About Machame Route

The Machame Route is widely reckoned to be harder than the Marangu Route (and is thus nicknamed the Whiskey Route, in opposition to Marangu, which is often called the ‘Coca Cola trail’).
That said, the proportion of trekkers who reach the top using this route is marginally but significantly higher. This must be because the Machame Route allows people to acclimatize better, because it’s longer, and because it has a better altitude profile.
The Machame Route via Barafu traditionally lasts for six days (5 nights). Having said that, it is becoming more common for trekkers to opt for an extra night during the ascent, usually above the Karanga Valley.
The extra day aids acclimatization and halves the number of hours walked on the day preceding the exhausting midnight ascent to the summit.

Other Routes

Lemosho Route

Marangu Route

Shira Route

Umbwe Route

Rongai Route

Northern Circuit Route