Experience one of Kilimanjaro’s most celebrated climbing routes.
The Machame Route combines a rewarding challenge with spectacular
mountain scenery, including the famous Barranco Wall scramble.
Its gradual ascent profile offers valuable acclimatization opportunities.
The climb uses tented camps throughout, with an estimated summit success
rate of approximately 85%.
7 Days6 Nights
▲5,895 m – Uhuru Peak
⌂Tented Camp Accommodation
✓Approximately 85% Summit Success
From$1,900Per person · Starting price
↗
The Barranco Wall
A 300-metre hands-and-feet rock scramble on Day 5.
Non-technical with no ropes, but thrilling and exposed.
Often remembered as a highlight of the entire climb.
Most Scenic Route
Approaches from the south, crossing five climate zones
with dramatic views of the Southern Glaciers, Heim
Glacier, Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Full Tented Camping
Sleep in quality dome tents at dramatic mountain campsites.
Your camp crew sets everything up before you arrive.
You carry only your daypack.
~85%
Summit Success
#1
Most Popular Route
7 DAYS
On The Mountain
Machame Route Elevation Profile
From the rainforest at Machame Gate to the roof of Africa.
1,830 m · Machame Gate5,895 m · Uhuru Peak
Machame Gate1,830 mStarting point
Machame Camp2,980 m · Night 1
Shira Camp3,840 m · Night 2
Lava Tower → Barranco4,630 → 3,960 m · Night 3
Barranco Wall → Karanga3,995 m · Night 4Wall Scramble
Barafu Camp4,673 m · Night 5
Uhuru Peak5,895 mSummit Zone
Mweka Camp3,100 m · Night 6
Mweka Gate1,640 m · End
The moving marker follows the route and highlights the Uhuru Peak summit zone.
📅
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
🏔️
Summit
5,895 m Uhuru Peak
⛺
Sleeping
Tented Camps
🏆
Success Rate
~85%
About this climb
The Machame Route — nicknamed the "Whiskey Route" for its reputation as the more adventurous counterpart to the Marangu "Coca-Cola Route" — is the most popular and widely considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro. It approaches the mountain from the south-west, threading through dense rainforest, dramatic heather moorland, and the spectacular Shira Plateau before an unforgettable traverse beneath the Southern Glaciers.
The 7-day itinerary delivers exceptional acclimatization through an important "climb high, sleep low" day on Day 3 — ascending to the Lava Tower at 4,630 m before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,960 m. This single design feature helps improve the opportunity for acclimatization compared with shorter itineraries.
The Barranco Wall — the highlight of the climb
On Day 4 you scale the famous 300-metre Barranco Wall — a rocky cliff face tackled as a hands-and-feet scramble. No ropes or technical equipment are needed. Your guides position above and below for every climber. The views from the top are extraordinary. Virtually every Machame climber cites it as the most memorable section of the entire mountain.
Tented camping — your crew does the work
Unlike the Marangu Route, the Machame uses tented campsites. Your porters carry all tents, kitchen equipment, and your main bag (max 15 kg). You carry only a 15–20 L daypack on the trail. Camp is set up and dinner is ready when you arrive at each site.
Who should choose the Machame Route?
The Machame Route is ideal for fit, adventurous climbers who want the best scenery on Kilimanjaro, enjoy a physical challenge, and don't need hut accommodation. If you prefer sleeping in huts, see our 6-day Marangu Route. If you want a longer itinerary with more time for acclimatization, see our 8-day Lemosho Route.
Explore each day of your Machame Route adventure. Select a day to see its details.
Climb Day 1Machame Gate → Machame Camp1,830 m → 2,980 m · Rainforest · 5–7 hrs
The Machame Route begins at the gate nestled in the forest foothills south-west of the mountain. Today's trek immediately plunges into one of Africa's finest montane rainforests — lush, cool, and alive with birds and monkeys. The climb is steady but demanding from the first steps.
07:00 — Pickup from Moshi hotel
Briefing, final gear check, and 1.5-hour drive to Machame Gate (1,830 m). Register at park gate while porters load bags.
09:30 — Enter rainforest — begin climb
Trail enters dense montane forest. Good chance of seeing black-and-white colobus monkeys, buffalo, and a dazzling variety of birds and epiphytic plants.
13:00 — Lunch in the forest
Hot lunch on the trail. Porters have overtaken you and the camp is already being set up above.
16:30 — Arrive Machame Camp (2,980 m)
First campsite — dramatic heather moorland with views opening to the south. Dinner, hot drinks, and oxygen saturation check by guide.
Climb Day 2Machame Camp → Shira Camp2,980 m → 3,840 m · Moorland & Shira Plateau · 4–6 hrs
Leave the rainforest behind as the trail climbs through open moorland toward the Shira Plateau. The landscape becomes more dramatic, with wide views across the mountain and surrounding highlands. Arrive at Shira Camp for dinner and overnight rest.
⛰ 2,980 m → 3,840 m⏱ 4–6 hrs⛺ Shira Camp · Night 2
Climb Day 3 — AcclimatizationShira Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp3,840 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m · Climb high, sleep low · 6–8 hrs
Today's route follows the climb-high, sleep-low principle. Ascend toward Lava Tower at 4,630 m before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,960 m. This elevation change provides an important opportunity for your body to adapt to the altitude.
⛰ 3,840 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m⏱ 6–8 hrs⛺ Barranco Camp · Night 3
Climb Day 4 · ★ Barranco Wall DayBarranco Camp → Barranco Wall → Karanga Camp3,960 m → Scramble → 3,995 m · 4–5 hrs · The iconic highlight
Begin the day with the famous Barranco Wall scramble. The trail climbs the rocky wall, with your guides helping you navigate the route. At the top, enjoy remarkable mountain views before continuing across the ridges and valleys toward Karanga Camp.
🧗 Barranco Wall⏱ 4–5 hrs⛺ Karanga Camp · Night 4
Climb Day 5Karanga Camp → Barafu Base Camp3,995 m → 4,673 m · Alpine desert · 3–4 hrs
Continue through the alpine desert toward Barafu Base Camp. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged and exposed as you gain elevation. At camp, rest, eat, and prepare your equipment for the summit attempt.
⛰ 3,995 m → 4,673 m⏱ 3–4 hrs⛺ Barafu Camp · Night 5
Climb Day 6 · ★ Summit NightBarafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m · 12–15 hrs · The night you trained for
Begin the summit push during the night, climbing toward Stella Point and onward to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 m. After celebrating your achievement and taking photographs, descend toward Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
🏔️ Uhuru Peak · 5,895 m⏱ 12–15 hrs⛺ Mweka Camp · Night 6
Day 7 · Descent & CertificateMweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi3,100 m → 1,640 m · 3–4 hrs · Certificate & farewell
After breakfast, descend through the forest to Mweka Gate. Complete the park formalities and collect your summit certificate, then return to Moshi for a shower, relaxation, and farewell.
⛰ 3,100 m → 1,640 m⏱ 3–4 hrs🏅 Summit Certificate
Choose your package
All packages follow the identical 7-day Machame Route itinerary with tented camping. The difference is hotel tier, guide ratio, and equipment standard.
Where the 7-day Machame Route sits among all Kilimanjaro options:
Route
Days
Sleeping
Success Rate
Difficulty
From
Marangu 5-day
5
Huts 🏠
~65%
Moderate
$1,650
Marangu 6-day
6
Huts 🏠
~80%
Moderate
$1,850
Machame 7-day ← You are here
7
Tents ⛺
~85%
Challenging
$1,900
Rongai Route
7
Tents ⛺
~80%
Moderate
$1,950
Lemosho Route
8
Tents ⛺
~92%
Challenging
$2,200
Best time to climb
The Machame Route is open year-round. Summit conditions vary significantly by season:
Months
Season
Summit Conditions
Trail
Crowds
Jan – Feb
Dry & cold
Excellent
Firm & dry
Moderate
Mar – May
Long rains
Often difficult
Muddy, slippery
Low
Jun – Oct
Dry (peak)
Excellent
Dry & clear
High
Nov
Short rains
Variable
Wet lower zone
Low
Dec
Dry & cold
Excellent
Firm & dry
Moderate
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the 7-day Machame Route cost?
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Our 7-day Machame Route climb starts from $1,900 per person.
The final price depends on your selected package, group size and travel arrangements.
We offer Standard, Premium and Private climbing options.
Why is the Machame Route called the Whiskey Route?
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Machame is commonly known as the Whiskey Route because it is considered
a more challenging climb than the Marangu Route, sometimes nicknamed
the Coca-Cola Route. Machame offers a demanding trek with varied terrain,
scenic landscapes and a rewarding mountain experience.
What is the Barranco Wall and is it dangerous?
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The Barranco Wall is a steep rock feature on the Machame Route,
approximately 300 metres high. Climbers use their hands and feet
to scramble up sections of the wall. It is not a technical rock climb
and normally does not require ropes. Our mountain guides assist
climbers throughout the ascent. Follow their instructions and take
your time, especially on exposed sections.
Do I need to carry my own tent?
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No. Tents are provided as part of your climbing package.
Our mountain crew carries and sets up the sleeping and dining tents
at each campsite. You only need to carry your personal daypack
during the daily trek.
What is the summit success rate on the Machame Route?
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We use an estimated summit success rate of approximately
85% for the 7-day Machame Route. Actual results
vary depending on acclimatisation, individual fitness, health,
weather and how each climber responds to altitude.
Are your porters treated and paid fairly?
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Porter welfare is an important part of responsible mountain tourism.
Before booking, you can ask our team about porter wages, luggage
weight limits, meals, accommodation and working conditions.
We encourage transparent practices and respectful treatment
of every member of the mountain crew.
Other Kilimanjaro Routes to Consider
Still comparing your options? Explore these alternative Kilimanjaro
experiences and choose the climb that best matches your schedule,
interests and preferred mountain experience.
8 Days Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route
From $2,200 · 8 days · ~92% success rate
Enjoy a longer and scenic approach to Kilimanjaro, with
additional time for acclimatisation and beautiful views
across the Shira Plateau.
