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: 6 Days Machame Route
Kilimanjaro climb
7 Days Machame Route
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed on six established routes: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. Three of them, Marangu, Machame and Umbwe, climb from the south. Lemosho and Shira start in the west, and Rongai starts in the north, close to Kenya. All of them except Marangu and Rongai use Mweka for the way down.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on the 7 Days Machame Route: Machame, often called the Whisky Route, is one of the most scenic routes up Kilimanjaro and one we often recommend. It starts in thick forest, then follows a ridge through the moorland up to the Shira Plateau. After that it runs below the glacier cliffs of the Southern Ice fields and joins the Barafu Route for the summit. The slopes are steady rather than brutal, and the extra day gives you time to adjust, so the Machame route has a good success rate for reaching the top of Kilimanjaro.
Route itinerary
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Day 1 Machame Gate – Machame Camp Distance 10.75km / 7miHiking 5-6 hrsZone Rainforest
We leave Moshi for a 45-minute drive through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Permits take a while, so you get to watch the crews weigh and pack their loads at the gate. Once we start walking, the trail winds up through the rainforest and your guide will tell you about the trees, flowers and wildlife you pass. The lower trail is often muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles help a lot here.
- 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 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 follows it to the Shira campsite. It gets noticeably colder from here on.
- 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
Tonight’s camp is at almost the same height as last night’s, but this is a key acclimatization day: climb high, sleep low. We walk east from the Shira Plateau up a ridge, past the junction towards the Kibo peak, and on South East to the Lava Tower, also called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). A little past the tower is a second junction, the one that leads to the Arrow Glacier. Then it is downhill to Barranco Camp, where we spend the night.
- Elevation
- 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
- Altitude gained
- 147m
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Day 4 Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp Distance 5.2km / 3miHiking 3-4hrsZone Alpine Desert
Straight after breakfast comes the Barranco Wall, reached by a steep ridge. It is a hands-on scramble and most people enjoy it. Past the wall, the trail crosses to the Karanga Valley and the junction with the Mweka Trail. Keep an eye on the porters on the wall; they move over it with full loads as if it were flat ground. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
- Elevation
- 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
- Altitude gained
- 48m
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Day 5 Hike Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp Distance 3.3km / 2 miHiking 3-4hrsZone Alpine Desert
A shorter walk takes us up to Barafu Camp. Reaching it completes the South Circuit, and along the way you see the summit from lots of different sides. We eat an early dinner and go to bed early, ready for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
- Elevation
- 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
- Altitude gained
- 628m
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Day 6 Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp Distance 4.86km / 3mi up; 11.5km / 7.2mi 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: 2789mWe wake you between midnight and 2 a.m. for the summit push. This is the toughest part of the whole climb, physically and mentally.
The trail goes up between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Stay warm, go slowly and think about the top. We zigzag northwest through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim and stop for a short rest, usually in time for a beautiful sunrise. Quicker climbers sometimes watch it from the summit. The last stretch to Uhuru Peak takes about 1 hour, and there is usually snow most of the way.
You made it. Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in the whole of Africa.
Take your photos, celebrate, and give yourself a moment to take it in. Then we start the steep walk down to Mweka Camp, with lunch and a short break at Barafu on the way. The loose gravel and volcanic ash are hard on the knees, so gaiters and trekking poles really help. Your last evening on the mountain is for resting. Overnight Mweka Camp.
- Elevation
- 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude gained
- 1233m
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Day 7 Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi Distance 9.1km / 6miHiking 3-4hrsZone Rainforest
Breakfast is followed by a short thank-you ceremony with your crew, and then you say your goodbyes. The walk down to the Mweka Park Gate is where you pick up your summit certificates. It is much warmer down here, and the trail is wet, muddy and steep, so you will still want 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 hot shower, a good 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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