Kilimanjaro’s Most Popular Climb

The Machame Route, also called the “Whiskey Route”, is the most popular way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its beautiful scenery, varied landscapes, and excellent acclimatization profile, Machame is often compared to the Marangu Route. However, Machame is more physically demanding, with longer days and steeper ascents, making it better suited for those with a good fitness level.

Unlike Marangu, Machame uses tent camping rather than huts, offering a more authentic wilderness experience. Porters carry all equipment and set up camp, while meals are enjoyed outdoors or in a dining tent.

The route begins from the southwest, passes the Shira Plateau, climbs the dramatic Barranco Wall, and traverses beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Icefields before summiting via Barafu Camp. Descent is via the Mweka Route.

The minimum duration is 6 days, but a 7-day itinerary is highly recommended for better acclimatization and higher summit success.

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Machame Route Highlights

Duration: 6-7 days

Accommodation: Camping

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Scenery: Rainforests & Glaciers

Best For: Adventurous hikers seeking the most scenic and popular route

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Machame Route Itinerary (7 Days)

Day 1: Machame Gate (1860 m) – Machame Camp (3000 m)

Trekking Time: 4-6 hours

Distance: 9 km

Altitude Gain: 1140 m

After registration at Machame Gate, trek through lush rainforest on a steep and often muddy trail. The climb leads steadily uphill until reaching Machame Camp at 3000 m for dinner and overnight.

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Day 2: Machame Camp (3000 m) – Shira Camp (3845 m)

Trekking Time: 4-6 hours

Distance: 9 km

Altitude Gain: 845 m

Climb through forest glades to reach the expansive Shira Plateau, where views open up across the mountain. Mt. Meru can be seen rising above Arusha in the distance. Overnight at Shira Camp.

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Day 3: Shira Camp (3845 m) – Lava Tower (4600 m) – Barranco Camp (3900 m)

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours

Distance: 15 km

Altitude Gain/Loss: 755 m / 700 m

A key acclimatization day. Ascend to the Lava Tower (4600 m), nicknamed the “Shark’s Tooth,” before descending to Barranco Camp (3900 m). This “climb high, sleep low” strategy greatly improves summit success chances.

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Day 4: Barranco Camp (3900 m) – Karanga Camp (3965 m)

Trekking Time: 5-7 hours

Distance: 5 km

Altitude Gain: 65 m

Descend into the Great Barranco Valley and climb the imposing Barranco Wall (Breakfast Wall). The path continues beneath the Heim and Kersten Glaciers before reaching Karanga Camp.

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Day 5: Karanga Camp (3965 m) – Barafu Camp (4600 m)

Trekking Time: 2-4 hours

Distance: 4 km

Altitude Gain: 635 m

A short but steep trek across barren alpine desert to Barafu Camp, the final base before summit night. Rest, hydrate, and prepare gear for the midnight ascent.

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Day 6: Barafu Camp (4600 m) – Uhuru peak (5895 m) – Millennium Camp (3000 m)

Summit:

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours

Distance: 7 km

Altitude Gain: 1295 m

Descent:

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours

Distance: 12 km

Altitude Loss: 2895 m

Begin around midnight, ascending steep scree slopes to Stella Point (5750 m) on the crater rim. From here, continue to Uhuru Peak (5895 m), the Roof of Africa.

After celebrating, descend to Barafu Camp for breakfast and rest, before continuing to Millennium Camp for overnight.

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Day 7: Millennium Camp (3000 m) – Mweka Gate (1640 m)

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 10 km

Altitude Loss: 1360 m

A gentle trek through lush rainforest leads to Mweka Gate. After signing out and receiving summit certificates, transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.

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Pros and Cons of the Machame Route

+ Pros:

• Most scenic and varied route on Kilimanjaro
• Excellent acclimatization
• High summit success rate

– Cons:

• More physically demanding than Marangu
• Can be crowded during peal trekking season
• Camping required