Machame Route

Route overview, difficulty, success rates, itinerary, and expert tips

Overview of the Machame route

The Machame route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is a classic Kilimanjaro trail. It’s one of the most popular routes to climb Kilimanjaro. We at Nuru Expeditions, organize hundreds of expeditions annually along this trail that starts in a beautiful tropical forest. The Machame route is available in 6- and 7-day variations, with the second offering a significantly better acclimatization profile and summit success rate. Machame 7 is a great route with amazing views suitable even for beginners. You will enjoy hiking through all five climatic zones of Kilimanjaro, scale the picturesque Barranco Wall, and marvel at the alien-looking Dendrosenecio kilimanjari – truly unique plants that are not found anywhere else in the world.

Safety first: To maintain our strict safety standards, mountain expeditions are available only to participants aged 12–70 years.

Expert recommendation

Be careful when choosing between the 6- and 7-day Machame route itineraries. The 6-day variation has much lower summit success rates and is suitable only for experienced trekkers or travelers with prior acclimatization. This is because the shorter itinerary skips the intermediate stay at the Karanga Camp, making it much more challenging to adapt well to the high altitude and have a good chance at summiting.

Machame Route – Summit Success Rate

Many travelers want to know what the summit success rates for different Kilimanjaro trekking routes are. At Nuru Expeditions, since 2014 we have been gathering precise data based on thousands of our Kilimanjaro climbs. Here are the summit success rates for our Machame route expeditions:

Machame 6 – Crater Rim: 92.0%, Uhuru Peak: 87.3%

Machame 7 – Crater Rim: 96.1%, Uhuru Peak: 93.1%

As you can see, the Machame route 7-day itinerary has a significantly higher summit success rate than its 6-day variation. In fact, Machame 7 is among the best itineraries for this metric. On the third day, it converges with the Lemosho and Umbwe routes, continuing to the summit as one route. Overall, it’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

Many operators boast high success rates, but it’s hard to know whether their numbers are trustworthy. At Nuru Expeditions our impressive summit success rates are due to several key reasons. We are proud to employ the best Kilimanjaro guides, porters, and other specialists in the region. The fact that we offer the best work conditions and salaries attracts top talent. Additionally, we go above and beyond to ensure that our clients have everything they need for smooth acclimatization. For example, we have more oxygen tanks than any other Kilimanjaro tour operator and comprehensive kits with a wide variety of medications. Moreover, our guides know how to spot and address symptoms of mountain sickness and will help you if any problem arises. Two compulsory medical checks each day for clients and mountain crew make our expeditions even safer and give you the best chances of reaching the summit.

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Machame Route Detailed Itinerary

Machame Route

6 Days Trek(8-day tour)7 Days Trek(9-day tour)

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Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet your Nuru Expeditions guest experience representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, friendly staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for you. Extra charges will apply for additional individual transfers. To avoid extra costs, sync and share with your guest experience your arrival and departure times.

PLEASE NOTE:Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

DAY 2

A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park’s entrance: Machame Gate. After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Machame Camp. The trekking route passes through the rainforest where tropical showers are highly probable, so we recommend you take not only spare clothes but also a raincoat.

PLEASE NOTE:This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

• Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently);
• To help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness, consider using a preventive measure like a high-altitude aid medicine. Many mountain climbers take such pills in the morning, before they begin their ascent, to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. Our managers will provide more specific details together with your travel itinerary. We recommend consulting your doctor prior to the trip to discuss any potential allergies or health concerns.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Trekking time: 5-6 hours

Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)

DAY 3

After breakfast, you will start trekking up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp. On this day you will emerge from the rainforest and for the first time be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau laid out in front of you. Technically speaking, trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude, so pay attention to your body and remember that choosing the proper pace is extremely important for good trekking. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and some rest, after which the group will go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp with a 400 m /1,312 f gain in altitude. Back down at Shira Camp, you will be served a hot dinner.

PLEASE NOTE:The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

Acclimatization hike:

Change in Elevation:

Shira Camp (3,750 m / 12,303 ft)

Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,120 m / 13,517 ft)

Hiking distance: 2 km (1.2 miles)

Hiking time: 1-2 hours

Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)

DAY 4

After breakfast, you will leave Shira Camp and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,600 m /15,088 f). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 m /15,088 f. Portions of the trek may be difficult, and it is common to experience some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here. For this reason, our groups enjoy lunch at the top of Lava Tower.

After lunch, you will descend to Barranco Camp. Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! Next day you will be climbing it, but don’t worry: it features a very simple hiking trail is not intimidating at all.

Trekking time: 6-8 hours

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)

DAY 5

Your group will have an early start this morning, after enjoying a filling breakfast you will begin climbing Barranco Wall. Wwe recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups, which can slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.

Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours you will have to ascend to Barafu Camp where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.

Trekking time: 8-10 hours

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)

DAY 6

Your team will depart from Barafu Camp at night and begin the final summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude, which makes even regular physical activity feel strenuous. Each pair of climbers will be under the care of a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental condition. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier, if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and enjoy a 2-hour rest before continuing your descent to Millennium Camp.

PLEASE NOTE:Don’t forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.

Trekking time: 8-12 hours

Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)

DAY 7

Millennium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate. After your descent, you will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in our guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to your hotel.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)

DAY 8

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

PLEASE NOTE:Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.

Prices for Machame route

Classic Premium // Classic Tarif

Our classic adventures are what the majority of climbers are looking for. The combination of great comfort and high safety standards makes our classic Kilimanjaro hikes enjoyable and memorable. This is the most popular option among our clients.

This climbing package includes everything that a climber may need for the hike – our experienced mountain crews, high-quality group equipment, nutritionist-designed meals. Our safety protocols, though, are the same for all our hiking adventures – only the guides with Wilderness First Responder certification are assigned to lead a party. Other safety measures include a supply of oxygen cylinders, complete medical kits and compulsory medical check-ups (two per day).

The progress of each trekking party is tracked with GPS device. You may share the link with your family and friends, who will be able to monitor your progress in a real-time mode.

Before and after the adventure you will stay in a 5* hotel with caring staff, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool.

Machame RoutePrice per person book this Climb with our guest experience team Online below.

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Climbing Cost Includes

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Machame Route FAQ

What is the Machame route?

The Kilimanjaro Machame route is a popular route to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. It is considered one of the most popular of all Kilimanjaro routes. The seven-day route itinerary is famous for its favorable acclimatization profile, high summit success rates, and scenic views. Along the way, you will pass the Barranco Wall, see plenty of amazing local flora and fauna, and enjoy an epic sunrise over the African plains when you stand at Uhuru Peak after the summit night.

The Machame route begins at a South-West Kilimanjaro National Park gate. During the seven-day climb, you’ll be able to see many iconic landmarks, such as the great Barranco Wall, Shira Volcano, Lava Tower, Karanga Valley, views from the southern circuit, Stella Point, and much more. The descent goes via the Mweka trail, guaranteeing even more amazing views. Overall, the Machame route is a scenic route, and the 7-day itinerary is a great choice for a Kilimanjaro climb whether you are a seasoned trekker or a beginner.

Interesting fact: during the 2022 Kilimanjaro fires, the Nuru expeditions team helped in firefighting efforts on the Machame route.

Why is the Machame route called the Whiskey route?

The Machame route on Mount Kilimanjaro earned the nickname “Whiskey Route” because it was perceived as more challenging in the past, compared to the easier “Coca-Cola Route” of Marangu. However, with the significant improvement in the organization of modern expeditions, it’s not really the case anymore. In fact, current data shows that the seven-day Machame route now boasts much higher summit success rates compared to any Marangu route itinerary.

Machame 7 vs Lemosho 7

Machame 7 and Lemosho 7 share many similarities. They both have great acclimatization profiles, excellent summit success rates, and breathtaking views. The main difference comes down to the starting point. While Lemosho 7 begins with a high-altitude drop-off by vehicle at 3,414 meters, Machame 7 starts at Machame Gate at 1800 meters above sea level. This means you’ll have an acclimatization jump-start on Lemosho, which might feel uncomfortable in the first couple of days but pays off in the long run. On the other hand, you’ll have a more gradual acclimatization experience with Machame route on Kilimanjaro and will have a chance to enjoy hiking through a tropical forest.

Machame 6 vs Marangu 6

These two classic itineraries are often compared with each other. Marangu stands out because it is the only route that offers overnight stays in dormitory-style huts. It makes Marangu a good choice for rainy season climbs, along with northern Kilimanjaro routes like Rongai 7. Both Machame and Marangu 6 are fairly busy, Marangu perhaps even more so because it follows the same path on ascent and descent. This factor also limits the diversity of sceneries you’ll be able to enjoy on the Marangu route.

The summit success rates are similar on both routes: around 87% of hikers reach the summit. This is a bit lower than on longer itineraries like Lemosho 7 or Machame 7 due to the more challenging acclimatization profiles. If you’re choosing between Machame 6 and Marangu 6, our recommendation would lean towards Marangu 6.

Is the Machame route difficult?

Machame 7-day itinerary is easier than many other Kilimanjaro route itineraries. No technical climbing skills are required for this route. You will be fine with basic equipment and trekking poles. Machame 7 is suitable even for beginners due to its gradual acclimatization profile. On the other hand, the shorter Machame 6-day variation is significantly more challenging. We recommend it only for strong trekkers with previous experience or travelers with robust prior acclimatization.

How many days do you need for the Machame route?

The Machame route expeditions are available in two itineraries: 6 or 7 days on the mountain. This does not include extra days before or after the expedition itself. At the minimum, you should plan to spend 8-9 days in Tanzania.

And if you’d like to add a Tanzanian safari or Island vacation to your climb, we’ll be to add it to your Kilimanjaro climb.

Is the Machame route good for beginners climbing Kilimanjaro?

Machame route 7-day variation is a great choice to climb Kilimanjaro for beginners with one of the highest summit success rates. It is a moderately difficult route, and the 7-day itinerary makes the acclimatization transitions much easier. However, the 6-day Machame route itinerary should only be considered by those with serious high-altitude trekking experience and/or prior acclimatization.