Machame Route
Mount Kilimanjaro's Machame Route is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro and is often called the "Whiskey Route." It is known for its spectacular scenery, excellent acclimatization profile, and high summit success rate.
Tour Overview
Route Facts
- Duration: 6–7 days
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Accommodation: Camping only
- Starting Point: Machame Gate
- Summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
- Success Rate:
- 6 Days: 70–85%
- 7 Days: 85–90%
- Best For:
- Adventurous trekkers
- Photographers
- Climbers seeking high summit success
Safari Itinerary
7-day detailed programme
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Distance: 11 km Hiking Time: 5–7 hours Elevation: 1,800 m → 3,000 m Overnight: Machame Camp
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Distance: 5 km Hiking Time: 4–6 hours Elevation: 3,000 m → 3,840 m Overnight: Shira Camp
Shira Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 6–8 hours Highest Point: 4,630 m Camp Elevation: 3,960 m Excellent acclimatization day using the "climb high, sleep low" strategy. Overnight: Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Distance: 5 km Hiking Time: 4–5 hours Climb the Barranco Wall and continue to Karanga Valley. Overnight: Karanga Camp
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Distance: 4 km Hiking Time: 3–4 hours Elevation: 4,035 m → 4,640 m Prepare for summit night. Overnight: Barafu Camp
Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Distance: 17 km Hiking Time: 10–15 hours Summit: 5,895 m Highlights: Stella Point Glacier views Sunrise at Uhuru Peak Overnight: Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 3–4 hours Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to your hotel.
Tour Highlights
Safari Cost
Cost Includes
- Standard inclusions apply. Contact us for full details.
Cost Excludes
- International flights, visas, and gratuities excluded.
Frequently Asked
It is moderately challenging due to longer trekking days and altitude, but no technical climbing skills are required.
Many climbers prefer Machame because: Better acclimatization More varied scenery Higher summit success rate
No. Machame is a camping route.
Yes, provided they are reasonably fit and choose the 7-day itinerary.
Expedition Gallery
3 photos from the field
