Machame

The most popular ascent route is the Machame Route. This longer climb is harder and more spectacular. It is also known as the “Whisky Route”, you will have to follow steeper trails, longer distances while sleeping in the tents.

Of all the routes, Machame is by far the route of choice amongst most climbers because it provides sweeping views across the Maasai Steppe and Mount Meru, the majestic Barranco Valley and variety of habitats. The trail starts from south-west and enjoys some of the finest forest and moorland scenery on the mountain. The descent path for this route is the Mweka Route.

Machame Route can be climbed in minimum of 6 days (5 nights on the mountain) but we strongly advise, for better acclimatization to tackle this challenge in 7 days in some cases 8 days. If only 6 days are available to climb, be prepared for a couple of challenging 10-hour pushes. If you are in a good – confident physical condition, living in a higher altitude elevation, and practice an active lifestyle you will be able to manage the 6 day option.

Great advantage of choosing Machame Route is the initial 2 day steep ascent that eases the altitude stress in the following days. The trek starts at Machame Gate, located in the south-west base of the mountain and quickly rises to the relative high elevation (3040m). It continues with a short ascent to the Lava Tower site (4560m) before descending back to Barranco Camp (3870m) on the same day. This follows the “climb high, sleep low" golden principle to maximum effect, unlike on the Rongai, Marangu and Umbwe Routes.

The disadvantage of this route is the high number of climbers in the peak season. To minimize this slight annoyance we try to leave each morning the camps much earlier than other groups.