Machame Route
The "Whiskey" Route · 6–7 days
Route Overview
About the Machame Route
Kilimanjaro's most popular route: beautiful scenery from rainforest to glaciers, with a good "climb high, sleep low" profile.
Machame climbs from the south-west through lush rainforest to the Shira Plateau, then traverses under the Southern Icefields via Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall and Karanga before the summit push from Barafu Camp. Descent follows the Mweka route. The 7-day version adds a valuable acclimatisation day.
Why choose it
- Stunning and varied scenery
- Good acclimatisation profile
- Great value for its success potential
Keep in mind
- One of the busier routes
- Barranco Wall involves a short scramble
Stage by Stage
Typical itinerary
- DAY1Machame Gate → Machame Camp
- DAY2Machame Camp → Shira Camp
- DAY3Shira → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
- DAY4Barranco Wall → Karanga Camp
- DAY5Karanga → Barafu Camp
- DAY6Summit Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
- DAY7Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
A transfer and hotel night in Moshi or Arusha is usually added before and after the climb.
Compare
Other Routes
7–8 daysLemosho Route
Often called the most beautiful route, Lemosho starts on the remote western side and crosses the full Shira Plateau.
View Route
5–6 daysMarangu Route
The only route with hut accommodation, following a gradual trail up and down the same path.
View Route
6–7 daysRongai Route
The only route approaching from the north, near the Kenyan border: drier, quieter and gentler.
View Route