Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame route

The Machame Route or Whiskey Route to the top of Kilimanjaro is a 6 days journey (stages). It is the longest track where altitude adjustment occurs over a long period of time. This increases the chances of success. It is a hiking route and not a climbing route.

The Machame Route begins at Machame Gate and ends at Mweka Gate.

The Machame route is widely recognized as one of the most varied and interesting routes to the top of Kilimanjaro. Although the route has grown in popularity in recent years, the number of people climbing the mountain via this route is still limited due to its physical nature and the fact that tents are used overnight. The route is ideal for anyone who wants to get acquainted with the overwhelming nature of Kilimanjaro National Park combined with the challenge of reaching the summit.

The summit of Kilimanjaro can be climbed by anyone who is reasonably fit and enjoys long walks. In 2005, 25,000 tourists climbed Kilimanjaro. The average number that reaches the top is around 60%.

The Machame route descending via the Mweka route is normally completed in 6 days. Some prefer to take an extra day to acclimatize in the Karanga Valley . The distance covered by the Machame route to the summit is 40 km.

Since the night is spent in tents, all the equipment must follow the entire route : sleeping tents, dining tent, folding tables, folding chairs, kitchen utensils, ... everything is carried by porters , set up and taken down every day. They also carry all the groceries and equipment of the climbers that do not belong in 'the backpack' (clothes, clothing, laundry,...). For 17 climbers we had 41 porters, a main guide , 5 auxiliary guides and 3 cooks .

The stages are the following:

Day 1: Machame Gate (1800m) - Machame Camp (3000m) - 10.3 km

Route Machame Day 1

Day 2: Machame Camp - Shira Cave (3600m) - 9 km

Route Machame Day 2

Day 3: Shira Cave - Junction Point / Lava Tower (4500m) - Barranco Camp (3950m) - 10 km

Route Machame Day 3

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3950) - Barafu Hut (4700 m) - 9 km

Route Machame Day 4

Day 5 : Barafu Hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - 5km; Uhuru Peak - Barafu Hut - Mweka Camp (3100 m) - 9 km; Day 6: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate, Moshi

Route Machame on days 5 and 6

Be sure to consult the information about the sights here once you are on site. They explain what you get to see!

02/2006 R12/2022