Machame Route Kilimanjaro
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is a six or seven-day camping route and is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. This trail offers stunning views, a reasonable challenge, and plenty of time to acclimate, making it a good choice for those who have a bit of extra time in their schedule.
Machame Route Map
According to statistics from Kilimanjaro National Park, approximately 35% of all climbers on the mountain use it.
Machame Route has been nicknamed the “Whiskey Route” because it is often perceived as being tougher than the Marangu route, which is often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route. Unlike that trail, however, camping is allowed on Machame, which means trekkers will be sleeping in tents all the way to the summit.
Trekkers who take the Machame Route pass several well-known Mount Kilimanjaro landmarks while en route, including the famed Lava Tower and Shira Plateau. The route wanders up and down a series of valleys and ridges, which make the walk a bit more strenuous, but rewards hikers with some of the best views on the mountain.
It is for that reason that Machame Route is widely considered to be the most scenic of all of the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, providing unique and varied landscapes to pass through on each and every day. The trail starts on the south side of the mountain, passes underneath the Southern Ice Field, and makes its summit approach from Barafu Camp.
For travelers who have a few extra days in their schedule, Machame Route is an excellent option. One or two additional days of acclimatization can make a big difference in the success rate, so trekkers who choose this route reach the summit more often, despite the fact that this is a more challenging hike than the Marangu route.
One of the biggest and most intimidating of those challenges is the Barranco Wall, a steep cliff face that can look quite scary upon first approach. In reality, Barranco isn’t nearly as frightening or difficult as it first appears, although you will have to watch your step and possibly use your hands for extra leverage while scrambling over certain sections. The climb usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half to complete, and the view from the top makes it worth the effort.
The downside of the Machame Route is that it can get crowded at times. Because it is so scenic and offers a few extra days to acclimate, it is a popular choice for Kilimanjaro trekkers, which can make the trail and campsites very busy, particularly during the high season.
Still, if you’re looking for the quintessential Kilimanjaro experience, it is difficult to beat the Machame Route.
DareTravel Tours’ Machame Route Options
DareTravel Tours offers Machame as a seven-day climb or a six-day climb. The six-day variation combines days four and five, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga. You skip Karanga Camp.
Machame Route 7 Days Itinerary
Duration: 6 nights / 7 days climb
Day 1: Machame Hut Camp
- Activity: Drive from Arusha to Machame trailhead (~5,380’). Hike up through montane forests to Machame Hut camp.
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Overnight Altitude: ~9,350 feet
- Highlights: Montane forests, mossy jungle.
Day 2: Shira Plateau
- Activity: Hike through the forest and moorlands to Shira Plateau.
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Overnight Altitude: ~12,500 feet
- Highlights: Views of Kibo peak.
Day 3: Barranco Camp
- Activity: Acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (~15,190’) for lunch, then descend to Barranco Valley.
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Overnight Altitude: ~13,044 feet
- Highlights: Lava Tower, various mountain zones.
Day 4: Karanga Camp
- Activity: Climb the steep Barranco Wall, then hike to Karanga Camp.
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Overnight Altitude: ~13,106 feet
- Highlights: Barranco Wall, acclimatization hike.
Day 5: Barafu Camp
- Activity: Hike to Barafu Camp, prepare for the summit ascent.
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Overnight Altitude: ~15,331 feet
- Highlights: Ridge and valley hiking, summit preparation.
Day 6: Summit and Mweka Camp
- Activity: Summit ascent starting around midnight, reach Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp.
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours ascent, 6-9 hours descent
- Summit Altitude: ~19,341 feet
- Overnight Altitude: ~10,500 feet
- Highlights: Sunrise at Uhuru Peak, celebration at the summit, descent to Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Park Gate (~5,000’) to Arusha
- Activity: Final descent through the rain forest to Mweka Gate. Drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner.
- Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
- Highlights: Farewell to the mountain crew, arrival at the lodge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Machame Route?
The Machame route is considered moderately difficult due to its varying terrain and elevation changes. It is rated as one of the more challenging routes to Mount Kilimanjaro due to its steep and rocky sections, as well as the Barranco Wall climb. With proper physical preparation and a well-trained guide, the Machame route can be successfully completed by individuals with a good level of fitness and determination. Altitude sickness can be a major factor, so it is crucial to acclimatize properly and follow the guidance of your guide. The use of porters to carry equipment and supplies can greatly lessen the physical demand on trekkers.
What is the distance of the Machame Route and how many days does it take?
The approximately trekking distance for the Machame Route is 62 km or 37 miles from the trailhead up to the summit and down to Mweka gate. The shortest number of days required for the Machame Route is 6 days, but including arrival and departure days, it totals 10 days. It is best done over 7 or 8 days to increase the chances of success.
What is the Machame Route Summit Success Rate?
Summit success rates on the Machame route are very high due to its climb-high-sleep-low mechanism. While there are no official statistics, the average success rate across all operators is 85% for the 7-day trek and 73% for the 6-day trek. DareTravel Tours boasts a 95% summit success rate for the Machame route.
What is the scenery like on the Machame Route?
The scenery is extremely varied, passing through five climatic zones. The trek begins in a rain forest on the lower slopes, continuing up into the low alpine zone of wild grasslands and moorlands, then into the high alpine zone before reaching the glacial zone. Trekkers will encounter incredible vistas and stunning places such as Shira Plateau, Barranco, and Lava Tower.
When is the best time to trek Machame Route?
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is from July to September, as the weather is most stable during this period and encountering rain is less likely. However, it is possible to climb the mountain at any time of the year. The rainy season in April and May is best avoided.