Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro -via Machame Route

If Marangu is the "CocaCola" route, then the Machame Route is the "whiskey" route. It is the second most popular and arguably the most scenic route on the mountains. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served on the floor of a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. It is usually done over seven days, so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. Extending the route with one or two days will increase your summit chances and enjoyment and decrease your chances of Acute Mountain Sickness, 7 days is the minimum length recommended. With the Machame/South Circuit route, you will circle halfway around the mountain with great views from all angles. This route is approximately 40 km versus 20 km on the Marangu route. It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience. New: An alternative ending is to start on the Machame and cut off to summit via the Western Breach. This route is shorter in distance, but the final day is very steep up rock in the dark. UPDATE: currently this Western Breach is closed until further notice due to dangerous rockfall, the regular Machame route is open as always. Most people descend down the Mweka trail and stay at the Mweka camp the final night on the mountain. An alternative is to descend the Marangu route if you like crowds, but availability may be limited in the Horombo Hut. The route is usually done in 7 days but axs on every Kilimanjaro climb 8 or 9 is recommended. (The extra day(s) can be spent resting at Shira plateau or to climb via extra camps.