Discover the renowned Machame Route with us, affectionately known as the ‘Whiskey Route,’ and our favored choice among Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes. Each year, nearly half of climbers select this route for their Kilimanjaro adventure. It approaches the mountain from the south, ascends the southern slope, and descends via the Mweka route.
Embark on Mount Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route, boasting one of the most picturesque trails. Traverse five distinct climatic zones and witness natural marvels like the volcanic plug, the Lava Tower. This route also features stops at vantage points offering some of the finest sunrises and sunsets. Covering a distance of 62 km, the Machame Route can be completed in six days. We recommend the ‘Without the Whiskey’ itinerary, extending it to 7 Days, allowing for better acclimatization, resulting in an excellent acclimatization profile and further enhancing the route’s success rate, ranging from medium to high.
The optimal time for ascending the Machame Route is during the dry spells of January to March and June to October, ensuring favorable weather conditions for a successful climb. The Kilimanjaro Machame Route offers a thrilling pathway to the summit of Africa’s highest peak. Promising adventure and breathtaking vistas, it presents an enticing choice for those prepared to conquer the Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing challenge.
Tailored for the adventurous spirit, the Machame Route is designed for those confident in navigating steeper terrains and enduring prolonged treks in challenging conditions. As a less frequented route, it promises an exceptional wildlife experience and places a premium on proper altitude acclimatization.
Today is an acclimatisation day and you will continue along a steep ridge passing the Great Barranco Wall passing below the Heim Glacier and through the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley where you will have views of the summit from many different angles.
Overnight: Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha.
After breakfast you will depart Arusha and drive to the village of Machame located at the base of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing at 5,895m high, it is known as the Roof of Africa. The road from the Machame village to the Machame gate can become very muddy and at certain times of the year may be impossible for vehicles to pass. In this instance, you will complete the 3km walk on foot and upon arrival at the Machame Gate you will sign in, complete your registration and other formalities before beginning your Machame Route 7 Days with your team of Guides, Chefs and Porters.
You will enter the rainforest and continue up a winding trail up a ridge and have the opportunity to see black and white colobus monkeys and exotic birds before arriving at the Machame Camp in the late afternoon.
Starting Point: Machame Gate 1,640m.
End Point: Machame Camp 2,835m.
Walking Duration: 5-7 Hours approx.
Overnight: Machame Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today is an acclimatisation day where you will explore the Shira plateau as you hike east towards Kibo’s peak which leads to Shira Camp 2 and is located by a river on the moorland. You will ascend gently through the lower alpine moorland which is notable for its beautiful wild flowers and plants and continue to Moir Hut where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of walks. Your camp tonight is more exposed and will be windier and colder with temperatures often dropping below freezing.
Starting Point: Machame Camp 2,835m.
End Point: Shira Camp 3,850m.
Walking Duration: 4-6 Hours approx.
Overnight: Shira Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
From the Shira Plateau you will continue east up a steep and rocky trail to Lava Tower. At 3,901m high, this chunky remnant of Kilimanjaro’s earlier volcanic activity is several hundred meters high and the trail passes right below. You will then descend to the lower cliffs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall to Barranco Camp where you will be rewarded with beautiful landscape and spend the night. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, today is an important acclimatisation day.
Starting Point: Shira Camp 3,850m.
Via: Lava Tower 4,600m.
End Point: Barranco Camp 3,900m.
Walking Duration: 6-8 Hours approx.
Overnight: Barranco Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
For clients trekking the Machame Route 7 Days today is an acclimatisation day with a short but steep hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp where you will spend the night.
Today you will continue your ascent along a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall and the Helm Glacier to the Karanga Valley Camp and on to Barafu Camp. You have now completed the Southern Circuit and the Barafu Camp is located on a narrow, rocky ridge with no barriers to block the wind but offers views of the summit from many angles. You can now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is and from now, all eyes are on the summit.
Tonight you will enjoy an early dinner and retire to your tent where you will prepare for your hike to the summit later tonight. At 11:30pm you will be woken with tea or coffee and a snack before making your way into the night.
Starting Point: Barranco Camp 3,850m.
End Point: Barafu Camp 4,680m.
Walking Duration 8-10 Hours approx.
Overnight: Barafu Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
You will continue your trek into the early hours of the morning and the route from Barafu Camp to the summit is mentally and physically, the longest and most challenging day of the entire trek. You will pass the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers before reaching Stella Point at 5,756m which is located on the Crater rim in time to watch the sun rise from the Roof of Africa, a once in a lifetime experience. Here you will rest and take in the magnificent beauty around you. You will continue the snow covered trail to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895m. Temperatures near the summit can range from -23 degrees Celsius in the morning to just below freezing during the night. Upon arrival at the summit you will have the opportunity for a short rest and celebrate a successful climb. Note: faster climbers will see the sun rise from the summit at Uhuru Peak.
From the summit you will now make your descent to Barafu Camp where you will enjoy some well-deserved rest before continuing your descent into the moorland and then the forest before reaching Mweka Hut where you will spend your final night on the mountain.
Starting Point: Barafu Camp 4,680m.
Via: Uhuru Point 5,895m.
End Point: Mweka Camp 3,100m.
Walking Duration 11-14 Hours approx.
Overnight: Mweka Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
After a leisurely breakfast of Machame Route 7 Days you will continue your descent to the Mweka Gate where successful climbers receive their summit certificate. Your vehicle will be waiting for you and will drive you to Arusha where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Starting Point: Mweka Camp 3,100m.
End Point: Mweka Gate 1,640m.
Walking Duration: Time: 3-5 Hours approx.
Overnight: Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. The end of Machame Route 7 Days.
Meals: Breakfast.
The Machame Route is one of the most popular climbing routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is known for its scenic beauty and varied landscapes, making it a favorite among climbers.
The Machame Route covers a distance of approximately 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) from start to finish.
The Machame Route can be completed in six days, but we recommend an extended 7-day itinerary (Without the Whiskey) for better acclimatization, resulting in an excellent acclimatization profile and further enhancing the route’s success rate.
The Machame Route is considered to have a medium level of difficulty. It involves steep terrains and requires endurance for prolonged treks, but it is suitable for confident hikers.
The best times to climb the Machame Route are during the dry seasons of January to March and June to October. These periods offer more favorable weather conditions for a successful ascent.
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The accommodations were top-notch, blending luxury with the beauty of nature. Every day brought new and breathtaking experiences, from witnessing the Great Migration to spotting the Big Five. I felt truly connected to the African wilderness thanks to Grey Eden’s dedication to authentic and responsible tourism.
I highly recommend Grey Eden Safaris to anyone looking for a memorable and life-changing safari experience. They exceeded all my expectations and made every moment unforgettable. I can’t wait to travel with them again!
The accommodations were top-notch, blending luxury with the beauty of nature. Every day brought new and breathtaking experiences, from witnessing the Great Migration to spotting the Big Five. I felt truly connected to the African wilderness thanks to Grey Eden’s dedication to authentic and responsible tourism.
USA
As an Aussie who loves adventure, Grey Eden Safaris delivered beyond my wildest dreams! From start to finish, their team was exceptional—super friendly, professional, and genuinely passionate about showcasing Africa’s beauty. The guides were brilliant, spotting wildlife I never thought I’d see up close.
The safari lodges were stunning, offering a perfect mix of comfort and authentic bush experience. Every day was filled with unforgettable moments, from sunrise game drives to evenings under the stars. I felt safe, well cared for, and truly immersed in nature.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable safari down under or anywhere in the world, Grey Eden Safaris is the way to go. I’ll definitely be back for more adventures with them!
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Five years ago, I embarked on a safari with Grey Eden Safaris, and the memories are still as vivid as the day they happened. From the warm hospitality to the breathtaking wildlife encounters, every detail was flawless. It was truly the trip of a lifetime
The safari itself was beyond anything I had imagined. We ventured deep into the wilderness, witnessing majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, and even a pride of lions up close. Our guide’s knowledge of the land and wildlife made each moment more meaningful, turning every sighting into a story worth remembering. The landscapes were like something out of a dream, changing from golden savannahs to lush green plains.
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