The Most Popular Route to Kilimanjaro’s Summit Known as the Whiskey Route, the Machame Route is the most popular among Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes, favoured by nearly half of all climbers annually.
This path approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, climbing the southern slope before descending via the Mweka route. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, the Machame Route offers stops that boast some of Mount Kilimanjaro's most spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Covering 62 km, it is typically completed in six days, though the 'Without the Whiskey' 7-day itinerary is recommended. This extended Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Package allows better acclimatization, significantly enhancing success rates.
Combining adventure with stunning vistas, the Machame Route is an excellent choice for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding expedition.
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Without the Whiskey- A day-to-day travelogueUpon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check.
Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Kaliwa Lodge (Premium)
Machame Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters / 3,900 feetYour head guide will meet you for the drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate (approximately 45 minutes). After registration, begin climbing along a winding trail through a beautiful and lush forest.
Since this is the zone that experiences the most rainfall on Mount Kilimanjaro you should be prepared for afternoon showers. These can make the trail slippery at times!
The climb is steady, gradually easing as you approach camp at Machame Hut (9,800ft). The camp is located on the edge of the forest and giant heather zones.
Approximately 6-7 hours of walking today.
Machame Camp (3,000m/9,800ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)Elevation Gain: 840 meters / 2,800 feetToday is a little shorter. It begins by climbing a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo, the summit cone of Kilimanjaro, and the jagged rim of the Shira Plateau.
Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. It is filled with the lava flow from Kibo and its rim has eroded and been blasted away by weather and volcanic action.
Once on the plateau, the trail becomes gentler as you continue your Mt Kilimanjaro Climb to Shira Camp. On a clear day, the views from here are spectacular.
Approximately 5-6 hours of walking.
Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) via Lava Tower (4,550m/14,900ft)Elevation Gain: 710 meters / 2,300 feetElevation Gain: 700 meters / 2,250 feetYour climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridgelines of the high desert to Lava Tower. The trek to the base of Lava Tower is about 4 hours. This tower is a 300-foot-high volcanic plug.
If time and energy allow, you can scramble to the top of Lava Tower for fabulous panoramic views.
From Lava Tower we begin our steep descent into the Barranco Valley, passing large flowering plants which actually look like trees, the scenecios.
This is good practice for your descent from the summit in a few days and will take 1-2 hours.
Although you will end your day at almost the same Mount Kilimanjaro Elevation as you started, today is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. Barranco Camp is in a beautiful, sheltered valley below the imposing Barranco Wall.
Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,600ft) to Karranga Camp (3,950m/13,000ft) via the Barranco Wall (4,200m/13,800ft)Elevation Gain: 350 meters / 1,150 feetElevation Loss: 250 metres / 820 feetAfter breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and begin our climb up the Barranco Wall. This is an impressive scramble where you will be rewarded with fantastic views back towards camp.
The porters climbing the wall are also an impressive sight. From the top, at 4,200m, you will follow an undulating path around the mountainside.
On a clear day, you are treated to spectacular views of Kibo to your left and Mount Meru to your right, each standing as representation of the formidable Kilimanjaro Height.
After descending into the Karranga Valley your climb takes you up a short steep path to Karranga Camp.
Walking time is approximately 3-4 hours.
Karranga Camp (3,950m/13,000ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)Elevation Gain: 650 meters / 2,150 feetToday you will spend the morning climbing steadily onto Barafu, which is Swahili for ice! This camp is located on the ridge below the summit cone.
You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.
This walk will take around 3 hours meaning that you will arrive at Barafu in time to spend the afternoon resting and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for the summit climb.
The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.
Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,300ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters / 4,200 feetElevation Loss: 2,785 meters / 9,100 feetIn the early hours of the morning, you will begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru Peak. This part of the climb takes approximately 6-8 hours.
It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day and therefore you will want clothing for both extremes. Just when you think you’ve had enough of climbing in the dark the sun will rise and you will be rewarded with a rich red sky framing Mawenzi.
At Stella Point (5,750m) you join the crater rim. From here, climb gently to Uhuru Peak which is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Standing at the summit, you experience the full Kilimanjaro Altitude of 5,895 meters, the tallest peak in Africa.
Following your time at the summit, the descent will take you to Mweka Hut, with lunch served en route. This descent takes about 6 hours. Later in the evening, enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved rest.
Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)Elevation Gain: 1,280 meters / 4,220 feetDescend to the gate through the lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. You will be collected from Mweka Village and taken to your hotel in Moshi.
Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you’ve decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey!.
Know everything about Kilimanjaro’s most popular climbing choiceThe Machame Route Kilimanjaro offers climbers the chance to admire fantastic scenic beauty along the trail. The most notable sights that travelers get to see include:
Furthermore, the 7-Day Machame Route is acclaimed among climbers for its superb acclimatization profile.
It allows climbers to adjust to the Machame Route elevation gain gradually. Our Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages which comprise the Machame Route are crafted to optimize acclimatization.
What’s the Reason for This – To minimize the risk of altitude-related illnesses such as altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro Tours.
Overall, the Machame Route offers a winning combination of high success rates, stunning scenery, and superb acclimatization, making it an ideal choice for climbers for a Climbing Kilimanjaro itinerary.
The Machame Route Distance can be tackled in a minimum of six days, but at African Scenic Safaris we highly recommend opting for the 7 Days Machame Route Itinerary.
In our experience, most people who have completed the right Kilimanjaro preparation, including proper physical training can complete the Machame Route 7 Days with no real problems.
This Climb Mt Kilimanjaro itinerary via Machame Route provides a balanced and gradual ascent profile, giving climbers ample time to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the journey without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Special Insight: For more insights on How Long Does It Take to Climb Kilimanjaro using the Machame Route or to explore other available routes that might better suit your pace and preferences, visit our detailed guide page.
The Machame Route 7 Days Price is $2,285 per person for a seven-day Kilimanjaro Group Climb and $2,585 for a seven-day Kilimanjaro Private Climb.
The Kilimanjaro Climb Cost via the Machame Route though is dependent on certain factors including the:
At African Scenic Safaris, we offer the Machame Route Itinerary as a seven-day private climb. This provides climbers with flexibility and customization options to suit their preferences and budget.
For more detailed information on inclusions and exclusions, as well as additional details about the Machame Mt Kilimanjaro Climb, climbers are encouraged to visit our Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide page by clicking here .
1. Choosing the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro greatly affects your experience The busiest seasons, July to September and January to February have great weather but tend to be more crowded
2. Climbing during quieter months allows for less crowded routes, though the weather might not be as good.
3. A Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climb offers a special experience, providing natural light, but the routes can be more crowded during this time. Contact our experts to plan your climb during a full moon for a truly magical experience on Kilimanjaro.
There are a total of seven Kilimanjaro Campsites strategically located along the Machame Route. Each of them provides climbers with opportunities to rest, eat, and acclimatize at various elevations as they make their way to the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak.
| CAMP NAME | ELEVATION (in Metres) | ELEVATION (In Feet) |
|
Machame Gate Camp |
1,640 |
5,380 |
|
Machame Camp |
2,835 |
9,301 |
|
Shira Camp |
3,750 |
12,303 |
|
Barranco Camp |
3,976 |
13,044 |
|
Karanga Camp |
3,995 |
13,106 |
|
Barafu Camp |
4,673 |
15,331 |
|
Uhuru Peak |
5,895 |
19,341 |
The above campsites offer basic amenities such as tents, dining facilities, and toilet facilities, ensuring climbers have a comfortable Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro experience on the Machame Route.
The Machame Route is one of the most frequented Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes. It attracts a significant number of climbers each year – contributing to its status as a popular choice.
By choosing the right timing, maintaining a positive attitude, and being prepared for the possibility of encountering other climbers along the way, climbers can successfully navigate the crowds.
At African Scenic Safaris , regarded as one of the Best Kilimanjaro Tour Operators, we hold a favorable view of the Machame Route due to its diverse scenery and excellent acclimatization profile.
Throughout the Kilimanjaro Machame Route Distance, climbers experience a captivating journey through varied landscapes all culminating in amazing views from the Kilimanjaro Summit.
It's important to note that the Machame and Lemosho Routes converge on the morning of Day 3, meaning that climbers on both Mt Kilimanjaro Routes will eventually share the same path.
The main difference lies in the first couple of days of the trek, where climbers on the Lemosho Route enjoy a quieter start before joining the Machame Route.
Download our detailed Machame Route Guide for essential insights and information
Kilimanjaro welcomes everyone from beginners to experts, yet demands cautious respect. Our expert guides and premium gear safeguard a safe ascent, protecting against the risks of high-altitude sickness.
This comprehensive list contains a list of all items essential for Climbing Kilimanjaro.
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Answered by Simbo Natai
The Machame Route Distance is usually covered in 6 to 7 days, allowing for proper acclimatization and increasing the chances of a successful summit.
1The Kilimanjaro Machame Route is considered to be moderately difficult. It involves steep ascents, challenging terrain, and long hiking days. Proper physical fitness and mental preparedness are recommended.
2At African Scenic Safaris we consider that a successful climb is making it up and back down Kilimanjaro safely, regardless of whether you reached the summit or not. In this regard, our success rate is 100%. Nonetheless, the Machame Route Success Rate is still very high.
3Yes, the Machame Route Kilimanjaro is known for its scenic beauty. It offers diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, moorlands, and stunning alpine deserts. The route provides breathtaking views throughout the journey, enhancing the overall Mountain Climbing Kilimanjaro experience.
4The average Kilimanjaro Machame Route Distance ranges from 10 to 12 kilometers (6 to 7.5 miles) per day, or 6 to 8 walking hours per day, with some variations depending on the itinerary and the pace of the climbers.
5The 7-day Machame Route is very popular, therefore it can get crowded during peak season.
6While prior hiking experience is beneficial, specific training for the Machame Route is not mandatory. However, it is highly recommended to engage in regular cardio exercises, endurance training, and hill walking to prepare physically for the demands of the Mt Kilimanjaro Climb.
7The Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route is from June to March. This period offers more stable weather conditions, with clear skies and lower chances of rainfall, increasing the chances of a successful and enjoyable climb.
8The Machame Route Kilimanjaro typically includes overnight stays at six camps: Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp and Mweka Camp. These Kilimanjaro Campsites provide resting points and necessary facilities for climbers to replenish their energy and prepare for the next day's trek.
9Some of the attractions on the Machame Route include passing through the lush and enchanting rainforest, the striking Barranco Wall, which offers an exhilarating Tanzania Mt Kilimanjaro Climb, and the stunning views from Uhuru Peak.
10 Reach the top of Kilimanjaro with our expert-guided tours Subscribe to African Scenic Safaris on YouTube Review Us On Trip AdvisorWith 685 reviews, 662 of which are 5-star, our clients consistently rate their experiences as excellent. Will you be the next?
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African Scenic Safaris holds a perfect 5.0/5 rating across 54 reviews on Safari Bookings, reflecting unmatched customer satisfaction.
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We spent an incredible 10 days and 9 nights exploring the stunning landscapes of Tarangire, Central and Northern Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area – it was truly a dream come true for us, and a trip we will never, ever forget!
African Scenic Safaris was recommended to us by someone who has gone with them twice over the past several years. We recently returned from a 9-day safari and five days in Zanzibar. From start to finish, our experience with them was great.
My friend and I had an absolutely AMAZING experience with African Scenic! From the fantastic coordination provided by our agent Nembris to the amazing guides on our 7-day Machame trek on Kili Godwin and Gadiel (Double G 😁)
BILL Companies LSummit at: 18 April 2024
Chelsea HSummit at: 27 January 2024
Marie KSummit at: 21 August 2023
Giovanna VSummit at:02 September 2023
African Scenic Safaris is hands down the best choice for Kilimanjaro Climbing adventures! I recently embarked on a 7-day Machame route journey with them, and it was nothing short of incredible.
Their experienced guides and porters made the trek smooth and enjoyable. "Polepole to the Top" is not just a slogan; it's their philosophy, ensuring your safety and acclimatization every step of the way.
I do recommend African Scenic Safaris enough for your Kilimanjaro Trekking Trip.
We found African Scenic Safaris through the list of companies that are part of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project. We wanted a local company that treated their porters well and African Scenic Safaris certainly lived up to this expectation.
We did the 7-day Machame route up Mt Kilimanjaro followed by a 2-day safari (plus 1 day of driving) - one day at Ngorongoro Crater and one in Tarangire National Park.
Our experience with African Scenic Safaris was absolutely incredible, from booking, to summiting Mt Kili, to getting up close with the animals. The entire team was very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. Albin made the booking experience a breeze, providing lots of great advice for our itinerary based on our likes and preferences and helping organise a birthday surprise. Joel, Emmanuel and the entire crew on the mountain kept us feeling very safe, comfortable and well fed. They got a good sense of a comfortable pace for us and their expertise and encouragement were paramount to our successful summit. Ben was our guide and driver on safari and was great at providing us with information about the area and the animals and we were amazed at how he could spot so many animals that were hidden or in the distance.
Accommodation and transport were all great and met our expectations.
Overall, this was a wonderful experience and we highly recommend African Scenic Safaris for your next Tanzania adventure.
We recently hiked Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame route and then went on a six day safari in Northern and Central Serengeti. The trip was organised for us by African Scenic Safari's and we were very pleased with the job that they did. Everything went very smoothly and I felt that we were in safe and professional hands. I believe in booking through local companies where possible as the money goes directly into the local community. African Scenic Safari's are a company you can trust.
We were a group of 3, did a couple of days of safari at Tarangire National Park and Kilimanjaro trekking via Lemosho route (8 days). Everything has been terrific and ran very smoothly! Nembris, at the office, has been great during the booking process. She replied to all our questions with patience and competence. A staff Member showed up at the hotel with our trekking head guide the day before departing for the trekking for the briefing and for checking all our equipment. Said, our head guide and Lion, the assistant guide: they have been professional, very friendly and helpful. They went above and beyond and I'm 100% sure that listening to their advice has been the main key to reaching the summit! No need to say that all the crew of porters have been excellent... African Scenic Safari has a strong attitude towards responsible travel and sustainability. Furthermore, they are partner with KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project). We would definitely use them again!
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