Overview
The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is a classic trail on Kilimanjaro and one of the most popular options for climbers. This route begins in a beautiful tropical forest and is available in 6- and 7-day variations, with the latter offering a significantly better acclimatization profile and higher summit success rate. The 7-day Machame Route is an excellent choice, featuring stunning views and suitable for beginners. You will experience hiking through all five climatic zones of Kilimanjaro, scale the picturesque Barranco Wall, and marvel at the unique Dendrosenecio kilimanjari plants, which are found nowhere else in the world.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted by a Peak Safari representative and transferred to your hotel, which is included in the rate. The hotel offers all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including cozy rooms, hot water, courteous staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing with our managers to ensure you are prepared to begin your climb.
In the morning, a guide and a mountain support crew will meet you at your hotel for a brief orientation. You will then travel by vehicle to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park at Machame Gate. After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will begin the trek to Machame Camp. Day 1 on the Machame Route involves passing through a rainforest where tropical showers are highly probable, so we recommend bringing spare clothes and a raincoat.
After breakfast, you will begin the trek to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp. On this day, you will emerge from the rainforest and, for the first time, enjoy stunning views of the Shira Plateau. The trek is not technically difficult, but you may feel the change in altitude, so pay attention to your body and remember that maintaining the proper pace is crucial for a successful trek. Upon reaching the camp, you will have lunch and some rest before the group goes on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp, gaining 400 meters (1,312 feet) in altitude. Back at Shira Camp, you will be served a hot dinner.
After breakfast, your group will depart from Shira Camp and head towards Lava Tower. The undulating nature of this trek can present some challenges. However, reaching the altitude of 4,600 meters (15,088 feet) at Lava Tower is crucial for proper acclimatization, which is why we encourage our groups to have lunch at the top of Lava Tower. This allows additional time at a high altitude before descending approximately 700 meters (2,297 feet) to Barranco Camp, the next overnight stop on this route.
At Barranco Camp, you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive for its massive size and steepness. The next day, you will be hiking up the Barranco Wall, but don't worry—it features a simple hiking trail and is not as intimidating as it looks.
It's best to start early on this day to avoid crowding on the way up Barranco Wall. Despite its seemingly daunting height and steepness, the actual climb is quite simple and takes only about an hour. At the top, you'll have a fantastic photo opportunity with Kibo Peak as the backdrop.
The rest of the day involves a series of ups and downs, with your guides setting the best pace for each trekker. After a lunch break at Karanga Camp, the group will go on an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, reaching a high point of 3,995 meters (13,104 feet). You'll then return to Karanga Camp for the night.
After breakfast, you will head towards Barafu Summit Camp. Our team will have the camp set up for you in advance, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax upon arrival. Once you've regained your strength, you'll undertake an acclimatization climb towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp, reaching a high point of 4,870 meters (15,974 feet), before returning to Barafu Camp. There, you will be served a hot dinner. It's advisable to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping in preparation for the night summit ascent.
Summiting begins around midnight. Starting at an altitude of 4,870 meters (15,974 feet), you will climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). While the trek itself is straightforward, the high altitude makes even regular physical activity feel strenuous. Therefore, climbers will be grouped in pairs and assigned a personal guide who will monitor their condition throughout the entire summit trek. Upon reaching the summit, you will have the opportunity to walk to the nearest glacier. After summiting, you will rest for two hours at Barafu Camp before continuing your descent to Millennium Camp.
At the lower altitude, you are sure to enjoy a good night's sleep and the satisfaction of having reached the summit. After breakfast, you will continue your descent to Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters (5,379 feet). Following a short celebration with the entire climbing crew, you will receive your climb certificates and be transported back to your hotel.
Relax at the hotel before being transferred to the airport.
Cost Includes
- All transfers
- Hotels
- Camping gear
- Delicious meals
- Professional guides and porters
- Oxygen tanks
- Medical check-ups and medical kits
- All park fees and taxes
- Dedicated support team
Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Tips
- Visas and fees
- Personal gear rental
- Travel insurance
- Lunch and dinner at hotel
Machame Route FAQ
The Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro earned the nickname “Whiskey Route” because it was once perceived as more challenging than the easier “Coca-Cola Route” of Marangu. However, with modern advancements in expedition organization, this is no longer the case. In fact, current data indicates that the seven-day Machame Route now has much higher summit success rates compared to any Marangu Route itinerary.
The 7-day Machame itinerary is easier than many other Kilimanjaro route options and requires no technical climbing skills. Basic equipment and trekking poles are sufficient for this route. The gradual acclimatization profile of the 7-day Machame makes it suitable even for beginners. Conversely, the shorter 6-day Machame variation is significantly more challenging and is recommended only for strong trekkers with prior experience or travelers with robust acclimatization.
The 7-day Machame and 7-day Lemosho routes share many similarities, including excellent acclimatization profiles, high summit success rates, and breathtaking views. The main difference lies in the starting point. The Lemosho route begins with a high-altitude drop-off by vehicle at 3,414 meters, while the Machame route starts at Machame Gate, 1,800 meters above sea level. This gives Lemosho an acclimatization jump-start, which might feel uncomfortable during the first couple of days but pays off in the long run. Conversely, the Machame route offers a more gradual acclimatization experience, allowing you to enjoy hiking through a tropical forest.
Machame Route
