Machame Route

Machame Route Overview:

The Machame Route, affectionately known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic paths for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. This route is favored for its beautiful landscapes and effective acclimatization profile. Here’s an in-depth look at what the Machame Route offers:

Route Description:
– Starting Point: The journey begins at the Machame Gate, located at the southern base of the mountain.
– Duration: Typically a 6 to 7-day trek, with the 7-day option providing better acclimatization and a higher success rate.
Difficulty Level:
– Challenging Terrain: Considered a moderately difficult route, it is more challenging than the Marangu or Rongai routes.
– Physical Demand: Requires good physical fitness, which involves longer trekking days, especially during the ascent and descent.
Scenery and Environment:
– Diverse Landscapes: Trekkers experience a dramatic change in vegetation and landscapes – from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and glacial zones.
– Stunning Vistas: Offers some of the best views of the mountain, including the Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, and Kibo.
Accommodation:
– Camping Experience: Unlike the Marangu Route’s hut accommodations, the Machame Route offers tented camping, enhancing the adventure and wilderness experience.
Acclimatization:
– Effective Strategy: The route adheres to the ‘climb high, sleep low’ principle, especially when taking the 7-day option, which is beneficial for acclimatization.
Summit Approach:
– Final Ascent: Climbers make their final ascent to the summit via Stella Point, encountering steep trails and loose gravel leading to Uhuru Peak.
Popularity:
– High Traffic: One of the most popular routes, which can get crowded during peak seasons.
Success Rate:
– Comparatively High: The success rate for reaching the summit is generally high, attributed to the longer itinerary allowing better acclimatization.
Environmental Impact:
– Conservation Efforts: Due to its popularity, concerted efforts are to maintain the trail and manage environmental impact.

In conclusion, the Machame Route is an excellent choice for physically fit people looking for a scenic and adventurous climb. The route’s varied terrain, beautiful landscapes, and compelling acclimatization profile make it one of the best ways to experience the majestic Kilimanjaro.

Overview
Itinerary
Cost Info
FAQ
Map
Gallery

Overview

The Machame route on Kilimanjaro is a seven day camping route which allows for excellent acclimatisation and particularly diverse scenery. It has been called the Whiskey route in the past and nowadays about 35% of all climbers on the mountain use it.

In a matter of days you will climb Kilimanjaro from the equator up to an Arctic zone, moving through grasslands, tropical rainforest, alpine meadows, moorlands and high desert to snow and ice. Each day on this route presents quite a distinct ecosystem to experience, which is one reason it is so popular.

The other reason is that the seven day programme begins on the south west side of the mountain and traverses around to the south east side, enabling you to sleep at the same altitude for three consecutive nights which significantly aids altitude acclimatisation. This means that our summit success rate on this route is quite high at around 85%.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival to Tanzania
First Night in Tanzania
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Arrival: Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Welcome: Meet our Kilidove Tours representative, who will greet you warmly.
- Transfer: Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
- Evening: Briefing with your guide about the trek, followed by dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 - Machame Gate to Machame Camp
First Day on the Mountain
Hotel to Machame Camp
- Morning: After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate for registration.
- Trek Start: Begin the ascent through lush rainforest to Machame Camp (3,010m).
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at Machame Camp.
Day 3 - Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Shira Plateau
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- Morning: Early from Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,845m).
- Scenery: Traverse beautiful heathland and moorland zones.
- Evening: Arrive at Shira Camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- Morning: Trek from Shira Camp to the Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization.
- Afternoon: Descend to Barranco Camp (3,976m) through the spectacular Senecio forest.
- Evening: Overnight stay at Barranco Camp.
Day 5 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Barranco Wall
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Challenge: Climb the famous Barranco Wall in the morning.
- Trek: Continue to Karanga Camp (3,995m).
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at Karanga Camp.
Day 6 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Barafu Camp
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Morning: Trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m).
- Preparation: Rest and prepare for the summit attempt.
- Evening: Early dinner and sleep, gearing up for the midnight summit push.
Day 7 - Summit Attempts
Summit Day
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Midnight: Begin the summit attempt to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
- Sunrise: Reach the summit at dawn and enjoy breathtaking views.
- Descent: Return to Barafu Camp, then descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m).
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at Mweka Camp.
Day 8 - Exit the Mountain
Mweka Gate
Mweka Camp to Arusha/Moshi
- Morning: Descend to Mweka Gate to collect summit certificates.
- Afternoon: Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
- Evening: Celebration dinner and rest at the hotel.
Day 9 - Drop off at Kilimanjaro Airport
Continue on Safari with Us
Departure
- Leisure: Spend the day relaxing or exploring Moshi/Arusha.
- Transfer: Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight or continue on safari with us.

Cost Info

FAQ

How challenging is the Machame Route compared to other routes on Kilimanjaro?
The Machame Route is considered moderately challenging. It’s often chosen by those who have some hiking or backpacking experience. While it’s more physically demanding than the Marangu Route, its ‘climb high, sleep low’ strategy offers better acclimatization opportunities. This involves trekking to a higher altitude during the day and descending to sleep, which is beneficial for acclimatization.
What is the average success rate for reaching the summit via the Machame Route?
The success rate for reaching the summit via the Machame Route varies but is generally high, especially for the 7-day itinerary. The longer duration allows for better acclimatization, increasing the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. Success rates can be as high as 80-90% for well-prepared climbers who take the time to acclimatize properly.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the Machame Route?
The Machame Route is renowned for its scenic beauty, offering diverse landscapes. It starts in a lush rainforest, transitions through heath and moorland zones, and progresses into an alpine desert closer to the summit. The route also provides stunning views of the Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, and the southern glaciers of Kilimanjaro. Its variation in scenery and vistas is a significant draw for climbers choosing this route.