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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.
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.
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):
| Day | Stage | Distance | Elevation Gain/Loss | Hiking Time | Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Machame Gate to Machame Camp | 11 km (7 mi) | +1,200m (1,800m to 3,000m) | 5-7 hours | Rainforest |
| 2 | Machame Camp to Shira Camp | 5 km (3 mi) | +800m (3,000m to 3,800m) | 4-6 hours | Moorland |
| 3 | Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp | 10 km (6 mi) | +800m up, -700m down (3,800m to 4,600m to 3,900m) | 6-8 hours | Semi-Desert |
| 4 | Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp | 5 km (3 mi) | +100m (3,900m to 4,000m) | 4-5 hours | Alpine Desert |
| 5 | Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp | 4 km (2 mi) | +600m (4,000m to 4,600m) | 3-4 hours | Alpine Desert |
| 6 | Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp | 12 km (7 mi) | +1,295m up, -2,800m down (4,600m to 5,895m to 3,100m) | 10-14 hours | Arctic Summit/Moorland |
| 7 | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate | 10 km (6 mi) | -1,300m (3,100m to 1,800m) | 3-4 hours | Rainforest |
For 6 days, combine Days 4-5. Summit midnight for sunrise.
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.
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.
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.
Pros:
Cons:
Moderate-difficult; steep but achievable for fit.
Same; altitude main challenge.
6-7 days; 7 recommended.
62 km (37 miles).
37 miles total.
37 miles.
Ready for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route? Head to the Mount Kilimanjaro Guide.



































