Machame Route: Kilimanjaro's Favourite Route

From gate to gate the Machame Route is 58.5 kilometres / 36 miles long. In comparison to some other routes like the Northern Circuit and the Lemosho Route, it is a route of average distance. Although there is a lot of discussion about the accuracy of success rates, it can be safely stated that the Machame Route is one of the routes with the best chances of summiting. The hard numbers:

Days: 6 or 7 days

Total Distance: 58.5 kilometres (36 miles)

Ascent: 5,020 metres (16,569 feet)

Descent: 5,190 metres (17,027 feet)

Day-to-day distance on a 7-day climb

Day 1: 10.3 kilometres (6.4 miles)

Day 2: 4.8 kilometres (3.0 miles)

Day 3: 9.7 kilometres (6.0 miles)

Day 4: 4.4 kilometres (2.7 miles)

Day 5: 4.1 kilometres (2.5 miles)

Day 6: 16.6 kilometres (10.3 miles)

Day 7: 8.7 kilometres (5.4 miles)

The Machame Route doesn’t only hold a special place with Bookatrekking.com’s Team Kili. We are not alone because the Machame Route is one of the most frequented climbing routes on Kilimanjaro, with about 35% of all climbers using this route. Often referred to as the "Whiskey Route," in contrast to the “easier” "Coca-Cola Route" (Marangu), it offers a unique blend of features that contribute to its distinct allure. The Machame Route is a 6- or 7-day camping route and allows for adequate acclimatisation and beautiful scenery.

Scenic but also difficult. The Machame Route is considered steep and challenging, especially in the rainforest sections. Although it is not essential, it can help if you have some previous experience in for example the Alps or at least on higher altitudes. Some of the highlights on the Machame Route include Shira Camp, the Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall and Karanga Camp. When we climbed Kilimanjaro with Team Kili of Bookatrekking.com, we were thrown away by the beauty of this route. This doesn’t mean that the Machame Route is necessarily more beautiful than others. Some highlights like the Lava Tower and the Barranco Walles are also an inherent part of the Lemosho Route, another stunning route.

The difficulty of Kilimanjaro climbing routes is hard to gauge and even harder to explain. There are different ways to get up Kilimanjaro and the one route is more technical than the other. However, the difficulty should not be measured in technical aspects but in terms of acclimatization.

Yes, the Machame Route has some technical sections like the Barranco Wall, but it also makes it the better option when it comes to climbing high and sleeping low. Acclimatization is the deciding factor when it boils down to whether or not you will be able to summit Kilimanjaro.

In that regard, the Machame Route is an easier option than for example the Marangu Route. If you choose the Machame Route, you actually have a very fair chance of succeeding. 

The Barranco Wall is a steep and imposing rock formation that trekkers on the Machame Route encounter during their ascent. It is known for its challenging terrain, featuring sections of scrambling, climbing, and exposed ridges. Despite its name, the Barranco Wall is not a vertical wall in the traditional sense, but rather a steep incline covered with boulders. As such, it’s not a climb but rather a scramble. When we climbed Kilimanjaro in August 2022, we were actually surprised to see how easy it was. Not that it’s easy, but it’s definitely not worth having sleepless nights about. Having said all that, if you have a fear for heights, the Barranco Wall can be triggering.

Elevation on the Barranco Wall equates to 257 metres (843 feet), and scaling it won't take much more than an hour. There can be a bit of a queue on this section as everyone has to manoeuvre across hurdles like for example Kissing Rock. You can only get around this outcrop if you get very intimate with it, hence the funny name. Again, this section is not really a massive challenge. Another reason for the Barranco Wall being busy is that it is the first thing on the menu for everyone who spends the night in Barranco Camp. This is also why the Barranco Wall is called the Breakfast Wall. Everyone is basically having this challenge for breakfast at around the same time. Groups tend to all start early and voila, it's busy. Want to have a look? Check our video below.

There are no seasonal restrictions on Kilimanjaro. The mountain is open to trekking and climbing expeditions all year round. Having said that, there are certain months which a more suitable than others. The rainy season lasts from April to May and November to December. 

The dry season includes January to March and June to October. As such, the Machame Route is a route which is best enjoyed during the dry season. The dry season is also the busy season. If you are looking for a quieter time to climbing Kilimanjaro, you can actually consider taking the Machame Route during the rainy season. 

We’ve said this before and we will say it again. Kilimanjaro is a trekking mountain, not a climbing mountain. Trekking = Hiking, so the best training for Kilimanjaro is to go hiking. Some websites will tell you that you need to cross-train, biking, swimming, weight training, or even go on a diet. No. Again, pole pole. Just become the best version of yourself and start with that process about two months in advance. You can follow a strict training plan or just keep the following things in mind.

We recommend a minimum of three hiking/walking sessions per week, each lasting at least one hour. The specifics of your sessions, such as distance, duration, and elevation gain, will largely depend on the available trails in your area. Ideally, you should look for trails that are a few miles long and include a challenging uphill section that can be completed in approximately one hour. Finding a convenient location for your training will enable you to schedule regular sessions and easily track your progress.

Additionally, try to make time for longer day hikes, as they are excellent training opportunities. A solid day hike typically lasts four to six hours and involves moderate elevation changes of around 1,000 feet (305 meters), all while carrying a 20 lb. (9 kg) pack. If you feel up to the challenge, don't hesitate to tackle harder trails; they will provide even more beneficial training for your Kilimanjaro climb. If you don't have access to outdoor trails, don't worry. Training on stairs can be an excellent alternative to simulate the climbing experience on Kilimanjaro. You can also make use of a stair master machine for productive training sessions.

To mimic the challenge of climbing the mountain, wear your backpack and maintain a slow and steady pace. We suggest dedicating 1-2 hours to climbing stairs or using the StairMaster. What goes up, must come down. Descending Kilimanjaro is harder than climbing Kilimanjaro. Train your downhill walking!

Now, are you feeling confident and do you think you have most of the hiking under the belt? Then you can change it up. Go for a run, do stretching exercises, yoga, maybe even weight. Essentially, anything that can help to improve your overall fitness is a plus. Just make sure your main focus is hiking.