MACHAME ROUTE, RECOMMENDATIONS, SUCCESS RATE AND PRICES
Overview
The Machame route also known as the Whiskey Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular and scenic trails. Starting in a lush tropical forest, it takes you through all five of the mountain’s climatic zones, offering stunning landscapes along the way.
We organize hundreds of expeditions on this route every year. It’s available in both 6- and 7-day itineraries, with the 7-day option offering better acclimatization and a higher summit success rate—making it a solid choice even for beginners.
Highlights include the dramatic Barranco Wall and the otherworldly Dendrosenecio kilimanjari, a rare plant found only on Kilimanjaro. For a classic, beautiful, and rewarding climb, Machame 7 delivers.
RECOMMENDATION
Be cautious when choosing between the 6- and 7-day Machame itineraries. The 6-day option has noticeably lower summit success rates and is only recommended for experienced trekkers or those already acclimatized. It skips the overnight stay at Karanga Camp, making altitude adjustment much tougher. While often offered by budget operators, we don’t recommend it for beginners aiming for a safe and successful summit.
- 6 Days Machame Route
- 7 Days Machame
This faster-paced version is best suited for experienced hikers or those already acclimatized to high altitude. Skipping the overnight stop at Karanga Camp makes the ascent more challenging and reduces the body’s time to adjust.
Ideal for:
Trekkers with prior altitude experience
Those seeking a shorter climb with a higher fitness level
Climbers confident in quick acclimatization
It’s a scenic and rewarding route—but not recommended for beginners due to its lower summit success rate.
This is the most recommended version of the Machame route, offering excellent acclimatization and higher summit success rates. With an extra night at Karanga Camp, your body has more time to adjust—making the climb safer and more comfortable, especially for beginners.
Ideal for:
First-time trekkers
Those wanting a balanced pace and better acclimatization
Anyone aiming to maximize their summit chances
Stunning views, varied landscapes, and a smoother path to the top—Machame 7 is a favorite for good reason.
Machame Route - Summit Success Rate
Machame Route Summit Success Rates
Machame 6-day: Crater Rim – 92.0%, Uhuru Peak – 87.3%
Machame 7-day: Crater Rim – 96.1%, Uhuru Peak – 93.1%
The 7-day itinerary has a significantly higher summit success rate and ranks among the best on Kilimanjaro. It converges with the Lemosho and Umbwe routes on Day 3, continuing as a single trail to the summit—ideal for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.
At DreamWorth Safaris, we take pride in providing accurate, transparent data. Our high success rates are the result of expert guides, top-tier safety standards, and unmatched support. We offer the best salaries and working conditions on the mountain, attracting top talent. Our teams carry more oxygen tanks than any other operator, perform two daily medical checks, and are trained to manage altitude sickness effectively.
These measures ensure your safety and give you the best chance of standing on Uhuru Peak.
MACHAME PRICES
6 Days Machame Route
- 1 Person $ 3224
- 2 Person $ 2515
- 3 Person $ 2290
- 4 Person $ 2248
- 5 Person $ 2213
- 6 Person $ 2111
- 7 Person $ 2043
- 8 Person $ 1990
7 Day Machame Route
- 1 person $ 31611
- 2 person $ 2824
- 3 person $ 2582
- 4 person 2534
- 5 person $ 2473
- 6 person $ 2367
- 7 person $ 2297
- 8 person $ 2233