routes for climbers: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. Marangu, Machame and Umbwe start on the south side. Lemosho and Shira come in from the west. Rongai starts in the north, near Kenya. Every route except Marangu and Rongai comes down via Mweka.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on the 6 Days Machame Route: the Machame route, often called the Whisky Route, is one of the most scenic ways up Kilimanjaro, and one we often recommend. This popular route starts in thick forest, then follows a ridge across the moorland up to the Shira Plateau. From there it runs below the glacier cliffs of the Southern Ice fields before joining the Barafu Route to the summit. The slope is steady rather than brutal, and you can add days, so the Machame route has a higher success rate for reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Route itinerary
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Day 1 Machame Gate – Machame Camp Distance 10.75km / 7miHiking 5-6 hrsZone Rainforest
From Moshi it is a 45-minute drive through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. While we wait for the permits, you can watch the busy scene as crews get ready for the climb. Then you walk up through the rainforest on winding trails, and your guide tells you about the plants and wildlife along the way. Down here the trail can be muddy and quite slippery, so we strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
- Elevation
- 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
- Altitude gained
- 1210m
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Day 2 Machame Camp – Shira Camp Distance 5.3km / 3miHiking 4-5hrsZone Moorland
After a good night’s sleep and a big breakfast, we leave the rain forest and keep climbing, crossing the valley along a steep, rocky ridge. The route then turns west into a river gorge and on to the Shira campsite. It starts to get colder from here.
- Elevation
- 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
- Altitude gained
- 818m
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Day 3 Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp Distance 10.75km / 6miHiking 5-6hrsZone Semi-Desert
You finish today at about the same height you started, but this day matters a lot for acclimatization. From the Shira Plateau we head east up a ridge, past the junction towards the Kibo peak, then south east to the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Soon after the tower is a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. From there we walk down to Barranco Camp for the night.
- Elevation
- 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
- Altitude gained
- 147m
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Day 4 Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp Distance 8.5km / 5miHiking 6-8hrsZone Alpine Desert
After breakfast, a steep ridge takes us up the Barranco Wall, a fun scramble, then on to the Karanga Valley and the junction with the Mweka Trail. Watch your crew today: they go up the wall with real strength and skill, as if it were nothing, and it is quite a sight. We keep climbing to Barafu Camp. When you get there, you have finished the South Circuit, which gives you great views of the summit from many different angles. Dinner is early, then rest before summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
- Elevation
- 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
- Altitude gained
- 676m
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Day 5 Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp Distance 4.86km / 3mi up; 13km / 8mi downHiking 5-7hrs; 5-6hrsZone Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789mThis is the big day. You wake up and start walking between midnight and 2 a.m. It is the hardest part of the trek, both mentally and physically.
We head for the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Try to stay warm and keep your mind on the goal. The path zigzags to the northwest through heavy scree up to Stella Point on the crater rim. During a short rest here, you get a beautiful sunrise. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point it is about 1 hour more to Uhuru Peak, and you will likely walk on snow the whole way.
Congratulations. One step at a time, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa.
There will be photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy, and we take a few minutes to enjoy what you have done. Then the steep walk down to Mweka Camp begins, with a stop at Barafu for lunch and a short rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel and volcanic ash. You have earned a good rest on your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
- Elevation
- 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude gained
- 1233m
-
Day 6 Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi Distance 9.1km / 6miHiking 3-4hrsZone Rainforest
After breakfast there is a short thank-you ceremony with your crew, and it is time to say goodbye. We walk on down to the Mweka Park Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. It gets much warmer as you go down, and the trail is wet, muddy and steep, so we strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
A vehicle meets you at Mweka village, below the gate, and drives you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Then it is time for a long hot shower, dinner and a proper celebration.
- Elevation
- 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
- Altitude lost
- 1473m
Tour price includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Quality Imported Equipments
Tour price excludes
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
- Flights, Visa fees, Gamow Bag, and Medication
Before you go
Route guide
About the Machame Route
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