Kilimanjaro Climb 7 Days Machame Route

Tanzania

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7 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE

Start From
$1,950
Duration
7 Days
Group Size
No size Limit
Tour Type
Hiking

Tour Overview

Nicknamed the "Whiskey" route due to its perceived difficulty and relatively higher cost compared to the Marangu route, the Machame route is widely regarded as one of the top choices for scaling Kilimanjaro, offering a balanced blend of acclimatization and affordability.
Considered challenging, the Machame route is best suited for adventurous trekkers with prior hiking or backpacking experience. Despite its difficulty, the route boasts stunning and varied scenery, although its popularity has led to increased foot traffic, slightly diminishing its allure.
Approaching the summit from the southwest and descending via the Mweka route, the Machame route treats climbers to breathtaking vistas of the expansive Shira Plateau, the option to scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the formidable Barranco wall, and a traverse beneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.
While some sections may be steeper compared to alternative routes like Marangu and Rongai, the Machame route offers ample opportunities for acclimatization with its "walk high, sleep low" strategy, aiding climbers in adjusting to the altitude.
With its challenging yet rewarding trek through five distinct climatic zones, the Machame route provides climbers with an unforgettable experience. Additionally, the option to split the pre-summit day climb allows climbers to rest adequately before reaching the summit.
Despite its challenges, the Machame route remains highly popular among climbers seeking an exhilarating adventure on Africa's highest peak.

Tour Include & Excluded

Private Transportation to and from your selected Route
Airport pick up
Quality, Waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent for camp route
Certified, experienced, English speaking mountain guides (Please request for other language Speaking Guides French/Spanish/German & Etc, supplement $25 per day subject to availability).
All Kilimanjaro National Park Fees
Government Climbing Taxes
All hot Meals prepared by our cook while on Mountain
Guides, Porters and Cook Salaries
Enough porters to carry your luggage
Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park and your Guide

Personal items and toiletries
Accommodation before & After trek
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tips for guides, porters and cook
International airfares and departure taxes
All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Visa and International flight tickets fees.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Hotel to Machame Camp
After breakfast and a briefing, we embark on a drive from Arusha to Machame Gate, a journey of about 45 minutes. The route passes through the village of Machame, nestled on the lower slopes of the mountain.
Upon reaching the park gate, we complete necessary park formalities and then commence our trek through the rainforest. The trail winds its way up a ridge, with the lower elevations characterized by muddy and slippery terrain. It's advisable to use gaiters and trekking poles in these conditions. We continue until we reach Machame Camp.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
- Distance: 11km/7mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Following breakfast, we leave the rainforest glades behind and proceed along an ascending path. The trail gradually steepens as we cross the valley via a steep rocky ridge. Our journey takes us westward, passing the Shira 1 camp, until we reach the Shira 2 campsite, situated amidst moorland meadows by a stream.
- Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 16km/10mi
- Walking Time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, our path veers eastward up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. Continuing southeast, we head towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Following the tower, we descend to the Barranco Camp. Although we end the day at a similar elevation to our starting point, this day aids in acclimatization, crucial for summit day.
- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we tackle a steep ridge, climbing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail.
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We ascend to the Barafu Camp, marking the completion of the South Circuit. This section offers various angles of the summit. At Barafu, we set up camp, rest, dine, and prepare for summit day.
- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 4km/2mi
- Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
In the early hours of the morning (midnight to 2 am), we proceed towards the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Navigating a northwesterly direction, we ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This segment is mentally and physically demanding. After a brief rest at Stella Point, we continue to the summit, Uhuru Peak, offering an awe-inspiring sunrise for those reaching the top. Descending from the summit, we make our way to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles and gaiters may be necessary for the loose gravel during descent.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft (summit) then down to 3090m/10,150ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi up, 13km/8mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up, 5-6 hours down
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
Following breakfast, we descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive our summit certificates. At lower elevations, the terrain may be wet and muddy, for which gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Shorts and T-shirts are suitable attire, with rain gear and warmer clothing available as needed. At Mweka gate, our vehicle awaits to transport us back to the hotel in Arusha, approximately a 60-minute drive.
- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-