7 Days Machame Route

Description

The most popular route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro these days is the Machame route, and for good reason. Machame route has been nicknamed the “Whiskey Route” because it is often perceived as being tougher than the Marangu route, which is often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route. Unlike that trail, however, camping is allowed on Machame, which means trekkers will be sleeping in tents all the way to the summit.

Highlights
  • Summit Mount Kilimanjaro, is one of the seven summits of the world at 19,340′.
  • Navigate Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route, the most scenic on the mountain.
  • Cross 6 ecological zones from lush rainforest to the harsh, beautiful arctic zone.
  • Follow expert African guides, full of the knowledge of the mountain and its environs.
  • Experience Signature Camping! Spacious tents, deluxe comfort, amazing meals, and more!
Includes
  • 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
Excludes
  • 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

Location Map

Tour Timeline

  • 1
    Day 1: Machame Gate 1800 m to Machame Hut (2835 m): 5-7 hours walking...

    The climb starts from machame gate (1830m), we walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rain forest, you will arrive to the first Machame Hut, situated at 3000m above sea level If is a clear day we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit.

    Elevation: 1,800 m to 2835 m

    Distance: 11 km

    Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

    Habitat: Montane Forest

  • 2
    Day 2 : Machame Hut 2835M to Shira Camp (3,750 M): 4-6 hours walking

    A shorter day climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic site, and continue up a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo peak can be seen from Shira Camp.

    Elevation: 2835 m to 3,750 m

    Distance: 5km

    Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

    Habitat: Moorland

  • 3
    Day 3: Shira Camp 3750 M to Barranco Camp 3900M {VIA Lava Tower camp 4600M} 5-7 hours walking

    Today we walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and after hot lunch the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,950 m).

    Elevation: Shira Cave camp 3,750 m to Baranco Camp 3,900 m

    Distance: 10km

    Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

    Habitat: Moorland

  • 4
    Day 4: Barranco Camp {3900m} to Karanga camp (3995 m): 3.5 to 4 hours walking

    A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, finally we have a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.

    Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft

    Distance: 6 km

    Hiking Time: 3.5 to 4 hours

    Habitat: Moorland

  • 5
    Day 5: Karanga Camp 3995m to Barafu Camp (4,673 m.); 3-4 hours walking

    A steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp. 
The two peaks Kibo and Mawenzi can been seen from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at the Camp, The remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.

    Elevation: Karanga camp 3995 m to Barafu Camp 4,673 m

    Distance: 4 km

    Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

    Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • 6
    Day 6: Barafu Camp 4673m to Mweka Camp (3100 m): Via the peak hours walking

    Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m. We will rest there for few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to main peak (5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment we descend to Barafu is amazingly fast, and we stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach Mweka Camp.

    Elevation: Barafu Camp 4,673 m to Uhuru peak 5,895 m{Via Stella Point 5756m}

    Distance: 4.3 km ascent to Stella Point

    Distance: 5 km Barafu to Uhuru Peak Ascent

    Hiking Time: 6-7hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent

    Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • 7
    Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-4 hours walking

    A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka gate successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch we drive back to your lodge for long overdue shower, dinner and more celebrations!

    Elevation: Mweka camp3,100 m to Mweka Gate 1,640 m

    Distance: 10 km

    Hiking Time: 4 -5 hours

    Habitat: Montane Forest