Machame Route
Machame Route -7 Days trek
The 7-day itinerary on the Whisky Route offers climbers an immersive experience on Mount Kilimanjaro, allowing ample time for acclimatization and exploration. This route is well-regarded for its scenic beauty and adventurous paths, making it a favorite among trekkers.
The journey begins by traversing stunning forests and ascending ridges that lead into moorland. Along the way, climbers are treated to breathtaking sunsets at Shira Plateau and impressive views of Kibo near the Barranco Wall.
As the trail continues, it moves beneath the glaciated cliffs of the Southern Ice Fields before joining the Barafu Route for the final ascent to the summit. This longer route, with its manageable inclines, significantly increases the chances of a successful summit, allowing climbers to fully enjoy the diverse landscapes and unique experiences the mountain has to offer.
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DAY 1 : Machame Gate to Machame Camp
DAY 2 : Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Heath
Leaving the rainforest behind, we’ll follow an ascending path that leads to a steep, rocky ridge. As we reach the Shira Plateau, we’ll walk through areas of heather and open moorlands before crossing a large river gorge to arrive at Shira 2 Camp.
DAY 3 : Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
From Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trek continues eastward up a ridge and then southeast toward the Lava Tower, a striking 300-foot volcanic rock formation.
From Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 3 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After visiting Lava Tower, we descend to Barranco Camp, passing through the unique and beautiful Senecio Forest to reach an altitude of 13,000 ft. Even though you start and finish the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is great for acclimatization.
DAY 4 : Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day starts with a descent into a ravine at the base of the Great Barranco Wall. We then tackle the non-technical but steep climb up the nearly 900-foot cliff. Once at the top of the Barranco Wall, we’ll cross a series of hills and valleys before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. After one more steep climb, we’ll arrive at Karanga Camp. This shorter day is designed to aid acclimatization.
DAY 5 : Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Leaving Karanga, we reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. From there, we continue up a rocky path to Barafu Hut. At this point, you’ll have completed the Southern Circuit, which provides stunning views of the summit from various angles. Here, we’ll set up camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for summit day. You can also see the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo from this location.
DAY 6 : Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
From Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning, around midnight, we start our ascent to the summit. This part of the trek is the most mentally and physically demanding. The wind and cold can be intense at this elevation and time of day. We’ll climb in the dark for several hours, taking frequent short breaks. As we near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you’ll be treated to a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we’ll reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa.
From Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Heath
After the summit, we’ll begin our descent, heading straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a lunch stop at Barafu. The trail can be rocky and tough on the knees, so trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, where mist or rain may occur in the late afternoon. In the evening, we’ll enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and settle in for a well-deserved sleep.
DAY 7 : Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
On the final day, we’ll continue our descent to Mweka Gate, where we’ll collect our summit certificates. As we descend to lower elevations, expect some wet and muddy conditions. After reaching the gate, we’ll walk for another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting for us there to take us back to the hotel in Moshi.
INCLUDE
- All taxes paid by the government, including 18% VAT
- Transfer to Moshi or Arusha from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
- Transfers to and from the entry gate of Kilimanjaro
- English-speaking, qualified, and experienced guides
- Pay for cooks, porters, and guides
- Every meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on the mountain
- Water that has been filtered throughout the hike
- Mountain equipment and gear – tents, Sleeping Mats, mess tent, table and chairs
EXCLUDE
- Insuarance
- Tips for the Team
- Personal Expenses
- Personal Gear
- Private Toilet
- Visa Fee
- Pre and Post Accomodation