Machame Route
Machame Route Overview
The Machame route, often referred to as the Whiskey Route, stands as a quintessential path up Mount Kilimanjaro and is among the most favored routes for climbers. Mirable Safaris proudly coordinates hundreds of expeditions each year along this scenic route, which begins amid lush tropical forests. We offer the Machame route in both 6-day and 7-day variants, with the latter providing a markedly improved acclimatization schedule and a higher chance of reaching the summit successfully. The 7-day Machame route is an excellent choice for climbers, including beginners, offering spectacular views. As you ascend, you’ll traverse all five climatic zones of Kilimanjaro, climb the stunning Barranco Wall, and encounter the extraordinary Dendrosenecio kilimanjari plants, a sight unique to this part of the world.
Machame Route Expert Advice
Be careful when choosing between the 6- and 7-day Machame route itineraries. The 6-day variation has much lower summit success rates and is suitable only for experienced trekkers or travelers with prior acclimatization. This is because the shorter itinerary skips the intermediate stay at the Karanga Camp, making it much more challenging to adapt well to the high altitude and have a good chance at summiting. This option is often promoted by “budget” tour operators, but we don’t recommend it for beginners.
Machame Route Summit Success Rate
Numerous travelers seek insight into the summit success rates of each Kilimanjaro route. At Mirable safaris, we’ve meticulously compiled data since 2014 from thousands of our Kilimanjaro climbs, providing precise 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%
Notably, the Machame 7-day itinerary boasts significantly higher summit success rates compared to its 6-day counterpart. In fact, Machame 7 ranks among the top itineraries in this regard. On the third day, it merges with the Lemosho and Umbwe routes, proceeding to the summit as a unified route. Overall, it proves an excellent choice for both novices and seasoned trekkers.
While many operators tout high success rates, discerning the reliability of their figures can be challenging. At Mirable Safaris, our remarkable summit success rates stem from several key factors. We take pride in employing the finest Kilimanjaro guides, porters, and specialists in the region. Our commitment to providing optimal working conditions and competitive salaries attracts top-tier talent. Furthermore, we spare no effort in ensuring our clients have all necessary resources for smooth acclimatization. For instance, we maintain an ample supply of oxygen tanks, exceeding that of any other Kilimanjaro tour operator, and furnish comprehensive kits stocked with a diverse range of medications. Moreover, our guides possess the expertise to recognize and address symptoms of mountain sickness, offering assistance should any issues arise. Implementing two mandatory medical checks daily for both clients and mountain crew enhances the safety of our expeditions, maximizing your odds of summiting Kilimanjaro.
Prices for Machame route
Our classic adventures cater to the preferences of the majority of climbers, offering a blend of exceptional comfort and stringent safety standards that render our classic Kilimanjaro hikes both enjoyable and unforgettable. It’s no surprise that this option stands as the most favored among our clients.
To ensure peace of mind, the progress of each trekking party is monitored via GPS devices. You can easily share the tracking link with your loved ones, enabling them to follow your journey in real-time.
Before and after your adventure, you’ll enjoy accommodations in reputable hotels boasting attentive staff, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, on-site dining options, and refreshing swimming pools.
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$ USD
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6 Days Trek (8 day tour)
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7 Days Trek (9 day tour)
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1 Pax
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$2,311
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$2,311
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2 Pax
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$2,000
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$2,295
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3 Pax
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$1,929
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$2,230
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4 Pax
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$1,843
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$2,165
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5 + Pax
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$1,793
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$2,100
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Machame Route Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you'll be warmly greeted by a representative from Pumba Safaris who will facilitate your transfer to the hotel included in your package. At the hotel, you'll find all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including cozy rooms, hot water, attentive staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. Later in the evening, there will be a comprehensive briefing conducted by our managers to ensure you're fully prepared to embark on your climb.
For private tour packages, shared airport transfers are provided for your group. Additional charges may apply for individual transfers. To minimize extra costs, we recommend coordinating the arrival and departure times of your group members.
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at your hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing. Then you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's entrance: Machame Gate. After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Machame Camp. Day 1 on the Machame Route includes passage through a rainforest where tropical showers are highly probable, so we recommend you take not only spare clothes but also a raincoat.
PLEASE NOTE:This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:
- Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine;
- Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently);
- To help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness, consider using a preventive measure like a high-altitude aid medicine. Many mountain climbers take such pills in the morning, before they begin their ascent, to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. Our managers will provide more specific details together with your travel itinerary. We recommend consulting your doctor prior to the trip to discuss any potential allergies or health concerns.
At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
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 change 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.
After breakfast, your group will depart Shira Camp and head towards Lava Tower. The rise-and-fall nature of this trek may present some difficulties. However, reaching the 4,600 m /15,088 f altitude at the Lava Tower is crucial for proper acclimatization, which is why we encourage our groups to eat lunch at the top of the Lava Tower. This allows you some additional time at a high altitude before descending approximately 700 m /2,297 f to Barranco Camp, which is the next overnight stop on this route.
Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! The next day you will be hiking it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail and is not intimidating at all.
On this day it is best to make an early start to avoid crowding on the way up Barranco Wall. Despite the Wall's seemingly daunting height and steepness the actual climb is rather simple and takes only an hour or so to complete. The top of the wall provides a great photo opportunity with Kibo Peak as the backdrop.
The next part of the day is rife with ups and downs and your guides will choose the best pace for individual trekkers. A lunch break at Karanga Camp will be followed by an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with its highest point of the hike being 3,995 m /13,104 f. The group then hikes back to Karanga Camp for the night.
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.
Summiting starts around midnight. You will begin at an altitude of 4,870 m /15,974 f and climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m/19340f. While the trek itself is fairly simple, the high altitude means that even regular physical exercise will feel strenuous. Therefore, climbers will be put in groups of two and assigned a personal guide who will monitor their condition throughout the climb for the entire summit trek. Upon summiting, you will have an opportunity to walk to the nearest glacier. You will enjoy a 2-hour rest at Barafu Camp and then continue descending to Millennium Camp.
You are sure to enjoy a good night's sleep at the lower altitude, and the sense of satisfaction from reaching the top. Breakfast will be followed by another descent, down to 1,640 m /5,379 f and arrival at Mweka Gate. After a short celebration with the whole of the climbing crew, you will receive your climb certificates and be transported back to your hotel.
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE: 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.
