Overview of the Machame Route
The Machame route begins on Kilimanjaro's southern side at Machame Gate (1,640 m) within the rainforest. The trail ascends through moorland and alpine desert before reaching the icy, arctic summit. Descending climbers follow the Mweka route.
For a detailed breakdown of this route
Pros and Cons of the Machame Route
The Machame route is our third favorite on Kilimanjaro and, along with the Lemosho route, is often regarded as one of the most scenic options. It offers breathtaking views and diverse landscapes, which explains its popularity. Recent statistics show that over 20,000 climbers take on the Machame route each year.
However, this popularity comes with a downside: the trail can become crowded during peak seasons.
The route’s acclimatisation profile is a strong advantage. Midway through the climb, the trail takes you to a higher altitude during the day before descending slightly for overnight rest. This practice of "climb high, sleep low" significantly aids your body’s ability to adapt to the altitude.
Approaching the summit from the south, the Machame route boasts a relatively high success rate, particularly for those who opt for the seven-day itinerary. However, the six-day version is not ideal for first-time climbers, as it provides less time for acclimatisation.
Machame Route
