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The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. It is a six or seven day camping route that offers stunning views, a reasonable challenge, and ample time for acclimation. Approximately 35% of all climbers on the mountain use this route. Unlike the Marangu route, the Machame route allows camping, with trekkers sleeping in tents all the way to the summit
On Day 1, the climb starts at the Machame trailhead and takes hikers through montane forests to Machame Hut Camp. The hiking time is around 5-7 hours, with an overnight altitude of approximately 9,350′.
On Day 2, hikers continue through the forest, enjoying the scenery as they make their way to the Shira Plateau. The hiking time is around 4-6 hours, with an overnight altitude of approximately 12,500′.
Day 3 is a long day of acclimatization, with an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower for lunch and then descending to the Barranco valley. Hikers can also scramble up the Lava Tower if time and weather permit. The hiking time is around 6-8 hours, with an overnight altitude of approximately 13,044′.
Day 4 is focused on acclimatization as hikers climb the Barranco Wall and traverse several ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp. There may be time for an acclimatization hike in the afternoon. The hiking time is around 4-5 hours, with an overnight altitude of approximately 13,106′.
On Day 5, hikers continue their circuit and arrive at Barafu Camp, their final camp before the summit. There are ups and downs along ridges and valleys on this day. After an early supper, hikers rest for a few hours before starting the summit ascent around 11:00 PM. The hiking time is around 3-4 hours, with an overnight altitude of approximately 15,331′.
Day 6 is the summit day, starting at midnight with headlamps guiding the way slowly to Stella Point and then the summit. Hikers need to hike slowly due to the altitude and dress warmly for the cold. After celebrating and taking photos at the summit, they descend to Mweka Camp. The hiking time is around 6-7 hours for the ascent and 6-9 hours for the descent. The summit altitude is approximately 19,341′ and the overnight altitude is approximately 10,500′.
On the final day, Day 7, hikers make the descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. From there, they are driven back to Arusha, where they enjoy lunch, bid farewell to their mountain crew, and then head to the hotel for a hot shower and celebratory dinner. The hiking time on this day is around 3-5 hours.
