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: 7 Days Machame Route
Kilimanjaro climb
6 Days Machame Route
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro offers six established routes for climbers: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. Among these, the Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe approach from the south, while the Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route, on the other hand, approaches from the north, near Kenya. All routes, except Marangu and Rongai, descend via Mweka.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on 6 Days Machame Route: The Machame route, often referred to as the Whisky Route, stands out as one of the most scenic and recommended paths to conquer Kilimanjaro. This popular route takes climbers through magnificent forests, leading to a ridge that traverses the moorland zones up to the Shira Plateau. From there, it continues beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields before joining the Barafu Route to the summit. Thanks to its manageable incline and the option for longer trekking periods, the Machame route boasts a higher success rate for summiting Kilimanjaro.
Route itinerary
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Day 1 Machame Gate – Machame Camp Distance 10.75km / 7miHiking 5-6 hrsZone Rainforest
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles 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 a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from 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. Temperatures begin to drop.
- 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
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
- Elevation
- 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
- Altitude gained
- 147m
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Day 4 Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp Distance 8.5km / 5miHiking 6-8hrsZone Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
- Elevation
- 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
- Altitude gained
- 676m
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Day 5 Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp Distance 4.86km / 3mi up; 13km / 8mi 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: 2789mExcitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
- Elevation
- 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude gained
- 1233m
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Day 6 Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi Distance 9.1km / 6miHiking 3-4hrsZone Rainforest
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
- 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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