Machame Route

Route Overview

The Machame route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most popular and scenic paths to the summit. It is famous for its physical challenge and beautiful landscapes. Hikers climb the Barranco Wall and traverse beneath the southern ice fields of Kibo. It's best suited for fit individuals with some hiking experience.

Route Map & Elevation

Visualizing the "Climb High, Sleep Low" acclimatization profile.

Venture StartsMachame Gate1,800m

Point 2Machame Camp2,835m

Point 3Shira 23,850m

Point 4Barranco Camp3,900m

Point 5Karanga Camp3,995m

Point 6Barafu Camp4,673m

Goal ReachedUhuru Peak5,895m

Return HomeMweka Gate1,640m

Route Highlights

Climbing the famous Barranco Wall

Beautiful views of the southern glaciers

Classic 'Climb High, Sleep Low' profile

Diverse climatic zones in a short time

Vibrant social atmosphere

Why choose the Machame Route?

Known as the 'Whiskey' route. It's steep, rugged and adventurous. Perfect for those seeking a challenge.

Success Rate85%

Typical Days6-7 Days

DifficultyHigh

Day by Day Itinerary

Follow your epic journey up the mountain, with daily details and gear recommendations based on passing climate zones.

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elev: 1,640m to 2,850m

Dist: 11 km

Time: 5-7 hours

The trek begins at Machame Gate, leading through lush rainforest. The trail can be muddy and slippery.

Climate & Gear Zone

Rainforest

Max Temp

20°C / 68°F

Min Temp

13°C / 55°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

T-Shirt or long sleeve shirt

Trekking sneakers

Trekking pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Sun hat or cap

Trekking poles

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elev: 2,850m to 3,847m

Dist: 5-8 km

Time: 4-6 hours

Leaving the rainforest, the path ascends onto a steep rocky ridge and then turns west into a river gorge.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco

Elev: 3,847m to 3,962m (via 4,600m)

Dist: 10 km

Time: 6-8 hours

Trek east towards Lava Tower, a significant point for acclimatization, descending to Barranco Camp.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elev: 3,962m to 3,994m

Dist: 5-10 km

Time: 4-5 hours

Ascend the formidable Barranco Wall, followed by trekking through ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elev: 3,994m to 4,673m

Dist: 3-4 km

Time: 4-5 hours

From Karanga, the trail continues to Barafu Camp, where trekkers prepare for the summit attempt.

Climate & Gear Zone

Arctic Summit

Max Temp

-10°C / 14°F

Min Temp

-17°C / 1°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Insulated summit jacket (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Insulated summit pants (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat + balaclava recommended

Trekking poles

Mittens over fleece gloves

Headlamp with spare batteries

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka

Elev: 4,673m to 5,895m to 3,068m

Dist: 17 km

Time: 11-14 hours

The summit push begins around midnight, aiming for dawn at the peak. The descent is long, passing Barafu.

Climate & Gear Zone

Arctic Summit

Max Temp

-10°C / 14°F

Min Temp

-17°C / 1°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Insulated summit jacket (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Insulated summit pants (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat + balaclava recommended

Trekking poles

Mittens over fleece gloves

Headlamp with spare batteries

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elev: 3,068m to 1,640m

Dist: 10 km

Time: 3-4 hours

The final descent through the rainforest leads to Mweka Gate, where certificates are issued.

Climate & Gear Zone

Rainforest

Max Temp

20°C / 68°F

Min Temp

13°C / 55°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

T-Shirt or long sleeve shirt

Trekking sneakers

Trekking pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Sun hat or cap

Trekking poles

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Departs with 2+ climbers

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Pay balance upon arrival

98% Summit Record

1:2 lead guide ratio

Route Overview

Route Map & Elevation

Visualizing the "Climb High, Sleep Low" acclimatization profile.

Venture StartsMachame Gate1,800m

Point 2Machame Camp2,835m

Point 3Shira 23,850m

Point 4Barranco Camp3,900m

Point 5Karanga Camp3,995m

Point 6Barafu Camp4,673m

Goal ReachedUhuru Peak5,895m

Return HomeMweka Gate1,640m

Route Highlights

Climbing the famous Barranco Wall

Beautiful views of the southern glaciers

Classic 'Climb High, Sleep Low' profile

Diverse climatic zones in a short time

Vibrant social atmosphere

Why choose the Machame Route?

Known as the 'Whiskey' route. It's steep, rugged and adventurous. Perfect for those seeking a challenge.

Success Rate85%

Typical Days6-7 Days

DifficultyHigh

Day by Day Itinerary

Follow your epic journey up the mountain, with daily details and gear recommendations based on passing climate zones.

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elev: 1,640m to 2,850m

Dist: 11 km

Time: 5-7 hours

The trek begins at Machame Gate, leading through lush rainforest. The trail can be muddy and slippery.

Climate & Gear Zone

Rainforest

Max Temp

20°C / 68°F

Min Temp

13°C / 55°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

T-Shirt or long sleeve shirt

Trekking sneakers

Trekking pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Sun hat or cap

Trekking poles

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elev: 2,850m to 3,847m

Dist: 5-8 km

Time: 4-6 hours

Leaving the rainforest, the path ascends onto a steep rocky ridge and then turns west into a river gorge.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco

Elev: 3,847m to 3,962m (via 4,600m)

Dist: 10 km

Time: 6-8 hours

Trek east towards Lava Tower, a significant point for acclimatization, descending to Barranco Camp.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elev: 3,962m to 3,994m

Dist: 5-10 km

Time: 4-5 hours

Ascend the formidable Barranco Wall, followed by trekking through ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.

Climate & Gear Zone

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Max Temp

7°C / 45°F

Min Temp

-7°C / 19°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Hardshell jacket

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Hardshell pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat

Trekking poles

Fleece gloves

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elev: 3,994m to 4,673m

Dist: 3-4 km

Time: 4-5 hours

From Karanga, the trail continues to Barafu Camp, where trekkers prepare for the summit attempt.

Climate & Gear Zone

Arctic Summit

Max Temp

-10°C / 14°F

Min Temp

-17°C / 1°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Insulated summit jacket (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Insulated summit pants (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat + balaclava recommended

Trekking poles

Mittens over fleece gloves

Headlamp with spare batteries

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka

Elev: 4,673m to 5,895m to 3,068m

Dist: 17 km

Time: 11-14 hours

The summit push begins around midnight, aiming for dawn at the peak. The descent is long, passing Barafu.

Climate & Gear Zone

Arctic Summit

Max Temp

-10°C / 14°F

Min Temp

-17°C / 1°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

Thermal underwear set (pants and long-sleeve)

Warm fleece jacket

Insulated summit jacket (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Hiking boots (ankle-fixing)

Insulated summit pants (Comfort 5°F/-15°C)

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Fleece hat + balaclava recommended

Trekking poles

Mittens over fleece gloves

Headlamp with spare batteries

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elev: 3,068m to 1,640m

Dist: 10 km

Time: 3-4 hours

The final descent through the rainforest leads to Mweka Gate, where certificates are issued.

Climate & Gear Zone

Rainforest

Max Temp

20°C / 68°F

Min Temp

13°C / 55°F

Today's Clothing & Gear Focus:

T-Shirt or long sleeve shirt

Trekking sneakers

Trekking pants

Small backpack (30-40 liters)

Mountain sunglasses UV 3-4

Sun hat or cap

Trekking poles

Route Overview

Route Map & Elevation

Route Highlights

Why choose the Machame Route?

Day by Day Itinerary

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Rainforest

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Arctic Summit

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka

Arctic Summit

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Rainforest

Ready to hike?

Conquer Kilimanjaro Together with Tanzania's #1 Group Trek Specialists

Machame Route

Route Overview

Route Map & Elevation

Route Highlights

Why choose the Machame Route?

Day by Day Itinerary

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Rainforest

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Heath, Moorland & Alpine Desert

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Arctic Summit

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka

Arctic Summit

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Rainforest

Ready to hike?

Conquer Kilimanjaro Together with
Tanzania's #1 Group Trek Specialists