Ultimate Guide to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Machame Route
Your comprehensive guide to conquering Africa’s highest peak via the popular Whiskey Route
Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), is Africa’s tallest mountain and a popular destination for trekkers worldwide. Unlike many other high-altitude peaks, Kilimanjaro doesn’t require technical climbing skills—what you need is determination, proper acclimatization, and the right route.
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” begins at Machame gate at 1,800m above sea level. This guide provides detailed information about daily distances, elevation changes, and estimated times between camps, helping you plan your trek with confidence.
Machame Route 6-Day Itinerary
| Day | Route Segment | Distance (km) | Elevation (m) | Time (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Machame Gate to Machame Hut | 11 | 2,835 | 4-5 |
| Day 2 | Machame Hut to Shira Cave Camp | 5 | 3,850 | 4-5 |
| Day 3 | Shira Cave Camp to Baranco Camp | 10 | 3,900 | 6-7 |
| Day 4 | Baranco Camp to Barafu Camp | 10 | 4,600 | 6-7 |
| OR | Baranco Camp to Kosovo Camp/Upper Camp | 11 | 4,900 | 7-8 |
| Summit Night | Barafu Camp to Summit/Uhuru Peak | 6 | 5,895 | 6-7 |
| OR | Kosovo Camp to Summit/Uhuru Peak | 5 | 5,895 | 5-6 |
| Day 5 | Barafu Camp to Millennium Camp | 3.5 | 3,950 | 1.5-2 |
| OR | Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp | 7 | 3,100 | 3-4 |
| Day 6 | Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate | 13.5 | 1,640 | 6-7 |
Machame Route 7-Day Itinerary
| Day | Route Segment | Distance (km) | Elevation (m) | Time (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Machame Gate to Machame Hut | 11 | 2,835 | 4-5 |
| Day 2 | Machame Hut to Shira Cave Camp | 5 | 3,850 | 4-5 |
| Day 3 | Shira Cave Camp to Baranco Camp | 10 | 3,900 | 6-7 |
| Day 4 | Baranco Camp to Karanga Camp | 6 | 3,995 | 3-4 |
| Day 5 | Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp | 4 | 4,600 | 3-4 |
| OR | Karanga Camp to Kosovo Camp/Upper Camp | 4-5 | 4,900 | 5 |
| Summit Night | Barafu Camp to Summit/Uhuru Peak | 6 | 5,895 | 6-7 |
| Day 6 | Summit to Millennium Camp | 3.5 | 3,950 | 1.5-2 |
| Day 7 | Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate | 13.5 | 1,640 | 6-7 |
Ready to Experience the Machame Route Challenge?
Our company offers expert-led tours along the Machame Route, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience tailored to your preferences. We provide budget-friendly packages that prioritize safety and quality, so you can embark on an unforgettable adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro.
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