Machame

Machame Route starts on the southwestern side of Mount Kilimanjaro and ascends through five different climate zones. It joins with the Lemosho and Shira routes near Shira Camp and later connects with the Southern Circuit before summiting via Barafu Camp and descending on the Mweka Route. This route offers a “climb high, sleep low” pattern, which significantly improves acclimatization and summit success rates.

Your journey begins in Moshi town, located at an elevation of 900 meters (2,950 feet). From Moshi, it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour by car to reach the Machame Gate, The total distance is approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles).

The Machame Route, often called the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular paths up Mount Kilimanjaro – and for good reason. It offers a diverse landscape, rich rainforest, and dramatic views, making it a favorite for climbers looking for both challenge and beauty. Though well-known, the route still maintains its natural feel, and when compared to Marangu or other more trafficked trails, parts of the Machame Route remain peaceful and deeply immersive.

The Machame Gate is located at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters (5,905 feet), which is nearly 900 meters higher than Moshi town. The change in temperature and vegetation is noticeable even during the drive.

From the gate, the trail leads you straight into the Montane Rainforest, one of the most biologically diverse zones on the mountain. The landscape is dense, green, and alive with movement. The Machame area is home to the Chagga people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Tanzania. This community is known for its rich traditions, warm hospitality, and strong connection to the land. The people here live a mostly agricultural lifestyle, cultivating fertile volcanic soil at the base of the mountain.

As you drive toward the gate, you’ll see lush banana groves, avocado trees, and a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables growing along the hillsides. You may also notice hand-built brick homes, local markets, and children walking to school with Mount Kilimanjaro standing tall in the background.