Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m / 19 340ft) is situated in The Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania and is the highest point in Africa, as well as one of the highest mountains in the world. There are four major routes to climb Kilimanjaro; The Machame Route, The Umbwe Route, The Mweka Route and The Marangu Route also known as The Coca Cola Route.

The two main peaks of Kilimanjaro are Kibo located in the centre of the mountain, with the highest peak being Uhuru and Mawenzi situated on the eastern side. Kibo is the lower peak and is recommended for trekkers whereas Mawenzi is for mountaineers.

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The Machame Route, Mount Kilimanjaro

While the Marangu route is dubbed the "Coca-Cola Route" the Machame Route is known as the "Whiskey Route". It's more expensive to ascend, and its fantastic views are much more intoxicating.

The Machame Route, when combined with the Barafu Route on Kibo to the summit, and the Mweka Route as a descent through the forest (also known as the Machame-Mweka combination), is easily the best forest/moorland route for acclimatization on Kilimanjaro, as well as one of the most scenic outings on the mountain.

It climbs slowly through the forest before emerging on the edge of the Shira Plateau and joining the Shira Plateau route, then traverses the mountain taking in the south circuit trail with overnight stops at the Barranco campsite and Barafu campsite, before a slow grind up Kibo to the summit. Because of the slow ascent, this combination route has the highest rate of success of any route on the mountain.

The Machame route, by itself, is also the second most beautiful route on the mountain, after the Umbwe route, and offers spectacular views of Mt. Meru, in Arusha National Park. There are only a couple of places where the trail gets steep.

Machame Route Sample Itinerary

8 days & 7 nights (6 days on trek)

Day 1  Arrive at Mountain Inn in time for an early evening pre-climb briefing on the trek. Dinner and overnight stay

Day 2  Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Machame for the first section of the climb through the lush forest to Machame campsite at 10000ft/3000m for overnight camp taking 5-7 hours. Overnight Machame camp

Day 3  Following the steep ridge and across heath and moorland to "picnic rock" and the Shira plateau, to Shura campsite at 12500ft/3800m for overnight camp taking 5-7 hours. Overnight Shira camp

Day 4  Heading towards Kibo, crossing a broad valley and climbing to a ridge crest, crossing scree slopes and river valley to reach Barranco campsite at 13000ft/3900m for overnight camp taking 5-7 hours. Overnight Barranco camp

Day 5  Cross the floor of the Great Barranco Valley , up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga river - the last water point on this route. A steep climb over rocky slabs to Barafu campsite at 15500ft/4600m for overnight camp taking8-9 hours. Overnight Barafu camp

Day 6  An early start for the summit - Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa at 19340ft/5896m taking 6-7 hours. Descend via Barafu campsite  through the forest to Mweka campsite at 10000ft/3000m for overnight camp taking 5-7 hours. Overnight Mweka camp

Day 7  Descend through the forest to the park gate at Mweka Wildlife College taking 3-4 hours to be met and transferred to Mountain Inn for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8  Breakfast at  Mountain Inn - End of tour.