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6-7 days · Whiskey Route

Machame Route, Kilimanjaro

The most popular route offering stunning scenery and excellent acclimatization.

Get a quote for this routeSee the day-by-day plan
Price
From $2,200 pp
Length
6-7 days
Distance
62 km
Difficulty
Challenging
Typical summit
85%
Crowds
High

Overview

About the Machame Route

Known as the "Whiskey Route" for its challenging terrain, Machame is the most popular path up Kilimanjaro. It approaches from the south and traverses beneath the Southern Ice Field.

Starts at
Machame Gate (south)
Altitude
1,800m to 5,895m
  • Shira Plateau views
  • Barranco Wall scramble
  • Stunning glaciers
  • Varied ecosystems

The climb

Day by day

2,0003,0004,0005,0006,000Gate123456Uhuru 5,895 m
Altitude in metres for each day of the plan, numbered along the bottom. On days that climb high and drop back, it shows the high point.
  1. Day01

    Machame Camp

    Altitude: 3,000mWalking: 5-6h

    Plunge into dense rainforest. Expect mud — the trail climbs steadily through camphor and fig trees.

  2. Day02

    Shira Camp

    Altitude: 3,840mWalking: 5-6h

    Leave forest behind. Steep rocky sections through heather-moorland with expanding views.

  3. Day03

    Barranco Camp

    Altitude: 3,960mWalking: 5-6h

    Climb to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization, then descend. Climb high, sleep low.

  4. Day04

    Karanga Camp

    Altitude: 3,995mWalking: 4-5h

    Morning Barranco Wall scramble — the route highlight. Cross Karanga Valley to last water point.

  5. Day05

    Barafu Camp

    Altitude: 4,673mWalking: 4h

    Steep climb through alpine desert to summit base camp. Eat, hydrate, rest.

  6. Day06

    Summit + DescentSummit day

    Altitude: 5,895m → 3,100mWalking: 12-14h

    Midnight push to Uhuru Peak. The hardest and most rewarding day. Descend via Mweka route.

Honest take

Is the Machame Route right for you?

Why climbers pick it

  • Excellent scenery through all zones
  • Famous Barranco Wall scramble
  • Good acclimatization with Lava Tower
  • More affordable than longer routes

Things to weigh up

  • Busiest route — expect crowds
  • Steep and physically demanding
  • No huts — camping only
  • Lower success rate than Lemosho

Best for: Fit climbers on a moderate budget, those who enjoy physical challenge, groups wanting good social atmosphere.

When to climb

The months we recommend for this route are marked. It's open all year; ask and we'll tell you what to expect in the wetter months.

  1. Jan (recommended)
  2. Feb (recommended)
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun (recommended)
  7. Jul (recommended)
  8. Aug (recommended)
  9. Sep (recommended)
  10. Oct (recommended)
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

How to prepare for the climbWhat a climb costs

Questions about the Machame Route

Why is Machame called the Whiskey Route?

The nickname comes from the perception that Machame is the "harder" route compared to Marangu (Coca-Cola = easy). It involves steeper climbs and camping instead of huts.

Should I do Machame in 6 or 7 days?

We strongly recommend 7 days. The extra day adds a night at Karanga Camp, giving crucial acclimatization. 6-day has ~75% vs 7-day ~85% success.

Is the Barranco Wall dangerous?

No — it looks intimidating but it's a Class 2 scramble. Your guide is right beside you. Takes about 1-2 hours. Virtually everyone makes it.

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