The Machame route, also referred to as the Whiskey route, is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro. Despite being a tough climb compared to the Marangu route, the Machame route has one of the highest summit success rates given the topography of the route which allows climbers to “trek high & sleep low” hence making it a more favorable route for acclimatization. Unlike the Marangu route which is a gradual ascent, the Machame route has steeper trails and climbers walk longer distances. This route offers some of the most spectacular scenery while on the mountain. The Machame route starts in the south west side of the mountain and proceeds steeply north, traversing the Shira plateau and eventually joining the Shira and Lemosho routes at the Shira camp. The Machame route can be done in minimum 6 days but a 7 day trek is recommended so climbers are well rested and acclimatized before making the final ascent to the summit.
Machame Gate 1840m> Machame Hut 9kms 6-7 hrs up 1140m
Machame Hut 2980m> Shira Hut 7kms 5-6 hrs up 890m
Shira Hut 3840m > Barranco Camp
10kms 6-7hrs up 700m down 600m
Barranco Camp 3950m >
Karanga Valley Camp
6kms 3-4hrs up 250m down 250m
Karanga Camp 3963m > Barafu Camp
4kms 3-4hrs gain 650m
Barafu Hut 4600m >
UHURU PEAK 5895m > Millennium Camp
19kms 12-14hrs up 1295m down 2105m
Millennium Camp 3730m > Mweka Gate 1660m
10kms 5hrs
Machame Gate 1840m > Machame Hut
9kms 6-7hrs up 1140m
Machame Hut 2980m > Shira Hut
7kms 5-6hrs up 890m
Shira Hut 3840m > Barranco Camp
10kms 6-7hrs up 700m down 600m
Barranco Camp 3950m > Barafu Hut
8kms 7-8hrs up 650m
Barafu Hut 4600m > UHURU PEAK 5895m > Millennium Camp
19kms 12-14hrs up 1295m down 2105m
Millennium Camp 3730m > Mweka Gate 1660m
10kms 5hrs