All routes
7 days62 km · Strenuous85% summit rate
Machame Route
The Whiskey Route
South side of the mountain
Overview
Machame approaches the mountain from the south through rainforest, then traces the moorland of the Shira Plateau before swinging east under the Southern Icefield. The 'climb-high, sleep-low' rhythm around Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall gives your body time to adapt before summit night. It is the route most climbers picture when they think of Kilimanjaro — and the one that draws the largest crowds.
Why this route?
- First-time Kilimanjaro climbers in reasonable shape
- Photographers — five distinct ecological zones in seven days
- Travellers wanting the classic camping experience
Highlights
- Shira Plateau sunrise above the cloud line
- Lava Tower lunch at 4,640 m (key acclimatisation hike)
- The Barranco Wall scramble — fun, not technical
- Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise from Barafu
Acclimatisation profile
Where you sleep each night. Summit altitude shown for reference at the top.
Day 13,010 m
Machame Camp
Day 23,845 m
Shira 2 Camp
Day 33,960 m
Barranco Camp
Day 43,995 m
Karanga Camp
Day 54,673 m
Barafu Camp
Day 63,100 m
Mweka Camp
Summit
5,895 m
Day-by-day itinerary
Camps on the route
| Camp | Altitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Machame Camp | 3,010 m | Cloud forest edge |
| Shira 2 Camp | 3,845 m | Open plateau, big skies |
| Barranco Camp | 3,960 m | Under the Western Breach |
| Karanga Camp | 3,995 m | Extra acclim day |
| Barafu Camp | 4,673 m | Summit camp |
| Mweka Camp | 3,100 m | Descent |