KILIMANJARO MACHAME ROUTE
The Machame route, also known as the "Whiskey" route, is a popular six or seven-day camping route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers stunning views, a reasonable challenge, and plenty of time to acclimate, making it an excellent choice for those with extra time in their schedule. Around 35% of all climbers on the mountain use this route, which is often perceived as tougher than the Marangu route. However, camping is allowed on Machame, meaning trekkers will be sleeping in tents all the way to the summit.
The Machame route passes several well-known Mount Kilimanjaro landmarks, such as the Lava Tower and Shira Plateau. The trail wanders up and down a series of valleys and ridges, making the walk more strenuous but rewarding hikers with some of the best views on the mountain. The Machame route is widely considered the most scenic of all the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, providing unique and varied landscapes to pass through on each and every day.
One of the biggest and most intimidating challenges is the Barranco Wall, a steep cliff face that can look scary upon first approach. However, it is not nearly as frightening or difficult as first appears, and the climb usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half to complete.
The downside of the Machame Route is that it can get crowded at times, especially during the high season. However, for those seeking the quintessential Kilimanjaro experience, the Machame route is difficult to beat. Climbing Kilimanjaro offers Machame as a seven-day or six-day climb.
The itinerary below describes the 6 nights/7 day Kilimanjaro climb via the Machame route. To shorten the below itinerary to six days you skip the night in the Karanga Valley and instead walk straight from the Barranco Huts to the Barafu Huts in one day.
Duration: 6 nights /7 days Climb
Day 1: Machame Hut Camp
A short drive brings us to the Machame trailhead (~5,380’). After the climbers and crew have checked in with the park rangers, we will hike up through the montane forests, winding up the mossy jungle, making our way to Machame Hut camp.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~9,350′
Day 2: Shira Plateau
After breakfast, our hike continues through the forest. We will take our time, soaking in the scenery as we make our way through the moorlands. We will be treated to spectacular views of Kibo peak.
Hiking: 4-6 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,500′
Day 3: Barranco Camp
Today is a long day but lots of acclimatization as you climb high, sleep low. We will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (~15,190’) for lunch, before descending to the Barranco valley. For those who have energy, and if time and weather permit, there’s the possibility to scramble up the Lava Tower itself. The scenery is amazing today, passing through different zones of the mountain.
Hiking: 6-8 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~13,044′
Day 4: Karanga Camp
Today you’ll continue to acclimatize and let your body adjust to these higher altitudes, in preparation for your upcoming summit push. Climb the steep Barranco Wall and then go up and down several ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga camp. There will likely be time for an acclimatization hike in the afternoon.
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~13,106′
Day 5: Barafu Camp
Today you’ll continue your circuit and arrive at your final camp before the summit (Barafu camp). Some ups and downs along ridges and valleys along the way. You’ll have an early supper, sleep for a few hours, and then arise at about 11:00 PM to start tomorrow’s summit ascent.
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~15,331′
Day 6: Summit and Mweka Camp
Start hiking at around midnight, using your headlamps to lead the way slowly up to Stella Point and then the summit. Due to the altitude, you will hike slowly, and will need to dress warmly for the cold. After celebrating with photos at the summit, descend down to Mweka camp.
Hiking: 6-7 hours ascent to the summit, then 6-9 hours of descent
Summit: ~19,341′
Overnight Altitude: ~10,500′
Day 7: Mweka Park Gate (~5,000’) to Arusha
We make the final descent through the rain forest to Mweka Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner.
Hiking: 3-5 hours
Discover
The park can be accessed by road or flight via Kilimanjaro International Airport – about 45km to the west. The Park Headquarters and one of the ascending gates are at Marangu, about 41Km from Moshi town and 86km from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The other seven gates of Rongai, Machame, Londorosi, Lemosho, Kilema, Mweka and Umbwe are located around the mountain base and can be reached by road.
FAQ
Machame Route Frequently asked questions
The Machame route is considered to be a moderately difficult trek, with varying terrain and elevation changes throughout the hike. It is rated as one of the more challenging routes to Mount Kilimanjaro due to its steep and rocky sections, as well as the Barranco Wall climb.
However, with proper physical preparation and a well-trained guide, the Machame route can be successfully completed by individuals with a good level of fitness and determination. It is important to note that altitude sickness can be a major factor in the difficulty of this route, so it is crucial to acclimatize properly and follow the guidance of your guide.
Additionally, the use of porters to carry equipment and supplies can greatly lessen the physical demand on trekkers. Overall, the Machame route offers a challenging and rewarding experience for those who are prepared for its difficulties.
The approximately trekking distance for the Machame Route is 62 km or 37 miles the entire climb from trail head up to the summit and all the way down to Mweka gate. The shortest number of days required for Machame Route is 6 days, but by the time you have added on arrival and departure days it is 10. However, as it is a much longer approach route it is actually best done over 7 or 8 days to increase your changes of success.
Due to it’s climb high sleep low mechanism, summit success rates on the Machame route are very high. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average success rate across all operators is 85% for the 7 day trek and a 73% success rate for the 6 day trek. However, We have a 95% summit success rate for the Machame route.
The scenery is extremely varied and you will pass through 5 climatic zones on your way to the summit. The trek begins in rain forest on the lower slopes before continuing up into the low alpine zone of wild grasslands and moorlands.
From there you trek into the high alpine zone before reaching the glacial zone. You will encounter many incredible vistas and visit stunning places such as Shira Plateau, Barranco and Lava Tower.
July-September is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro, as the weather is most stable during this period and encountering rain is less likely. That said, since it is close to the equator it is possible to climb the mountain at any time of the year. April and May is the rainy season so this period is best avoided.
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Joseph Cosmas
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