Machame route kilimanjaro climbing in 2025.
The Machame route Kilimanjaro Climbing , also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is both scenic and challenging. It provides trekkers with diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to rugged alpine deserts, and offers higher chances of acclimatization, especially if done over seven days. This 6-day version condenses the trek, so it is ideal for experienced hikers looking for a balance between adventure and a swift ascent to the top.
The Machame route Kilimanjaro Climbing is the most popular route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania,
Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain at 5,895 meters above sea level.
The Machame route also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and challenging routes
for climbing Machame route Kilimanjaro Climbing with higher successful summit rates of about 95%.
The Machame route is known for its scenic beauty and offers climbers diverse landscapes and stunning
views over a distance of about 62 km in a course of 6 to 7 days.
How long does it take to climb Machame route Kilimanjaro Climbing?
The Machame route Kilimanjaro Climbing is one of the popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro that takes around 6-7 days
to complete the climb.
It is important to take enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude to avoid altitude sickness and
increase your chances of reaching the summit successfully.
Full Detailed Itinerary for the 6-Day Machame Route on Kilimanjaro
Machame route Kilimanjaro Climbing Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,800m (5,905ft) to 3,000m (9,840ft)
Distance: ~11km (7 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After a scenic drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, you will register with park officials, meet your porters and guides, and begin your trek. The trail starts in the lush rainforest, where the paths can be muddy and slippery, so trekking poles are highly recommended. Along the way, keep an eye out for colobus monkeys, unique flora, and dense jungle scenery as you ascend to Machame Camp, set in a lovely clearing on the mountainside.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: 3,000m (9,840ft) to 3,840m (12,600ft)
Distance: ~5km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
As you leave the rainforest, the trail opens up into a striking moorland zone. This day’s trek involves a steep ascent over rocky ridges with impressive views of the plains and surrounding valleys. As you approach Shira Camp on the Shira Plateau, you’ll catch your first full glimpse of Kibo Peak. The camp itself sits on an elevated plain with panoramic views of the peak and surrounding landscapes.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Elevation: 3,840m (12,600ft) to 4,630m (15,190ft) (Lava Tower), then down to 3,950m (13,000ft)
Distance: ~10km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
This is a critical acclimatization day. The hike takes you up to Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation at 4,630 meters, before descending to Barranco Camp. Although you reach a high elevation at Lava Tower, the descent back down to Barranco Camp helps with acclimatization. This segment can be challenging, but the views of the mountain and surrounding landscape are spectacular, especially as you approach Barranco Valley.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,950m (13,000ft) to 4,035m (13,240ft)
Distance: ~5km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s hike starts with the famous Barranco Wall, a near-vertical scramble often called the “Breakfast Wall” due to the early morning challenge. Despite its steep ascent, it is manageable with good coordination and patience. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and the Karanga Valley below. The day ends at Karanga Camp, where you’ll enjoy an afternoon of rest and an early dinner in preparation for the following days.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035m (13,240ft) to 4,640m (15,091ft)
Distance: ~4km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s shorter trek leads you up to Barafu Camp, the base for your summit attempt. This day gives you time to rest, hydrate, and prepare mentally and physically for the summit push. Upon arrival, set up camp and take in views of both the summit and the crags surrounding the area. An early dinner and bed are essential, as your ascent begins shortly after midnight.
Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then down to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,640m (15,091ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100m (10,170ft)
Distance: ~19km (12 miles)
Hiking Time: 12-16 hours
Habitat: Arctic (Summit), then through Alpine Desert and Montane Forest on descent
Your summit push begins around midnight under the stars. The trail to the summit, though steep and challenging, is an unforgettable experience. You’ll pass Stella Point, just before reaching the highest point on the African continent: Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. Celebrate with photos before starting the descent back to Barafu Camp, where you’ll have a short rest. From Barafu, continue down to Mweka Camp, descending through the alpine desert into the moorland and montane forest.
What to Expect on the Machame Route
Guides and Support: Professional guides and porters manage all camp setups, cooking, and carrying supplies, allowing you to focus on your trek.
Accommodation: The Machame Route is a camping-only route, meaning all accommodations are in tents. Camps are equipped with portable restrooms, and meals are prepared by trained camp chefs.
Food and Hydration: Meals are high-energy and designed to provide the necessary calories and nutrients. Staying hydrated is essential at high altitudes, and you’ll have plenty of purified water provided daily.
The best summit success rate of the Machame route Kilimanjaro Climbing
The best successful summit rate for climbers on the Machame route is from 90% to 97% reaching at the
snow-capped Uhuru peak 5,895 meters.
The success rates vary depending on a number of factors such as the climber’s level of fitness, altitude
acclimatization, weather conditions, and the experience and expertise of the climbing team.
It’s important to choose a reputable tour operator with experienced climbing team to increase the
Kilimanjaro summit success rate on the machame route.
The Kilimanjaro Machame route Kilimanjaro Climbing difficult level?
The Machame route is considered to be a challenging route up Kilimanjaro with steep inclines and descents
as well as high altitude. However, it is also one of the most scenic routes, with stunning views of the
mountain and surrounding landscape.
Compared to other routes up Kilimanjaro, such as the Marangu route, the Machame route is generally
considered to be more difficult due to its steeper terrain and higher altitude.
The Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route Prices
The best prices for Kilimanjaro climbing via the Machame route is from 00 to 00 per climber to successful
summit the 5,895 meters Uhuru peak and descending back.
These prices and costs vary depending on the number of days in the itinerary
chosen, accommodations before and after the climb, climbing services offered from budget to high-end
services, and number of people on a group trek.
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
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Gate Transfers
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Quality Imported Equipments
Excludes:
Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
Flights
Visa fees
Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
Gamow Bag
Medication
Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.