7 Days Machame Route Trekking

Tour Starts & Ends: Moshi

Combination with e.g. Zanzibar or Safari possible!

The Machame route, often referred to as the “Whiskey” route, is one of the most popular routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its stunning scenery and relatively high success rates for summiting. Unlike the Marangu route, Machame is a camping route, meaning trekkers stay in tents throughout the journey. This route is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, heathlands, moorlands, and alpine deserts.

DAY 1: Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport

pick up and transferred to the Hotel

DAY 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation (ft): 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart from the hotel in Moshi for Machame Gate, where we complete registration and other formalities before commencing our trek. The trail begins by ascending through dense and verdant rainforest, offering glimpses of endemic flora and fauna. After several hours of hiking, we reach Machame Camp, nestled amidst the trees.

DAY 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation (ft): 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Continuing our ascent, the trail gradually leaves the forest behind, opening up to expansive views of the surrounding landscape. We trek through the heath and moorland zones, crossing picturesque valleys and ridges before reaching Shira Camp, located beneath the towering peaks of Kilimanjaro.

DAY 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Elevation (ft): 12,500 ft to 13,000 ft (Lava Tower) to 13,000 ft (Barranco Camp)
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert

Today's hike involves ascending to the striking Lava Tower, a volcanic formation that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. After a brief stop for acclimatization at Lava Tower, we descend to Barranco Camp, traversing through the alpine desert and iconic Barranco Wall.

DAY 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,000 ft to 13,100 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Leaving Barranco Camp, we tackle the challenging Barranco Wall, utilizing handholds and footholds to ascend. Once atop the wall, the trail levels out as we traverse the scenic ridgeline towards Karanga Camp, nestled in a sheltered valley with stunning views of the glaciers on Kibo's southern face.

DAY 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,100 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Our trek continues as we ascend towards Barafu Camp, our final base camp before the summit push. The trail leads us through the stark and rugged alpine desert, with the summit of Kilimanjaro looming ever closer on the horizon. At Barafu Camp, we rest and prepare for the challenging ascent ahead.

DAY 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then descent to Mweka Camp

Elevation (ft): 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak) to 10,065 ft (Mweka Camp)
Distance: 15 km/9 miles ascent, 12 km/7 miles descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours to Uhuru Peak, 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic, Rain Forest

In the early hours of the morning, we embark on the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. The ascent is arduous, with trekkers navigating steep and icy terrain by the light of their headlamps. Upon reaching the summit, we savor the awe-inspiring views before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. Descending through various ecological zones, including the alpine desert and lush rainforest, we finally arrive at Mweka Camp, where we celebrate our accomplishment and spend our last night on the mountain.

DAY 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, transfer to Hotel

Elevation (ft): 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

On our final day of trekking, we descend through the dense and enchanting rainforest, retracing our steps towards Mweka Gate. Here, we bid farewell to Mount Kilimanjaro as we collect our summit certificates and board vehicles to transfer back to the hotel in Moshi, marking the end of our unforgettable journey.

2 nights’ accommodation (before and after the climb)
Return transportation from Moshi to/from the starting/finishing point on the mountain
Qualified guides with mountain crew
Park fees
Tents and sleeping mattresses
Cutlery / Crockery / Eating utensils
Mess tent (for dining) / Mini camping chairs / Tables / Candles
Rescue Fees
Pulse oximeters
First aid kit
Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
Boiled water on the mountain
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain
Emergency oxygen

Single rooms supplement at Chanya lodge (except on the 1 person rate)
Airport transfers
Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips
Meals and drinks not specified
Gear for your climb
Items of personal nature
Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
Visas

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