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Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

The Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," is a popular and scenic trekking path up Mount Kilimanjaro that typically takes 6 or 7 days to complete. It is known for its high success rate and varied scenery, which includes rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and glacial zones. The route is considered moderately difficult, requiring camping in tents rather than huts, and the 7-day version is highly recommended for better acclimatization.
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Machame Route Kilimanjaro: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re set on the Machame Route Kilimanjaro, you’ve picked one of the most popular and scenic paths to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest summit at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Nicknamed the “Whiskey Route” for its challenging terrain, the Kilimanjaro Machame Route offers diverse landscapes from rainforests to alpine deserts, with excellent acclimatization and high success rates. This guide details the Machame Route Kilimanjaro, including the 7 days Machame Route itinerary, difficulty, costs, and tips. Whether you’re climbing Mt Kilimanjaro Machame Route as a fit beginner or seasoned trekker, or wondering how hard is Machame Route, this path delivers adventure and stunning views.

What is the Machame Route on Kilimanjaro?

The Machame Route starts southwest at Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905 ft), covering 62 km (37 miles) to the summit and descending via Mweka Gate. This camping trek features steep ascents, the iconic Barranco Wall scramble, and a “climb high, sleep low” profile for better acclimatization. It’s Kilimanjaro’s most trafficked route (50% of climbers), blending rainforest, moorland, and desert zones. Available in 6 or 7 days, the 7-day version is preferred for higher success. No technical skills required, but it’s more demanding than Marangu due to the terrain.

Machame Route Itinerary: 7 Days Machame Route Itinerary Breakdown

The Machame Route 7 days maximizes acclimatization, recommended over 6 days. Here’s a day-by-day table for climbs (add hotel nights pre/post):

DayStageDistanceElevation Gain/LossHiking TimeHabitat
1Machame Gate to Machame Camp11 km (7 mi)+1,200m (1,800m to 3,000m)5-7 hoursRainforest
2Machame Camp to Shira Camp5 km (3 mi)+800m (3,000m to 3,800m)4-6 hoursMoorland
3Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp10 km (6 mi)+800m up, -700m down (3,800m to 4,600m to 3,900m)6-8 hoursSemi-Desert
4Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp5 km (3 mi)+100m (3,900m to 4,000m)4-5 hoursAlpine Desert
5Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp4 km (2 mi)+600m (4,000m to 4,600m)3-4 hoursAlpine Desert
6Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp12 km (7 mi)+1,295m up, -2,800m down (4,600m to 5,895m to 3,100m)10-14 hoursArctic Summit/Moorland
7Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate10 km (6 mi)-1,300m (3,100m to 1,800m)3-4 hoursRainforest
 

For 6 days, combine Days 4-5. Summit midnight for sunrise.

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Difficulty and Mount Kilimanjaro Success Rate on Machame Route

How hard is the Machame Route? Rated moderate to difficult (3/5), with steep hikes, high altitude, and long days—Barranco Wall requires scrambling, but no expertise needed. Fit hikers manage; altitude sickness is the main hurdle.

Machame route success rates: 75-90% for 7 days (85% average), 65-75% for 6 days. Overall Kilimanjaro is 65-80%, but Machame’s profile edges it higher.

Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro Machame Route

The best time to climb Machame Route Kilimanjaro is late June-October (stable, clear) or December-mid-March (warmer, less crowded). July-September peak for views; avoid April-May rains, as steeps get slippery.

Costs of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

The Machame route costs an average of $2,000-$3,500 per person for 7 days, including fees ($800+), camping, meals, and porters. Budget: $1,750+ for 6 days; premium: $3,000+. Extras: gear $200-500, insurance $100-200, tips $200-300, flights $650-1,500.

Preparation Tips for Machame Route Kilimanjaro

  • Training: 4-6 months cardio/hikes.
  • Gear: -15°C bag, layers, poles.
  • Health: Diamox, hydrate.
  • Booking: Ethical operators.
  • Sustainability: No trace.
 

Pros and Cons of the Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Pros:

  • High success, varied scenery.
  • Good acclimatization.
  • Adventurous camping.

Cons:

  • Crowded peak season.
  • Steeper, weather-dependent.
  • Longer descent.

FAQs About Machame Route Kilimanjaro

How Hard is the Machame Route?

Moderate-difficult; steep but achievable for fit.

How Hard is the Machame Route Kilimanjaro?

Same; altitude main challenge.

How Long Does It Take for the Machame Route?

6-7 days; 7 recommended.

How Long is the Machame Route Kilimanjaro?

62 km (37 miles).

How Many Miles is the Machame Route?

37 miles total.

How Many Miles is the Machame Route on Kilimanjaro?

37 miles.

Ready for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route? Head to the Mount Kilimanjaro Guide.

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