MACHAME ROUTE

About Machame Route

The Machame Route is a hiking trail used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. It is considered one of the most scenic and popular routes to reach the mountain’s summit. The route starts at the Machame Gate, located on the mountain’s southern side, and follows a steep and challenging path through various landscapes such as rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts.

The total distance of the Machame route is approximately 62 kilometres, and it usually takes 6 days to 7 days to complete. It is also known as the “Whiskey Route” due to its more challenging and rugged terrain than other routes, such as the Marangu route. The Machame Route is quite crowded compared to the different Kilimanjaro routes.

Why should you choose the Machame Route?

The Machame route is the most famous and preferred route by many climbers on Mount Kilimanjaro. Many people choose it for its diverse and stunning scenery, covering different landscapes, including rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts. It also offers excellent views of the Shira plateau and the Western Breach. The Machame route is popular among climbers because of its superb acclimatization profile, giving climbers a higher chance of reaching the summit.

The route gradually ascends through different altitudes, allowing your body to adapt to the changing altitude and reducing the risk of altitude sickness. When comparing the Machame route to other Kilimanjaro routes, the spectacular scenery, panoramic views from the top, and ice fields below the summit will influence your decision. You will feel comfortable staying on the Machame Route because it offers all the campground amenities.

Breakdown of the Machame route itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800 meters) to Machame Camp (2835 meters)

Distance: 11 kilometres, Time: 5 hours, Vegetation Zone: Moorland

Day 2: Machame Camp (2,835) to Shira Camp (3750 Metres)

Distance: 5 kilometres, Time: 6 hours, Vegetation Zone: Moorland

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,900 meters) via Lava Tower (4,600 meters)

Distance: 10 kilometres, Time: 6 hours, Vegetation Zone: Moorland

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,995 meters)

Distance: 6 kilometres, Time: 4 hours, Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673 meters)

Distance: 4 kilometres, Time: 4 hours, Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and descent to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters)

Distance: 14 kilometers; Time: 15 hours, Vegetation Zone: Moorland

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters)

Distance: 10 kilometres, Time: 4 hours Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does it take to complete the Machame route?

It takes about 6 to 7 days to complete the Machame route. Each day consists of 4 to 7 hours of trekking. The Machame route typically starts at Machame Gate and ends at Mweka Gate, covering a distance of approximately 62 kilometres.

What is the difficulty level of the Machame route?

The Machame route is considered challenging, with a difficulty level rated as moderate to difficult. It is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and requires good physical fitness. The route is known for its steep and rocky terrain, with some sections requiring scrambling.

Is it possible to see wildlife on the Machame route?

Yes, it is possible to see various wildlife species on the Machame route during hiking. Some common animals include monkeys, birds, and small antelopes. Sightings of larger animals are rare due to the high altitude and less dense vegetation on this route.

Are there any technical sections on the Machame route?

The Machame route is considered a non-technical climb. However, a few sections of the Barranco Wall can be challenging and require using hands to climb.

What is the cost of hiking the Machame route?

The cost of hiking the Machame route varies depending on a few factors, such as the tour company you choose, the length of your hike, and the services and amenities included in the package. The average cost for a solo climber can range from $2,500 to $5,000 for a 7-day hike. The price includes accommodation on arrival and after trekking, park fees, camping fees, transportation, meals, guide and porters’ fees, and camping equipment.

Machame Route Campsites

Overview:
Machame Camp is the first overnight stop on the Machame Route. It sits at the edge of the rainforest zone, surrounded by thick vegetation, tall trees, and a peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Highlights:

Located just above the forest zone, offering stunning views of Mount Meru and Shira Ridge on clear evenings.
The air is fresh and cool, and you can sometimes hear Colobus monkeys in the nearby trees.
A great introduction to high-altitude camping with mild temperatures compared to the higher camps.

Distance from Machame Gate: ~11 km (5–7 hours of trekking).

Overview:
After leaving Machame Camp, trekkers ascend through the moorland zone, crossing ridges and open landscapes before arriving at Shira Cave Camp. The camp is located on the Shira Plateau — an ancient volcanic caldera that offers breathtaking panoramic views.

Highlights:

A wide, open area ideal for watching the sunset behind Mount Meru.
Named after the small caves found nearby that early climbers once used for shelter.
Vegetation becomes sparse, replaced by unique alpine plants such as giant lobelias and groundsels.

Distance from Machame Camp: ~5 km (4–6 hours of trekking).

Overview:
Lava Tower Camp is often used as an acclimatization stop rather than an overnight site, but some trekkers spend the night here on extended itineraries. The camp sits in the alpine desert zone and takes its name from the striking 90-meter-high Lava Tower — a volcanic rock formation nearby.

Highlights:

Excellent spot for acclimatization due to the high altitude (“climb high, sleep low”).
Offers incredible views of the Western Breach and the upper slopes of Kilimanjaro.
The landscape is barren and rocky, giving a real sense of high-altitude adventure.

Distance from Shira Cave Camp: ~7 km (4–5 hours of trekking).

Overview:
Barranco Camp is one of the most scenic camps on the entire Machame Route. Nestled in a valley below the imposing Barranco Wall, it is surrounded by towering cliffs and dramatic ridges.

Highlights:

Offers a breathtaking view of the Kibo summit and the Heim and Kersten glaciers.
Known for the famous “Breakfast Wall” — the Barranco Wall — which climbers scale the following morning.
The camp sits beside the Barranco Valley, with small streams and alpine plants nearby.

Distance from Lava Tower Camp: ~9 km (6–7 hours, mostly descent).

Overview:
Karanga Camp lies between Barranco and Barafu, in a valley formed by the Great Barranco and Karanga Valleys. It is the final camp before the high base camp (Barafu) for those on the standard 7-day Machame Route itinerary.

Highlights:

Offers dramatic views of the southern glaciers of Kibo and the deep Karanga Valley below.
The terrain around the camp is rocky, with sparse vegetation typical of the high alpine desert zone.
Serves as an excellent acclimatization point before heading higher to Barafu Camp.

Distance from Barranco Camp: ~5 km (4–5 hours of trekking).

Overview:
Barafu Camp — meaning “ice” in Swahili — is the base camp for summit attempts on Uhuru Peak. Perched on a rugged ridge, it offers stunning views over Mawenzi Peak and the vast plains below.

Highlights:

This is the final resting point before the midnight summit push.
The camp has limited flat space, so tents are pitched closely together on rocky ground.
On clear nights, climbers can see a dazzling display of stars before starting their ascent.
Temperatures often drop below freezing.

Distance from Karanga Camp: ~4 km (3–4 hours of trekking).

Overview:
Mweka Camp is the final overnight stop before descending to Mweka Gate. Located in the upper rainforest zone, it is lush, green, and often misty — a refreshing contrast after the barren summit areas.

Highlights:

Surrounded by dense forest, filled with birdlife and sometimes small wildlife.
A comfortable place to rest after the challenging summit night.
Offers a great spot for final group photos and celebration before completing your Kilimanjaro journey.

Distance from Barafu Camp (via Uhuru Peak): ~12 km descent (6–8 hours from the summit).