Nicknamed the “Whiskey Route,” Machame earned its reputation for being more challenging and adventurous than the Marangu Route. Among all Kilimanjaro routes, it remains one of the most rewarding—offering excellent acclimatization, strong summit success rates, and great value.
Best suited for adventurous hikers and those with prior trekking experience, Machame features steep sections and varied terrain, making the journey physically demanding yet highly fulfilling. The route ascends from the southwest and descends via the Mweka Route, treating climbers to breathtaking highlights such as the vast Shira Plateau, the optional Lava Tower acclimatization hike, the iconic Barranco Wall, and a spectacular traverse beneath Kilimanjaro’s southern glaciers.
Despite its beauty, the Machame Route is one of the most popular, so expect higher traffic—especially during peak climbing seasons. However, its dramatic landscapes and diverse environments—from rainforest to alpine desert to ice summit—make every step unforgettable.
Why Choose the Machame Route
Excellent acclimatization with multiple walk high, sleep low opportunities
Challenging yet achievable for well-prepared trekkers
Stunning scenery across five distinct ecological zones
Option to split the pre-summit day for better rest and success
High summit success rates and exceptional photographic viewpoints
A demanding but incredibly scenic trail—perfect for climbers seeking adventure, diversity, and a strong chance of reaching Uhuru Peak with Kili Vista Expeditions.
If you’ve arranged airport transfers, a Kili Vista Expeditions representative will meet you upon arrival at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Today includes a detailed pre-trek briefing, gear check, and equipment rentals if needed. We recommend arriving at least one day before your climb begins.
After breakfast, enjoy a 45-minute scenic drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, passing through local villages on the mountain’s lower slopes. Once registered, we begin our trek through lush, green rainforest, following a winding trail up the ridge. Expect muddy or slippery conditions—gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. We arrive at Machame Camp by late afternoon.
Elevation: 1,830m / 6,000ft → 3,050m / 9,950ft
Distance: 11km / 7mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Today’s trek leaves the rainforest behind and continues upward across a steep rocky ridge. The landscape opens into moorland, offering expansive views before descending slightly into the Shira Plateau, where we spend the night at Shira Camp.
Elevation: 3,050m / 9,950ft → 3,850m / 12,600ft
Distance: 5km / 3mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We continue east across the Shira Plateau before turning southeast toward the striking Lava Tower, also known as the Shark’s Tooth (4,650m). After lunch here, we descend into the spectacular Barranco Valley and camp beneath the towering Barranco Wall. Although we end the day at a similar elevation to where we began, this is a crucial acclimatization day.
Elevation: 3,850m / 12,600ft → 4,000m / 13,000ft
Distance: 10km / 6mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today starts with an exciting climb up the famous Barranco Wall (4,250m), followed by a traverse through the Karanga Valley. We then continue upward to Barafu Camp, our base for the summit attempt. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the summit and surrounding peaks. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the early morning ascent.
Elevation: 4,000m / 13,000ft → 4,700m / 15,350ft
Distance: 9km / 6mi
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We begin the summit push between midnight and 2:00 am, ascending steadily between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers toward Stella Point (5,756m). This is the most physically and mentally demanding section of the trek. After a brief rest, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—5,895m / 19,341ft, the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating at the summit, we descend to Barafu Camp for lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp for our final night on the mountain. Trekking poles and gaiters are highly recommended for the descent.
Elevation: 4,700m / 15,350ft → 5,895m / 19,340ft
Down to 3,090m / 10,150ft
Distance: 5km / 3mi up | 13km / 8mi down
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up | 5–6 hours down
Habitat: Arctic Summit Zone & Stone Scree
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, continue descending through the lush montane forest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your well-earned summit certificates. A Kili Vista Expeditions vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your Moshi hotel—hot shower, fresh clothes, and celebration await!
Elevation: 3,090m / 10,150ft → 1,680m / 5,500ft
Distance: 10km / 6mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
