Machame Route Kilimanjaro – Most Trafficked Route, 85% Success Rate

Machame Route - Scenic southern circuit, spectacular sunsets over the Shira Plateau

Climb the Machame Route—rewarding challenges with unmatched panoramic views

The Machame Route, also known as the Whisky Route, is one of the most favoured paths for Climbing Kilimanjaro. As one of the oldest trekking routes on the mountain, Machame is both historic and heavily frequented and chosen by half of all climbers.

This route begins in the lush rainforest zone and passes through four additional climatic zones, offering diverse and striking scenery along the way.

Machame's popularity is due to its picturesque landscapes and excellent acclimatization opportunities, following the effective "walk high, sleep low" strategy. Although it presents challenges, such as the steep ascent of the Barranco Wall on the fourth day, the climb does not require technical skills.

Thus, it's well-suited for those with good physical fitness looking for a robust Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing experience. The route’s structure helps hikers gradually adjust to the altitude, significantly increasing the chances of a successful summit.

Diverse Scenery: Varied landscapes from rainforests to alpine deserts.
Challenging Terrain: Steep paths offering a rewarding adventure.
Spectacular Views: Panoramic vistas of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and peaks.
Acclimatization: Effective climbing profile with multiple summit attempts.
Vibrant Campsites: Lively and well-placed campsites along the route

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Machame Route Map

Follow the famous "Whiskey Route" camps and rest points to conquer Kilimanjaro effortlessly

Machame Route

The Machame Route Kilimanjaro is ideal for climbers who have extra days for better acclimatization, improving their chances of reaching the summit successfully. Unlike the Marangu Route with huts, Machame offers a camping experience, making it a more adventurous choice.

The route is known for beautiful views and challenging climbs, especially the Barranco Wall. While it looks intimidating, the climb up Barranco Wall is manageable and rewarding, with stunning vistas at the top.

Distance

62 km / 39 miles

Difficulty

Medium

Success Rate

High

Duration

6, 7, or 8 days

Starting Altitude

From Machame Gate

Key Stops Along the Machame Route:

The trek begins at Machame Gate and ascends to Machame Camp at an elevation of 9,350 feet.
From there, climbers proceed to Shira 2 Camp, situated at 12,500 feet. The route then continues through the challenging Lava Tower before reaching Barranco Camp at 13,044 feet.
After Barranco Camp, the path leads to Karanga Camp at 15,331 feet and moves on to Barafu Camp.
The final ascent from Barafu Camp takes climbers to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, followed by a descent via the Mweka route, passing through Mweka camp and hut.

The Machame Route challenges climbers with its steep sections but rewards them with spectacular views, offering a memorable adventure to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro.

All About Machame Route

Know all the details about difficulty, itinerary, and success rates for your Machame climb below

Difficulty

The Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is known for being quite challenging. Here's what climbers need to prepare for:

Expect to hike around 6-7 hours most days. The air gets thinner as you go higher, making walking more difficult.
Summit Day is the toughest part, requiring up to 15 hours of effort—both climbing up for 6-8 hours and coming back down for 6-7 hours.
Being in great shape and having a positive, resilient mindset are crucial for Kilimanjaro Climbing
Although it looks tough, the Barranco Wall is just a short climb that your guide will help you navigate.
The high altitude can make this route particularly tough, so it’s important to take time to acclimatize properly and follow your guide's advice.

Overall, the Kilimanjaro Machame Route is rewarding but demands good fitness and determination. With proper preparation and support, it's a feasible challenge for fit hikers.

Success Rates On The Machame Route

The Machame Route is well-known for its effective acclimatization strategy of "climb high, sleep low," which leads to high success rates for summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.

Overall Success Rates- Although there aren't official statistics, the general success rate for completing the trek in 7 days is around 85%. For those choosing the quicker 6-day option, the success rate drops slightly to 73%.
Our Success Rates- At our company, we're proud to report a 95% success rate for climbers who choose the Machame Route Kilimanjaro through our services. This route's structured approach to altitude adjustment greatly enhances the likelihood of reaching the Kilimanjaro Summit successfully.

Sceneries Along the Machame Route

The Machame Route is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, making it one of the most picturesque paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Diverse Landscapes - As you climb, you'll traverse through five different climate zones—starting from a lush rainforest, moving through grassland, into moorland, then an alpine desert, and finally reaching the arctic conditions at the summit.
Natural Features - The route features remarkable natural landmarks like the Lava Tower, a striking volcanic plug, and the Barranco Wall, a dramatic cliff face.
Viewpoints - Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to witness some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets Kilimanjaro has to offer.

Travelling the Machame Route not only challenges trekkers but also rewards them with some of the most diverse and stunning scenery found on any of the Kilimanjaro Routes.

Crowds On The Machame Route

The Machame Route is notably one of the busiest routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, attracting many climbers with its excellent vistas and effective acclimatization phases.

This route's stunning scenery and optimal acclimatization opportunities make it a popular choice for trekkers from around the world.

· Additionally, the ability to complete the route in 6-Day Machame Route options appeals to budget-conscious climbers, increasing its popularity.

Due to these features, you can expect to meet more people on the Machame Route than some of the less frequented Trails on Kilimanjaro.

Machame Route Itinerary Overview

At Ascend Tanzania, we offer Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages via the Machame Route for 6, 7, and 8 days. The Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey" route, is celebrated for its stunning scenery and effective acclimatization benefits, which significantly enhance your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.

The Machame Route starts from the southern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, with a quick 45-minute drive from Moshi to Machame Gate marking the beginning of the adventure.

Here is a detailed day-by-day breakdown of the popular 7-day itinerary for those choosing the Machame Route:

Day	Start	Altitude Start	Finish	Altitude Finish	Time	Distance
1	Machame Gate	1,640m	Machame Camp	2,850m	5-7h	11km / 7mi
2	Machame Camp	2,850m	Shira 2 Camp	3,810m	4-6h	5km / 3mi
3	Shira 2 Camp	3,810m	Lava Tower	4,630m	4-5h	7km / 4mi
	Lava Tower	4,630m	Barranco Camp	3,976m	2-3h	3km / 2mi
4	Barranco Camp	3,976m	Karanga Camp	3,995m	4-5h	5km / 3mi
5	Karanga Camp	3,995m	Barafu Camp	4,673m	4-5h	4km / 2mi
6	Barafu Camp	4,673m	Uhuru Peak	5,895m	7-8h	5km / 3mi
	Uhuru Peak	5,895m	Mweka Camp	3,068m	4-6h	12km / 7mi
7	Mweka Camp	3,068m	Mweka Gate	1,640m	3-4h	10km / 6mi

Choosing a longer itinerary can provide additional acclimatization days, which are important for adapting to the altitude and improving your summit success chances. Each of these Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages is designed to offer a unique and memorable trekking experience on one of Kilimanjaro's most scenic and popular routes.

Tips For Trekking The Machame Route

When preparing for the Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro, here are some practical tips to enhance your trekking experience:

Break in Your Boots - Make sure to wear your hiking boots well before the trip to avoid blisters during the climb.
Stay Hydrated - Carry a reusable water bottle with you at all times to help prevent altitude sickness by staying hydrated.
Practice Camping - If possible, go on a few camping trips before your trek to get used to outdoor conditions.
Packing List - Prepare a comprehensive packing list and double-check to ensure you have all essential items for the climb.
Enjoy the Views - Remember to take breaks and enjoy the scenery as you climb. The journey to the summit is filled with breathtaking views that are as rewarding as the destination itself.

These tips will help you prepare effectively for your adventure on the Machame Route Kilimanjaro, known for its stunning vistas and varied terrain. Proper preparation can greatly enhance your enjoyment and success on the trek.