Overview
Also known as “The Whiskey Route,” Machame is one of the more popular routes on the mountain. Whether you’re a well-seasoned adventurer or a first-time high altitude climber, this route is great for both!
Known for being beautifully scenic, the Machame Route also has the best summit success rate. This route allows you to climb high, sleep low giving your body time to adjust to the changes in altitude over several days.
Climbs can take six or seven days; however, we always advise choosing the longer route for the best chance of acclimatization and reaching the summit.
Day to Day Itenerary
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,200 metres / 3,900 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, you’ll get picked up from your hostel/hotel in Moshi and driven to the starting point at Machame Gate (approximately 1 hour). After registration, you will begin your journey to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro using a well-maintained trail through Montane Forest. On the way, you’ll walk through dense rainforest and coffee plantations as your guide talks you through some of the local flora and fauna. Here you will also get a very good chance of witnessing Black and White Colobus monkeys, as well as many different species of brightly-coloured birds. The climb is steady and gradual incline to Machame Camp which is located on the edge of the rainforest and giant heather zones.
Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000m/9,800ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)
Elevation Gain: 840 metres / 2,800 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
On the second day, you’ll rise early for breakfast and begin climbing a slightly steeper gradient through the moorland vegetation zone. Here you will start to get fantastic views of Kibo, the summit cone of Mt. Kilimanjaro, while continuing along a rocky ridge to Shira Plateau. Shira is actually a collapsed volcanic crater and was the first of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones to expire. Once on the plateau, the trail becomes a little easier as you make your way to Shira Camp. If it’s a clear day, you’ll also get to enjoy superb panoramic views. Shira Camp is very exposed and will feel much colder with temperatures dropping below freezing point.
Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft)
via Lava Tower (4,550m/14,900ft)
Elevation Gain: 710 metres / 2,300 feet
Elevation Loss: 700 metres / 2,250 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
The route now takes you into semi-desert and rocky landscapes surrounding Lava Tower, a 300ft high volcanic rock formation. You’ll then ascend the rocky scree path to Lava Tower for great panoramic views, before a steep descent into the Barranco Valley. You may find this trek a little tougher than the previous days as some hikers usually start to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Although you will finish today’s climb at almost the same elevation as you started, this is very good practice for acclimatisation and will help prepare your body for summit day. Barranco Camp lies below the imposing Barranco Wall in a beautiful, sheltered valley.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) to Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,106ft)
Elevation Gain: 145 meters / 456 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
This will be a shorter day of hiking to allow for acclimatization. After breakfast, you will begin to ascend the Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys – but don’t worry, it is easier than it looks! From the top of the wall, you will then cross a series of hills and valleys before descending into Karanga Valley. After one more steep climb, you’ll reach Karanga Camp where you will relax for the afternoon before dinner and an overnight rest.
Day 5: Karanga Camp (3,995m /13,106ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m /15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 605 metres / 1,994 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects to the famous Mweka Trail. You will then continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles. Your tents will be
pitched along a narrow and rocky ridge with high winds. It’s therefore worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark. Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit.
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,300ft)
then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,295 metres / 4,200 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,785 metres / 9,100 feet
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours to Uhuru Peak; 7 to 8 hours to Mweka Camp
Habitat: Arctic conditions
This is where the going gets really tough! Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,756m). This section is probably the most challenging part of the route, and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide.
After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak!
Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend there, but it is important to start your descent within a good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Barafu Camp. After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m) where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep!
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,980m)
Elevation Loss: 1,280 metres / 4,220 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Mweka Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to drive back to your
hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer!
This price will include the following:
- All park fees (entry, camping, forest department and rescue fees)
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) while on the mountain
- High quality four seasons mountain tents and camping facilities
- Ethical salaries for the team (guide, assistant guides, cook and porters)
- Transport to and from the gate
- Drinking water
- Oxygen cylinder and ox meter
- Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro Airport
The price does not include:
- Tips for the team (guide, assistant guide, cook and porters)
- All personal mountain climbing gear and equipment (can be hired upon request)
- Sleeping bag (can be hired upon request)
- Alcohol, soft drinks, and energy snacks
- Flights, travel insurance, and visa
- Pre/post accommodation (can be booked upon request)
- Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro Airport (can be booked upon request)
Ethical Climbs
Here at Nyange Adventures, we strongly believe in responsible tourism and looking after our crew. That’s why we are proud members of Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Program (KPAP) and International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) Partner for Responsible Travel Program.
Through extensive audit process, these organizations ensure that every climb has been certified to provide fair salaries, conditions, food, clothing and sleeping conditions for crew
members. While others may offer at a lower rate, please be wary. These operators cannot ensure fair and ethical treatment to their porters, which are sadly very exploited in this industry. For more information, please visit our website.
By supporting and looking after our employees, we are able to deliver our promise of a quality service and creating memorable, enjoyable and safe experiences for our clients.
We believe it’s possible to offer a fair and competitive rate without sacrificing working conditions.
Why should you book with us?
By supporting us as a local business, you are helping support job security here in the community. We believe in strong corporate social responsibility and support many community development projects that you can learn about on our website.
Our experienced and dedicated staff will always go the extra mile to ensure that you enjoy an once-in-a-lifetime adventure. But don’t just take our word for it – check out what our other clients have to say about us on Tripadvisor and see why we say, “come as a clientand leave as a friend”
- This tour is offered by the tour operator – and not by eastafricantraveldeals.com
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When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year round, with each month providing different spectacular views of the surrounding region. Generally, the low season tends to be from March to June due to poor weather conditions, with things picking up again from July to September for the peak season.
Below is an overview of what to expect throughout the year.
December – February
Regarded by some as the best time to climb
Favorable weather conditions
Good visibility from the summit
March – June (low season)
The weather can be rainy
Despite being wetter, it is not cooler
Visibility is good
July – August (high season)
These months see a drop in temperature
Usually no rain
Busier season, seeing more groups on the mountain
September – November
Weather is fair
Generally little rain
Fewer groups on the mountain
How fit do I need to be?
People of all fitness abilities can climb Mount Kilimanjaro. However, we would always suggest that the more you train and exercise before the climb, the more you are likely to enjoy it. A good level of fitness is definitely recommended due to the high altitude, basic facilities, and rough terrain.
Don’t forget that you will be trekking for a number of days in succession and will experience various climate zones along the way that will greatly impact the body. The healthier and physically fit you are, the easier it will be to deal with these extremes.
The best training you can do for a Mount Kilimanjaro climb is walking as often as you can and as much as you can. This is also a good opportunity to wear in the boots you plan to use for the climb and to also practice walking with a daypack weighing approximately 5 to 8 kilos. If you have not done much hiking, start a few months before your climb and build up the kilometers slowly.
How much luggage can I bring?
You should limit your larger duffle bag or backpack to 15 kg (33 lb) as this will ease the burden on the drivers, vehicles and, most importantly, the porters. Baggage should be of the round, squashy type rather than hard suitcases which are often difficult to fit into jeeps and carry up the mountain. Note that luggage restrictions on domestic flights are often also 15 to 20 kg (33 to 44 lb) per person, so be mindful when packing your bags. For your daypack, try to keep it under 9 kg (20 lb) for your own benefit when climbing up the mountain.
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