The 8-day Machame Route is a popular and highly recommended option for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s often called the “Whiskey Route” due to its challenging nature compared to the “Coca-Cola” Marangu route, but also offers stunning scenery and excellent acclimatization.
Here’s an overview:
Route Profile and Why 8 Days?
- Approach: The Machame route approaches Kilimanjaro from the south, starting through a lush rainforest. It then ascends to the Shira Plateau, traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on the “Southern Circuit,” and finally summits from Barafu Camp. The descent is via the Mweka route.
- “Climb High, Sleep Low”: A key advantage of the Machame route, especially the 7 and 8-day variations, is its “climb high, sleep low” profile. This means you gain significant altitude during the day (e.g., to Lava Tower at 4,630m) but descend to sleep at a lower elevation (e.g., Barranco Camp at 3,950m). This strategy is highly beneficial for acclimatization and significantly increases your chances of summiting.
- 8-Day vs. 6 or 7-Day: While the Machame route can be done in 6 or 7 days, the 8-day itinerary offers superior acclimatization. The extra day allows for a more gradual ascent and better adaptation to the altitude, leading to a higher success rate and a more enjoyable experience. Some 8-day itineraries might include an extra acclimatization day at Karanga Camp, further boosting your chances.
- Difficulty: The Machame route is considered challenging due to its distance, elevation gain, and the up-and-down nature of some sections (like the Barranco Wall). It’s best suited for adventurous individuals with good physical fitness and some hiking or backpacking experience, though prior high-altitude experience isn’t essential.