THE MACHAME ROUTE 7 DAYS TOUR
Overview
The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route (because compared to the other routes, Marangu, for example, nicknamed the ‘Coca-Cola’ route, it’s one of the tougher climbs), is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro. Due to its high success rate (90% for a 7-day trek), it is one of the better routes to aid acclimatization. The views on this route are incredible and you also get the added challenge of the Great Barranco Wall. If reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit is your number one priority, then the Machame route will give you one of the best shots at this.
Included/Exclude
- Dedicated Customer Satisfaction Associate
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb
- Breakfast before and after the climb
- All meals and water on the mountain
- All park fees and taxes
- Transportation to and from the hotel and trailhead
- Tents (3-person mountaineering tent)
- Sleeping mat
- Private toilet tent
- Support team (certified guides, porters, and cooks)
- Kilimanjaro SAR evacuation insurance
- Airfare to and from Tanzania
- Personal travel insurance
- Visa
- Tips for the support team
- Sleeping bags and other personal gear
- Rental gear
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel
- Drinks and snacks
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,640m/5,380ft to 2,850m/9,350 ft
Distance: 11km/6.8 miles
Hiking time: 5-7 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
We’ll begin the tour with a drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate, which will take around 50 minutes. We’ll pass through the quaint Machame village located on the south-western slope of Kilimanjaro. After we have signed into the national park and all the formalities have been taken care of, we’ll begin our trek through the rainforest (keep your eyes out for wildlife including monkeys) on a winding trail up to the Machame Camp.
Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 2,850m/9,350ft to 3,800m/12,500ft
Distance: 5km/3 miles
Hiking time: 4-6 hrs
Habitat: Heath
After saying goodbye to the rainforest, we’ll continue on up the path onto a steep, rocky ridge. After we pass over the Shira Plateau, the land opens up to heather and moorland before we cross a large river to Shira 2 Camp.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 3,800m/12,500ft to 4,630m/15,190 ft
Distance: 7km/4 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 4,630m/15,190ft to 3,975m/13,044 ft
Distance: 3km/1.8 miles
Hiking time: 2-3 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
Today will begin with a trek towards the Lava Tower (a 300ft tall volcanic rock formation). We’ll continue down to Barranco Camp through the unique Senecio Forest. This day is special because you’ll begin and end at the same altitude, very beneficial for acclimatization.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,975m/13,044ft to 3,995m/13,106ft
Distance: 5km/3 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
We’ll begin the day by heading down into a ravine before we tackle the Great Barranco Wall. It’s not a technical climb but it is steep, nearly 900ft of it. From the top, we’ll then continue our trek twisting and turning before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. After another short but fairly steep climb, we’ll reach Karanga Camp. Another short day designed to help with acclimatization.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3,994m/13,106ft to 4,672m/15,331ft
Distance: 4km/2.5 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast at the Karanga Camp, we’ll trek towards the route that connects with the Mweka Trail. We’ll then gradually make our way to Barafu Hut. Today, you will have completed the Southern Circuit, and the views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks here are awe-inspiring. Once we make camp, we’ll eat, rest, and prepare the bags for summit day.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 4,672m/15,331ft to 5,895m/19,341ft
Distance: 5km/3 miles
Hiking time: 7-8 hrs
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,067m/10,065ft
Distance: 12km/7.5 miles
Hiking time: 4-6 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
At midnight, we will wake you up for a quick snack and get ready to begin our push to the summit. This is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek, a true endurance experience. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. As we approach Stella Point, you’ll begin to feel the heat of the magnificent sunrise appearing over the Mawenzi Peak—a truly unforgettable moment. We will then continue on until we finally reach Uhuru Peak—the tip of Mount Kilimanjaro and Africa’s highest point!
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and, later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,067m/10,065ft to 1,639m/5,380ft
Distance: 10km/6 miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
After breakfast, we will say goodbye to our porters and continue our descent to the Mweka Park Gate to collect our summit certificates. It can be muddy and wet during our walk to lower elevation. You’ll begin to realize how good you feel as the altitude slowly begins to drop. We will be met at the gate by our local team who will drive us back to the hotel.