Machame Route Camping Accommodations on Mount Kilimanjaro

The Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," is one of the most common trekking routes on Mount Kilimanjaro because of its gradual acclimatization and scenic beauty. Along this route, climbers stay in designated camping areas that offer basic but comfortable facilities like sleeping mats, tents, and meals prepared by guides. Camps such as Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, and Barafu Camp are used to help hikers on the ascent. These accommodations allow climbers to rest and recover while facilitating the safety and enjoyment of the journey

Machame Route Camping Accommodations on Mount Kilimanjaro
Camping on Machame Route

The Machame Route Camping Accommodations Overview

The Mount Kilimanjaro's Machame route to Mount Kilimanjaro, also referred to as the "Whiskey Route" due to its challenging nature, is one of the most popular routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its incredible scenery and varied landscapes, this route offers mountain adventurers an outstanding journey through lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and glaciers. Though, conquering Kilimanjaro is not only about the destination; it's also about the entire experience, including the camping accommodations you choose. The following are the designated camping accommodations sites found on the Machame route:

  • Machame Gate Camp (Altitude: 1,640m/5,380ft)
  • Machame Camp (Altitude: 2,850m/9,350ft, Hours: 5-7hrs, Distance: 11km)
  • Shira Camp (Altitude: 3,810m/12,500ft, Hours: 4-6hrs, Distance: 5km/3ml)
  • Barranco Camp (Altitude: 3,976m/13,044ft, Hours: 2-3hrs, Distance: 3km/2ml)
  • Karanga Camp (Altitude: 3,995m/13,106ft, Hours: 4-5hrs, Distance: 5km/3ml)
  • Barafu Camp (Altitude: 4,673m/15,331ft, Hours: 4-5hrs, Distance: 4km/2ml)
  • Mweka Camp (Altitude: 3,068m/10,065ft, Hours: 4-6hrs, Distance: 12km/7ml)

The Kilimanjaro's Machame Route Camps

Here are the best the Mount Kilimanjaro Machame route climbing tour designated camping accommodations site:

Machame Gate Camp

Your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure begins at the Machame Gate, the starting point for the Machame Route. Here, you'll encounter the first campsite, known as the Machame Gate Camp. This initial camp serves as a registration point and a place to gather before you set out on your expedition.

At this camp, you can expect basic amenities such as restroom facilities, a small shelter, and information about the route ahead. While it's not a place for an overnight stay, it's essential to arrive here well-prepared with all the necessary gear and documents to ensure a smooth start to your climb.

Machame Camp

As you progress along the Machame route, your next stop is the Machame Camp. This is your first real camping experience on the mountain. Located at an elevation of approximately 2,850 meters (9,350 feet), this campsite offers stunning views of the surrounding rainforest.

Machame Camp provides tented accommodations, and it's where you'll spend your first night on Mount Kilimanjaro. The camp provides comfortable sleeping arrangements, and the experienced guides and porters will take care of setting up your campsite, preparing meals, and ensuring your well-being.

Shira Camp

Shira camp is situated on the vast Shira plateau which is a volcanic spill-off from the last explosion some 100,000 years ago. Open and exposed and often dusty with smaller, you will find more fragile plants among the rocks. Brick toilets and latrines and Ranger huts are around and the area is so huge it is easy to spread out and have some privacy. Shira could accommodate hundreds of tents fairly easily. Expect it to be colder here, more windy potentially. The views of the summit massif are amazing, especially at dawn and dusk, and it's worth getting up in the night if there is a full moon to see it rise behind the summit.

Barranco Camp

Barranco Camp, located at 3,976 meters (13,044 feet), is a pivotal point on the Machame Route among all camping accommodations Sites. This campsite is strategically positioned just before the challenging Barranco Wall, which you'll need to climb on your way to the summit.

Camping at Barranco allows you to rest and acclimatize before the final push to the top. The camp is known for its stunning views of the Barranco Valley and the distant glaciers of Mount Kilimanjaro. Rest assured, the camping facilities here are well-equipped to ensure your comfort.

Karanga Camp

Karanga Camp, situated at around 3,995 meters (13,106 feet), serves as a crucial stopover before you tackle the summit. This high camp provides necessary rest and acclimatization, preparing you for the challenging climb ahead.

Accommodations at Karanga Camp are basic but comfortable, with experienced staff to assist you. As you gain altitude, temperatures drop, so make sure to bundle up and conserve your energy for the final ascent.

Barafu Camp

Meaning ‘ice’ in Swahili, is the final camp at 4600m. It is no longer covered in permanent snow but it is cold and rocky and exposed. People feel the altitude here and you can expect snow and often wind. The campsites are dotted among nooks and crannies in the rocks, running the length of the ridge. Some camps are far below the Ranger's hut and the start of the summit climb, so it can add more than half an hour to the ascent. With brick toilets and latrines, the facilities are now good but water is in short supply so the porters are forced to travel back downhill to the nearest stream. The Rangers here have large heavy-duty stretchers at hand which have a single wheel underneath, so it's possible to get people down quickly. There is also a helipad at the camp.

Mweka Camp

Situated at around 3,068 meters (10,065 feet), Mweka Camp is your first stop after descending from Barafu Camp. This camp provides a well-deserved rest and a lower altitude for improved acclimatization. Accommodations are comfortable, and it's a great place to celebrate your successful summit.

Remember that while accommodations on the mountain may not be luxurious, they are designed to provide you with comfort and safety throughout your climb. So, embrace the adventure, savor the breathtaking views, and create memories that will last a lifetime as you stand on the roof of Africa.

Machame Route Ascent Overview

Key Stages of the Ascent
Day Stage Starting Elevation (m) Ending Elevation (m)
Day 1 Machame Gate to Machame Camp 1,640 2,835
Day 2 Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 2,835 3,850
Day 3 Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower, then descend to Barranco Camp 3,850 4,600 at Lava Tower; then down to 3,900
Day 4 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp 3,900 3,960
Day 5 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp 3,960 4,680
Day 6 Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (Summit) 4,680 5,895

Machame Route FAQs

How challenging is the Machame route?

The Machame route is known for its moderate-to-high level of difficulty. Although it isn’t technical climbing, the trek demands good physical fitness due to steep, rocky sections and long days of high-altitude hiking. A well-paced approach and proper preparation are essential to manage the challenges.

What is the total distance and typical duration of the trek?

The route covers roughly 62 kilometers (about 38.5 miles) and is usually completed over a 6- or 7-day itinerary. While a 6-day schedule is feasible, many prefer a 7-day trek because the extra day allows for better acclimatization and a more comfortable ascent.

How successful are climbers on this route?

Summit success rate on the Machame route depends on the itinerary. With a 7-day plan that includes an extra acclimatization day, the success rate is generally around 85%. A 6-day schedule tends to have lower odds, roughly 73–75%, due to the faster pace and reduced recovery time.

What kind of landscapes and views should I expect?

The Machame route offers a dramatic array of landscapes. You start in lush rainforests and gradually move through open heathlands and rugged moorlands. As you ascend, the terrain shifts to an alpine desert and finally to an icy, high-altitude zone near the summit, featuring iconic landmarks like the Lava Tower and sweeping views from the Shira Plateau.

When is the ideal time of year to attempt this climb?

The best time to climb the Machame route is during the dry seasons, typically from January to March and June to October. These months tend to offer more stable and clear weather conditions, which are ideal for trekking.

What gear and preparations are recommended?

Because the route traverses several climate zones and involves significant elevation gain, proper gear and preparation are critical. Invest in high-quality, layered clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a warm sleeping bag, and other essentials. Equally important is a training regimen and a well-planned acclimatization strategy.

What distinguishes the 6-day itinerary from the 7-day one?

The primary difference is in acclimatization. A 7-day itinerary adds an extra day—often at Karanga Camp—to allow your body to recover by sleeping at a lower altitude after a high-altitude day. This extra time can significantly reduce the risk of altitude sickness compared to the more aggressive 6-day schedule.

How does the "climb high, sleep low" strategy work?

This approach involves ascending to higher altitudes during the day and then descending to a lower elevation for sleep. This gradual process helps your body adjust to thinner air, thereby reducing the risk or severity of altitude sickness and improving overall safety on the trek.