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6 Days Machame Route
Mount Kilimanjaro
Overview
Itinerary
Cost Include
Cost Exclude
Overview
Overview
The Machame Route, often called the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s known for being more physically demanding and more expensive than the Marangu Route, which is nicknamed the “Coca-Cola Route.” While it presents a tougher climb, it offers better acclimatization and higher success rates.
This route is ideal for adventurous trekkers with some hiking or backpacking experience. It’s not technical but does require good physical fitness and determination. The trail includes steep sections and long daily hikes, making it more suited to those who enjoy a physical challenge.
One of Machame’s biggest advantages is the way it supports acclimatization. The route follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, which helps your body adjust to the altitude more gradually. This significantly increases the chances of reaching the summit successfully.
The route begins from the southwest of Kilimanjaro and approaches the summit via the Shira Plateau. It descends through the Mweka Route on the southern side. This creates a loop, offering ever-changing scenery throughout the climb.
Trekkers pass through five different climatic zones. These range from lush rainforest at the base, to moorland, alpine desert, and finally to the arctic summit zone. Each day offers a new landscape, keeping the journey fresh and exciting.
Along the way, climbers are treated to several scenic highlights. These include the expansive Shira Plateau and the striking Lava Tower. There’s also the famous Barranco Wall — a challenging but exhilarating climb that requires scrambling. Afterward, you traverse beneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field, with stunning glacier views.
One of the unique features of the Machame Route is the ability to split the pre-summit day into two parts. This gives climbers a chance to rest and recover before the final ascent. It’s especially helpful for those concerned about fatigue before summit night.
Despite its challenges, the Machame Route is considered easier overall than it first appears. The variety in terrain and the steady elevation gain help trekkers acclimatize well. Many climbers report it as a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Because of its popularity, you should expect crowds, especially during peak seasons. The route can get busy, which means the trail and campsites may be crowded. While this can reduce the sense of wilderness, it also means well-supported camps and a lively atmosphere.
In summary, the Machame Route is a favorite for good reason. It offers a balanced combination of beauty, challenge, and acclimatization support. The route’s varied terrain and breathtaking views make it one of the most scenic paths to the Roof of Africa.
For those seeking a memorable climb with a high success rate and stunning landscapes, Machame is an excellent choice. Just be prepared for a physical challenge and the presence of many fellow climbers.
Itinerary
Day-By-Day Tour Plan
Day 1: Hotel to Machame Camp
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/6mi
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Cost Include
Cost Included
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Cost Exclude
Cost Excluded
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
- Tanzania Visa
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
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