Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing – 7 Days
Overview
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. This route offers breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and a gradual acclimatization profile, making it an excellent choice for climbers seeking a well-paced challenge. The 7-day version of the Machame Route increases acclimatization time, thereby boosting the summit success rate. The route starts from the southern base of the mountain, crosses beautiful rainforests, and ascends through alpine deserts to the snow-capped summit of Africa’s highest peak, Uhuru Peak.
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
- Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
- A full briefing by your mountain guide will take place in the evening to ensure all your questions are answered and equipment checked.
- Overnight stay at the hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi to Machame Gate – Machame Camp
- Elevation: 1,800m to 2,835m (5,905ft to 9,300ft)
- Hiking Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- After breakfast, we drive from Moshi to Machame Gate for registration. The trek begins through lush rainforests, where you will likely spot Colobus monkeys and other wildlife.
- The trail leads to Machame Camp, where we will set up camp for the night.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- Elevation: 2,835m to 3,750m (9,300ft to 12,300ft)
- Hiking Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- The trail steepens as we leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone. You’ll enjoy amazing views of Kibo Peak and the Shira Plateau.
- We reach Shira Camp in the early afternoon, allowing time to relax and acclimatize.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 3,750m to 4,630m (12,300ft to 15,190ft) then down to 3,960m (12,990ft)
- Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Today is a key acclimatization day. We ascend to the Lava Tower at 4,630m, where you’ll experience the effects of higher altitude.
- After a short break at Lava Tower, we descend to Barranco Camp, following the “climb high, sleep low” strategy to improve acclimatization. The descent into the Barranco Valley offers stunning views of the towering Barranco Wall.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m (12,990ft to 13,235ft)
- Hiking Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- This day involves conquering the Great Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb that offers breathtaking views. Once we ascend the wall, the trail winds through valleys and ridges before arriving at Karanga Camp for the night.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m (13,235ft to 15,090ft)
- Hiking Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Today’s hike is shorter but involves a steep climb to Barafu Camp, our base camp for the summit attempt. You will have an early dinner and rest to prepare for the challenging final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (15,090ft to 19,341ft) then down to 3,100m (10,170ft)
- Hiking Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 11-14 hours
- Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
- Around midnight, we start the final ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The climb is mentally and physically demanding as we reach Stella Point, and then a short trek to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa.
- After celebrating at the summit and capturing your success with photos, we descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest and continue down to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Drive back to Moshi
- Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m (10,170ft to 5,380ft)
- Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- The final day involves a gentle descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where climbers will collect their certificates for completing the climb.
- Afterward, you will be transferred back to Moshi for a well-earned rest.
Day 9: Departure
- Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or continue with optional safaris or a Zanzibar beach holiday.
- Private transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel and back.
- Transfers to and from Machame Gate.
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees.
- Experienced and certified mountain guides, porters, and cook.
- Full-board accommodation on the mountain (3 meals a day).
- All camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats).
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- Salaries for the mountain crew.
- Flights.
- Tanzanian visa fees.
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook.
- Personal climbing gear (available for rent).
- Travel insurance.
- Extra meals and drinks at hotels.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and beverages.
- Best Time to Climb: The best months to attempt the Machame Route are from January to mid-March and June to October, when the weather is typically drier and more favorable for trekking.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging, suitable for trekkers in good physical condition.
- Success Rate: The 7-day Machame Route increases acclimatization time, which significantly improves the chance of reaching the summit.