The Kilimanjaro Machame route is undoubtedly the busiest on the mountain due to its high success rate and attractiveness. You have an amazing journey over the course of 7 days and a great chance of summiting successfully.

The ascent starts at Machame Gate, 1800 meters above sea level, with an approach to the mountain’s south-west. On the first day, it travels through a magnificent rainforest before continuing upward to Shira Camp, where the Lemosho route connects from the west. From here, you must travel along the mountain’s southern flank to Barranco via the Lava Tower before ascending the Great Barranco Wall to reach Barafu Camp. Instead of going back the way you came, you will take the Mweka trail down once you’ve reached the summit.

The Machame route is known as the “Whiskey Route” because it is regarded as being more challenging than the Marangu route, which is known as the “Coca Cola Route.” In reality, it is longer and at some points steeper than it is technically challenging. A much better chance for acclimatization is provided by the longer distance and the chance to “walk high, sleep low,” which leads to a very high success rate.

For those who haven’t hiked much at high altitudes, the Machame route is a good seven-day trip with an effective extra day of acclimatization, improving success rates. Mountaineers with experience and acclimatization may choose the more challenging 6-day ascent along the Machame route.