The 6-days Mt Kilimanjaro Climb Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep, and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore, climbing mount Kilimanjaro Machame route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking, or backpacking experience.
Moshi Town (Google Map)
Early In The Morning
Camping/ huts
The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes to start our Mt Kilimanjaro Climb Machame route. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.
Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: About 18 km
Habitat: Montane forest.
You rise early at Machame camp and after breakfast, you climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. By now you will be able to see in an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. You are now due west of Kibo and after a short hike, you will reach the Shira campsite at 3 840m. The porters will boil drinking and washing water, before serving dinner. The night at this exposed camp will even be colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing.
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: About 9 km’s
Habitat: Moorland
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft. tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Hiking time: 7 Hrs
Distance: About 15 km’s
Habitat: Semi-desert
Totally exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick, and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at around about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep for not more than 5 hours.
Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: About 13 km’s
Habitat: Alpine desert
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft.), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7/8 hours to descend to Mweka,
Distance: About 7 km’s ascent – 23 km’s descent,
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi. Marking the end of our 6 days Mt Kilimanjaro Climb Machame route
Elevation: 10,065 ft. to 5,380 ft.
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
What should I pack for climbing mount Kilimanjaro Machame route?
Inside Your daypack on Kilimanjaro, you will have waterproof gear, a sun hut, extra warm clothing, water, snacks, Packed lunch, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellent, and a camera. When you’re on the mountain, most of your gear will be packed in your large duffel bag, which our porters will carry. For more information on what to park from Kilimanjaro hiking kindly check our Kilimanjaro guide
Is it safe to climb Mount Kilimanjaro Machame route?
Yes, technically speaking, Mount Kilimanjaro is also relatively safe compared to other mountains of similar altitude and the risks are low compared to other mountains. However, this is not to say that it is easy to reach the summit or that there are no risks involved.
How fit would I have to be to climb mount Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t need an athlete or someone who is so much into exercise. Only a few training sessions prepare your lungs for low oxygen levels. To better equip our climbers, at Northern lagoon Travel, we always do offer a fitness assessment check.
Are the guides trained in first aid and altitude sickness?
Kilimanjaro guides are trained in acute mountain sickness (AMS) and basic mountain first aid. However, they are not doctors or paramedics, climbers are however responsible for bringing their own first aid kits and medical supplies.
Is my health monitored throughout the treks?
We carry full medical supplies that could possibly be required from, oxygen tanks to resuscitation equipment. Everyone is assessed daily, both morning and evening for; respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and O2 saturation levels. We also provide full medical support with qualified doctors if needed at additional costs per group.
Should I do a scheduled group trek or a private trek?
A 6 days Kilimanjaro climb Machame route open group tour is one in which anyone can join the climb, however, tend to be cheaper compared to private tours and they have a set schedule.
We run our own scheduled group trek departure dates throughout ‘all’ seasons, and also “tailor-made” private treks where you can choose your specific dates.
Which Kilimanjaro route is the best?
The best route to climb Kilimanjaro is the Machame route and Lemosho route over 7 or 8 days – excellent acclimatization and an easier summit night make these winners a long way. The Lemosho route, summit success rate? Due to its longer length profile, summit success rates on the Lemosho route are one of the highest on the mountain. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average success rate across all operators is 90% for the 8-day trek and an 85% success rate for the 7-day trek. Check out our blog post on the Kilimanjaro hiking routes
The team was amazing, our guide was so charming, which made the hike less tiresome, the cook was awesome the food was delicious. Thank you Northern Lagoon Travels!