The Machame Route, often referred to as the Whiskey Route, is a well-known trail for climbing Kilimanjaro and ranks among the most frequented paths. Each year, numerous expeditions are held along this route, which starts in a stunning tropical forest. The Machame Route offers both 6-day and 7-day options, with the 7-day variation providing a much better acclimatization experience and a higher chance of reaching the summit. The 7-day trek is an ideal choice for beginners, offering
Many trekkers are interested in the success rates for summiting Kilimanjaro via different trekking routes. Since 2014, we have been collecting accurate data from thousands of climbs. Below are the summit success rates for our Machame route expeditions:
– Machame 6: Crater Rim – 92.0%, Uhuru Peak – 87.3%
– Machame 7: Crater Rim – 96.1%, Uhuru Peak – 93.1%
As shown, the 7-day Machame itinerary has a significantly higher summit success rate compared to the 6-day version. In fact, the Machame 7 trek is considered one of the best in terms of success rates. On the third day, this route connects with the Lemosho and Umbwe routes, proceeding to the summit as a single path. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for both novice and experienced trekkers.
While many operators claim high success rates, verifying their figures can be challenging. Our impressive success rates are due to several key factors. We take pride in employing the best Kilimanjaro guides, porters, and specialists in the area. By providing excellent working conditions and competitive salaries, we attract top talent. We also prioritize ensuring our clients have everything they need for effective acclimatization. For instance, we have more oxygen tanks than any other tour operator on Kilimanjaro, and we equip our clients with comprehensive medical kits. Additionally, our guides are trained to recognize and address symptoms of altitude sickness and will provide assistance if any issues arise. Regular medical checks for both clients and the mountain crew twice a day enhance the safety of our expeditions and improve the likelihood of reaching the summit.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), where you will meet our representative, and transfer to the hotel at the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also ensure you are ready to begin the climb.
Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges will apply for additional individual transfers. To avoid extra costs, sync your group’s arrival and departure times.
A guide along with a mountain support team will arrive at the hotel in the morning to meet with you and conduct a brief briefing, after which you will take a vehicle to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park: Machame Gate. Following the quick process of obtaining climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue team, the group will begin the trek to Machame Camp. The trekking path goes through the rainforest, where tropical rain is quite likely, so we advise you to bring spare clothing as well as a raincoat.
PLEASE NOTE: This will be your initial experience at this elevation, so it is highly advisable to follow these instructions from this point forward:After breakfast, you will start trekking up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp. On this day you will emerge from the rainforest and for the first time be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau laid out in front of you. Technically speaking, trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude, so pay attention to your body and remember that choosing the proper pace is extremely important for good trekking. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and some rest, after which the group will go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp with a 400 m /1,312 f gain in altitude. Back down at Shira Camp, you will be served a hot dinner.
Â
PLEASE NOTE: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.
After breakfast, you will leave Shira Camp and begin your journey to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,088 ft). This section includes several ascents and descents, culminating in a camp that is situated over 4,600 m / 15,088 ft high. Some parts of the trek may be challenging, and it is common to experience discomfort. However, to properly acclimate to the altitude, it is essential to spend at least 1–2 hours at Lava Tower. For this reason, our groups enjoy lunch at the top.
After lunch, you will descend to Barranco Camp, where you can admire the famous Barranco Wall, known for its massive size and steepness. The following day, you will be climbing this wall, but don’t worry; it features a straightforward hiking trail that is not intimidating at all.
Trekking time:
Distance:Your group will start early this morning. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, you’ll begin your climb of Barranco Wall. We recommend leaving the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds from other groups, which can slow you down. The hike up the gorge wall is not difficult and takes about an hour. Once you reach the top, you can rest and take photos in front of Kibo Volcano.
Following this, you’ll embark on a more challenging hike to Karanga Camp, which involves several ascents and descents along the route. However, there’s no need to worry; our guides are skilled at setting an optimal pace for the group. After reaching Karanga Camp, you will be served a warm lunch. A couple of hours later, you’ll ascend to Barafu Camp, where you’ll enjoy a hot dinner. It’s best to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping in preparation for the night summit.
Trekking time:Distance:Your team will depart from Barafu Camp at night and begin the final summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude, which makes even regular physical activity feel strenuous. Each pair of climbers will be under the care of a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental condition.Â
After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier, if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and enjoy a 2-hour rest before continuing your descent to Millennium Camp.
PLEASE NOTE:Remember that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay close attention to your footing, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
Trekking time:Distance:Millennium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate. After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to your hotel.
Trekking time:Distance:Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE:Â Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), where you will meet our representative, and transfer to the hotel at the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also ensure you are ready to begin the climb.
Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges will apply for additional individual transfers. To avoid extra costs, sync your group’s arrival and departure times.
A guide along with a mountain support team will arrive at the hotel in the morning to meet with you and conduct a brief briefing, after which you will take a vehicle to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park: Machame Gate. Following the quick process of obtaining climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue team, the group will begin the trek to Machame Camp. The trekking path goes through the rainforest, where tropical rain is quite likely, so we advise you to bring spare clothing as well as a raincoat.
PLEASE NOTE: This will be your initial experience at this elevation, so it is highly advisable to follow these instructions from this point forward:
Our managers will offer more specific information along with your travel itinerary. We suggest consulting with your doctor before the trip to address any potential allergies or health issues. During the night, you may face discomfort related to acclimatizing to the higher altitude: due to a decrease in your breathing rate at night, your body receives less oxygen than it does during the daytime. Considering the altitude, you may begin to feel unwell and experience headaches. Pay close attention to how you’re feeling and inform your guide if you notice any signs of altitude sickness. .
Trekking time:Distance:After breakfast, you will start trekking up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp. On this day you will emerge from the rainforest and for the first time be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau laid out in front of you. Technically speaking, trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude, so pay attention to your body and remember that choosing the proper pace is extremely important for good trekking. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and some rest, after which the group will go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp with a 400 m /1,312 f gain in altitude. Back down at Shira Camp, you will be served a hot dinner.
PLEASE NOTE: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.
After breakfast, you will leave Shira Camp and begin your journey to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,088 ft). This section includes several ascents and descents, culminating in a camp that is situated over 4,600 m / 15,088 ft high. Some parts of the trek may be challenging, and it is common to experience discomfort. However, to properly acclimate to the altitude, it is essential to spend at least 1–2 hours at Lava Tower. For this reason, our groups enjoy lunch at the top.
After lunch, you will descend to Barranco Camp, where you can admire the famous Barranco Wall, known for its massive size and steepness. The following day, you will be climbing this wall, but don’t worry; it features a straightforward hiking trail that is not intimidating at all.
Trekking time:Distance:Your group will start early this morning. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, you’ll begin your climb of Barranco Wall. We recommend leaving the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds from other groups, which can slow you down. The hike up the gorge wall is not difficult and takes about an hour. Once you reach the top, you can rest and take photos in front of Kibo Volcano.
Following this, you’ll embark on a more challenging hike to Karanga Camp, which involves several ascents and descents along the route. However, there’s no need to worry; our guides are skilled at setting an optimal pace for the group. After reaching Karanga Camp, you will be served a warm lunch. A couple of hours later, you’ll ascend to Barafu Camp, where you’ll enjoy a hot dinner. It’s best to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping in preparation for the night summit.
Trekking time:Distance:
After breakfast, you will begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp. Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax upon arrival. After regaining strength, you have to complete an acclimatization climb towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp with its highest point being 4,870 m /15,974 f and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.
Change in Elevation:Hiking distance:Hiking time:Trekking time:Distance:Your team will depart from Barafu Camp at night and begin the final summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude, which makes even regular physical activity feel strenuous. Each pair of climbers will be under the care of a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental condition.Â
After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier, if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and enjoy a 2-hour rest before continuing your descent to Millennium Camp.
PLEASE NOTE:Remember that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay close attention to your footing, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
Trekking time:Distance:Millennium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate. After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to your hotel.
Trekking time:Distance:Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE:Â Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
Enquire Online Complete a short form
Get Best Options Chat with our Safari Expert
Confirm & Pay Begin Your Unforgettable Safari
Our team is always here to help
