Machame Route, 6 and 7 Days
The Machame route is the most popular way to climb Kilimanjaro, and for good reason. It crosses five climate zones, climbs the Barranco Wall and reaches Uhuru Peak by the Barafu camp. It is a camping route with excellent scenery, usually done in 6 or 7 days.
The Machame route is the most popular way to climb Kilimanjaro, and for good reason. It crosses five climate zones, climbs the Barranco Wall and reaches Uhuru Peak by the Barafu camp. It is a camping route with excellent scenery, usually done in 6 or 7 days.
Our Machame packages start from USD 2,484 per person. We recommend the 7 day version, which adds an acclimatisation day and raises your chances of reaching the summit.
Machame route itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
You start at Machame Gate (about 1,800 metres) and walk through lush rainforest to Machame Camp at 2,980 metres. It takes five to seven hours.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
The forest gives way to heath and moorland. The trail climbs to Shira Camp at 3,840 metres, with views across the Shira Plateau.
Day 3: Shira to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp
You climb to Lava Tower at 4,630 metres for acclimatisation, then descend to Barranco Camp at 3,950 metres. This "climb high, sleep low" day is an important part of the route.
Day 4: Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp
After breakfast you climb the Barranco Wall, a scramble of about 250 metres that sounds worse than it is, and then continue to Karanga Camp.
Day 5: Karanga to Barafu Camp
A short day to Barafu Camp at 4,670 metres. You rest in the afternoon before the summit attempt.
Summit day: Uhuru Peak
You leave around midnight and climb for six to eight hours through the night, reaching Stella Point at sunrise and Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres. You then descend to Mweka Camp for the night.
Final day: Mweka Gate
A walk through the forest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate.
Machame route 6 days or 7 days?
The 6 day version is faster and lower in cost, but it has one fewer night for acclimatisation, so it has a lower success rate. The 7 day version adds a night at Karanga, which gives you a slower pace and more energy for the summit. If you can spare the extra day, we recommend 7 days.
Is the Machame route hard?
It is a challenging route because of the length and the altitude, but it is not technical. The Barranco Wall is a scramble that most people enjoy, and the summit night is cold and long. Good preparation and a slow pace make a big difference.
Best time for the Machame route
January to March and June to October are the driest months. The route is busy in July to September, when more camps are in use, and quieter in the green seasons. See our best time to climb Kilimanjaro guide.
Machame compared with other routes
Compared with Marangu, Machame is a camping route with more varied scenery and a better acclimatisation profile. Compared with Lemosho, it is shorter and more popular, and the first days are busier. Compared with Rongai, it is wetter on the southern side but more scenic. For most climbers who want a classic route at a fair price, Machame in 7 days is the best choice.
Camps and facilities
On Machame you sleep in tents at designated campsites with basic toilets. Your crew sets up sleeping tents, a mess tent and, in our packages, a private toilet tent. Camps get cold at night, so a good sleeping bag rated to minus ten degrees Celsius is important. We can rent sleeping bags and jackets in Arusha or Moshi.
What to bring on Machame
The essentials for a Machame climb:
- Waterproof hiking boots, already worn in, and gaiters
- A waterproof jacket and trousers, a down jacket and thermal base layers
- A warm hat, gloves, a buff and sunglasses
- A daypack of 25 to 30 litres, trekking poles and a headlamp with spare batteries
- A water bottle or hydration system that does not freeze, and your personal medication
Machame route packages
- 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Machame Route (6 Days / 5 Nights, from USD 2,484 per person) The scenic Whiskey Route condensed for fit trekkers with strong endurance and high stamina.
- 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Machame Route (7 Days / 6 Nights, from USD 2,762 per person) The premier 7-day Whiskey Route with a dedicated acclimatization night at Karanga Camp.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Machame route cost?
Our Machame packages start from USD 2,484 per person. The price covers park fees, crew, meals, camping and transfers.
Is Machame better than Lemosho?
Lemosho is longer and quieter, and has a higher success rate. Machame is shorter and has a lower cost.
Is the Machame route camping?
Yes. You sleep in tents, which our crew sets up and takes down each day.
What is the success rate?
Success rates are higher on 7 day itineraries than on 6 day itineraries because of the extra acclimatisation.
How busy is the Machame route?
It is the most popular route, so camps can be busy in July to September. A small group and an early start help.