Highlights
Kilimanjaro Machame Route
Holidays | Africa | Tanzania | Kilimanjaro | Machame Route to Mt Kilimanjaro
Machame Route | GlobalXplorers
The most popular route on kilimanjaro
Machame Route Kilimanjaro - 6 nights / 7 days Climb
The most popular route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro these days is Machame route, and for good reason. This trail offers stunning views, a reasonable challenge, and plenty of time to acclimate, making it a good choice for those who have a bit of extra time in their schedule. Machame route has been nicknamed the "Whiskey Route” because it is often perceived as being tougher than Marangu route, which is often referred to as the "Coca-Cola" route. Unlike that trail however, camping is allowed on Machame, which means trekkers will be sleeping in tents all the way to the summit. Trekkers who take the Machame Route pass several well-known Mount Kilimanjaro landmarks while en route, including the famed Lava Tower and Shira Plateau. The route wanders up and down a series of valleys and ridges, which make the walk a bit more strenuous, but rewards hikers with some of the best views on the mountain.
It is for that reason that Machame route is widely considered to be the most scenic of all of the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, providing unique and varied landscapes to pass through on each and every day. The trail starts on the south side of the mountain, passes underneath the Southern Ice Field and makes its summit approach from the Barafu Camp.
For travelers who have a few extra days in their schedule, Machame route is an excellent option. One or two additional days of acclimatization can make a big difference in the success rate, so trekkers who choose this route reach the summit more often, despite the fact that this is a more challenging hike than Marangu route.
One of the biggest and most intimidating of those challenges is the Barranco Wall, a steep cliff face that can look quite scary upon first approach.
In reality, Barranco isn’t nearly as frightening or difficult as it first appears, although you will have to watch your step, and possibly use your hands for extra leverage while scrambling over certain sections. The climb usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half to complete, and the view from the top makes it worth the effort. The downside of the Machame Route is that it can get crowded at times. Because it is so scenic, and offers a few extra days to acclimate, it is a popular choice for Kilimanjaro trekkers, which can make the trail and campsites very busy, particularly during the high season.
Still, if you’re looking for the quintessential Kilimanjaro experience, it is difficult to beat Machame route. GlobalXplorers offers Machame as a seven-day climb or as a six-day climb. The six-day variation combines days four and five, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga. You Skip Karanga Camp.
ITINERARY
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′
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′
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′
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′
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′
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′
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
Machame Route 7 days Itinerary Overview
Starting from Machame Gate to the summit and finish at Mweka Gate. For a day-by-day itinerary for the MachameRoute.
| Day | Start | Altitude (m) | Altitude (ft) | Finish | Altitude (m) | Altitude (ft) | Time (hrs) | Distance (km) | Distance (miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Machame Camp | 1,640 | 5,380 | Machame Camp | 2,850 | 9,350 | 5-7 | 11 | 7 |
| 2 | Machame Camp | 2,850 | 9,350 | Shira 2 Camp | 3,810 | 12,500 | 4-6 | 5 | 3 |
| 3 | Shira 2 Camp | 3,810 | 12,500 | Lava Tower | 4,630 | 15,190 | 4-5 | 7 | 4 |
| Lava Tower | 4,630 | 15,190 | Barranco Camp | 3,976 | 13,044 | 2-3 | 3 | 2 | |
| 4 | Barranco Camp | 3,976 | 13,044 | Karanga Camp | 3,995 | 13,106 | 4-5 | 5 | 3 |
| 5 | Karanga Camp | 3,995 | 13,106 | Barafu Camp | 4,673 | 15,331 | 4-5 | 4 | 2 |
| 6 | Barafu Camp | 4,673 | 15,331 | Uhuru Peak | 5,895 | 19,341 | 7-8 | 5 | 3 |
| Uhuru Peak | 5,895 | 19,341 | Mweka Camp | 3,068 | 10,065 | 4-6 | 12 | 7 | |
| 7 | Mweka Camp | 3,068 | 10,065 | Mweka Gate | 1,640 | 5,380 | 3-4 | 10 | 6 |
| Total | 62 | 37 |
Machame Route Detailed Itinerary - 6 nights / 7 days 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.!
Arrival Day
Arrive in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you are met after passing through customs. Transfer to preferred accommodation and have a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with your climbing manager and your guide. Overnight at preferred accommodation.
Accommodations: Based on booking choice by the climber. Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
Trek
Arusha to Machame Camp
Altitude gain: 5,380 to 9,350’;
Hiking time: 5-7 hours, 7 miles
Drive from Arusha to Mt Kilimanjaro National Park, passing by the village of Machame to meet your climb crew at the Machame Gate. As you begin the gentle ascent, the trail winds though the verdant afromontane rainforest that beards Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. Moss and tattered lichen dangles from tall branches, tree ferns rest in soft cradles, and begonias, busy lizzie impatiens, and violas bloom year-round in multiple colors on the forest floor. Many species of birds – as well as colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and other creatures of the forest – can be seen and heard. The first camp is set amongst giant heather at Machame Camp.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Trek
Shira Camp
9,350 ft to 12,500 ft, 3 miles, approx. 4-6 hours
Leaving the glades of the rainforest behind, you continue on an ascending path along a steep ridge onto heather-clad moorland. This is known as the heath zone and, as the vegetation becomes more sparse, attractive helichrysum and lobelia are the only plants dominating the harsh mountain landscape. Various geological features can be observed, ranging from lava tubes to glacial valleys. A picnic lunch is taken on trail today. Continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau. By now you can see the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers, and after a short hike you reach the Shira Camp. Your tent tonight can definitely be described as “a room with a view” looking out towards the snow-dusted Kibo peak. Overnight at Shira Camp.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Trek
Barranco Camp
12,500 ft to 15,223 ft (Lava Tower), down to 13,044 ft, 7km, 6-8 hours
Today is a walk-high sleep-low day. You ascend into alpine desert towards the main peak of Kibo, where the western glaciers become clearly visible. Lunch is taken as a picnic en route. If you feel very strong there is an optional ascent of the 300-foot-tall Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp in the afternoon, passing through the strange yet beautiful ‘Garden of the Senecios’ (giant groundsel), which also features many giant lobelias. The Barranco Valley is one of the prettiest areas of the entire trail. This is long day but the next time you head to this altitude is in two days’ time, making this a great acclimatization day! Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Trek
Karanga Camp
13,044 ft to 13,123 ft, 3 miles, 4-5 hours
You now have a relatively short day to reach Karanga Camp, after conquering the intimidating Barranco Wall. Be prepared to use all four limbs as you traverse the wall to the top of the Karanga Valley. From here, follow a path that sojourns through many inclines and declines to Karanga Camp, arriving in the late afternoon. Our selection of Karanga Camp is strategic – significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatization. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering over 3000 feet above you. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Trek
Barafu Camp
13,123 ft to 15,288 ft, 2 miles, 4-5 hours
Today is another half day ascending to Barafu Camp. Once again lunch is taken in this high camp, allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and, at times, strong winds rip over this camp, yet in the evenings splendid views of Mawenzi Peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before resting for the evening. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Trek
Summit Ascent, Mweka Camp
15,288 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,467 ft, 3 miles ascent, 7 miles descent, 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
Depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit, and this is the coldest, windiest section of your adventure. Most likely by dawn, as the first rays of light start to appear across the Tanzanian landscape, you arrive near the rim at Stella Point, at an altitude of 18,652ft. Here, you are rewarded with the most glorious sunrise you are ever likely to see, appearing over Mawenzi Peak.
Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! Take as many pictures as you can! After a short celebration at the summit, begin the ebullient trek down. Go slowly and enjoy the wonderful rainforest scenery as you head towards Mweka Camp, arriving before dusk. With every step the air has more and more oxygen so although your legs will be jelly, your heart will be light. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Trek
Arrive in Arusha
12,467 ft to 5,380 ft, 6 miles, 3-4 hours
After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and at around midday, after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower and a celebratory dinner!
Accommodations: Based on booking choice by the climber.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Departure
Activities on a need basis
Today you have a dayroom to pack, freshen up, and get ready for your flight home or your onward adventures in East Africa.
Included in this Trek
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Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
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Professional, experienced, mountain guides
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All Park fees, Airport transfers Rescue fees
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All meals while on the Mountain
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Guides, Porters, cook salaries
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Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
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Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
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Clean, purified drinking water
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Oximeter
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Medical Kit
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Emergency oxygen
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Crisis management and safety procedures
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Fair and ethical treatment of porters
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Accommodation in Arusha
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Portable toilet
Items not included
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Flights
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Alcoholic and soft drinks
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Tips Personal spending monies for souvenirs etc.
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Travel insurance
Frequently asked questions
The questions and answers below are specific to the Machame Route .The Machame route is considered one of the less difficult routes on Kilimanjaro as it’s longer itinerary allows for better acclimatization. However, hikers will still need to ascend the Barranco Wall and climb steeply on summit night. No technical climbing is required but a good level of fitness is highly recommended.
You can read more on training to climb Kilimanjaro and our Kilimanjaro training program page to help you prepare accordingly.
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 chances 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.
Having a visa is a requirement for US citizens visiting Tanzania. You will have to apply for a visa before you plan on visiting Tanzania, or apply for a tourist visa upon arrival.
Can you get a Tanzania visa on arrival?
It takes ten days for a Tanzania visa application to be processed. It will also take some extra time to receive approval for their visa upon making payments before you can start traveling to Tanzania.
It is possible to get an E visa for Tanzania if you are required to have a visa. In order to receive an E visa, you will be required to fill out an online form, make the proper payment(s), and submit your application online. You will have to wait at least ten days for your application to be processed and approved.
Strongly Advised Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A: This can be spread via contaminated food and water.
- Tetanus: Tetanus is often present in the soil, and can contaminate open wounds easily. Tetanus vaccine should be used every ten years if travelling.
- Typhoid: Typhoid can also be spread via contaminated food and water, and poor hygiene.
- Diphtheria: This potentially fatal disease is spread mainly via spit, but occasionally through contact with cuts on the skin.
- Yellow Fever: This can be contracted by being bitten by a contaminated mosquito. This vaccination is not essential if you are arriving directly in Tanzania. You do need it though if you plan to arrive through any country that is subject to yellow fever. Simply stopping over at an airport in an affected country should not require vaccination, but leaving the airport even briefly would make it necessary.
Sometimes Advised Vaccinations
- Hepatitis B: This illness is spread via contact with blood or bodily fluids. It is many, many times more virulent than HIV/AIDS. Some 8% of the population of Tanzania are believed to carry the virus.
- Rabies: Rabies is spread via contact between the saliva of any infected animal and an open wound (including bites, but also licking existing wounds). Rabies is fatal unless treated, and treatment of an unvaccinated rabies patient can be very difficult in many parts of Tanzania.
- Tuberculosis: TB is generally contracted through inhaling airborne sputum.
- Cholera: Cholera is spread via contaminated food and water, and poor hygiene.
- Measles: This disease is spread through inhaling sputum.
Those arriving in Tanzania from countries with a high risk of yellow fever are required to get a vaccination before arrival to Tanzania. This is to prevent an outbreak and a national emergency.
Officially, Tanzania has reported no cases of Ebola or suspected Ebola but the WHO has been investigating various claims that the country has concealed potential Ebola cases.
The Zika virus has been found in Tanzania. Of 533 people tested, 15.6% were positive with the virus.
Other Mount Kilimanjaro routes
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Machame Route Kilimanjaro
6 nights / 7 days Climb
- Trek Grading: 5 (Moderate)
- Ages: 10+
- Activity Type : Trek
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Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro
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- Ages: 10+
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Marangu Route Kilimanjaro
6 nights / 7 days Climb
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- Ages: 10+
- Activity Type : Trek
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Rongai Route Kilimanjaro
6 nights / 7 days Climb
- Trek Grading: 5 (Moderate)
- Ages: 10+
- Activity Type : Trek
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Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro
7 nights / 8 Days
- Trek Grading: 5 (Moderate)
- Ages: 10+
- Activity Type : Trek
