7 Days Machame Route

Because it has a great success rate and is really attractive the Machame route is undoubtedly the busiest on the mountain. Over 7 days, you have a fantastic journey and a great chance of summiting successfully.

The climb begins at Machame Gate, at an altitude of 1800 metres, with an approach to the south west of the mountain. It passes through majestic rainforest on the first day, before continuing up the mountain to reach Shira Camp, where the Lemosho route joins from the west. From here you traverse the southern side of the mountain to Barranco via Lava Tower, and climb the Great Barranco Wall on your way to Barafu Camp. After reaching the summit, you will descend by the Mweka trail, rather than retracing your steps along the ascent route.

The Machame route is nicknamed the ‘Whiskey Route’ as it is considered more difficult than the ‘Coca Cola Route’, the nickname for the Marangu route. In reality, it is not more technically difficult, but is longer and in places steeper. The longer distance and the opportunity to ‘walk high, sleep low’ offer much better acclimatisation and as a result a very high success rate.

The Machame route is a good seven day hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes, with an effective extra day’s acclimatisation, giving a better success rate. Experienced and already acclimatised mountaineers may opt for the more difficult 6 day ascent along the Machame route.

Upon arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at your requested Hotel. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.

DAY 1: RAINFOREST ZONE – MACHAME GATE

We drive from Arusha/Mosh to the Machame Gate which is located on the southern side of the mountain. This drive takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. Starting at the Machame Gate (5,718 ft or 1,748m) we will be climbing to Machame Camp (9,350 ft or 2,850m). This trek takes approximately 5-7 hours and is through the Tropical Rainforest Zone. Overnight at Machame Camp.

DAY 2: SHIRA 2 CAMP – MOORLAND/HEATHER ZONE

Starting our day off in the Rainforest Zone at Machame Camp (9,350 ft or 2,850m), we will be leaving the Rainforest Zone to head to our next campsite, Shira 2 Camp (12,621 ft or 3,847m).

We are now entering the next ecological zone, the Moorland/Heather Zone. Trees are scarcer and small plants become more common.

Overnight at Shira 2 Camp.

DAY 3: BARRANCO CAMP – ALPINE DESERT ZONE

Starting at Shira 2 Camp (12,621 ft or 3,847m), we start trekking to our next camp – Barranco Camp (13,066 ft or 3,983 m). We hike towards the Lava Tower for lunch. After having lunch, we begin to make our descent to Barranco Camp. The landscape becomes more and more desolate as desert starts to take over. The views of the Great Breach Wall are fantastic from this camp, probably better than anywhere else on the mountain. We camp at Barranco Camp (13,066 ft or 3,983 m).

Day 4: Karanga campsite to Barafu campsite

After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

DAY 4: KARANGA CAMP – ALPINE DESERT ZONE

We climb from Barranco Camp (13,066ft or 3,983 m) to Karanga Camp (13,106ft or 3,994 m). To get to Karanga Camp, we must cross over the Barranco Wall. This climb is not technical and you will have the guides to assist you. This trek takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete. Afterwards we will rest for the remainder of the day. We camp overnight at Karanga Camp.

DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP – ALPINE DESERT ZONE

We climb from Karanga Camp (13,106ft or 3,994 m) to Barafu Camp (15,239ft or 4,644 m). This trek takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete. Afterwards we will rest for the remainder of the day. We camp overnight at Barafu Camp. We will be going to sleep at about 7 pm, in order to wake up at 11 pm for our summit climb.

DAY 6: UHURU PEAK – SUMMIT DAY – ARCTIC ZONE

Starting at Barafu Camp (15,239ft or 4,644 m) we will begin our summit trek to Uhuru Peak (19,341ft or 5,895m). We will wake up at 11:00 PM the night before to get prepared and start trekking around midnight. This trek takes approximately 7 hours to complete. You will be reaching the summit around sunrise. Congratulations on reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Spend a few minutes savouring your accomplishment and taking photos. We descend via Stella Point, all the way down to Mweka Camp (10,204ft or 3,110 m) in the Moorland/Heather Zone. This descent portion takes approximately 6-8 hours.

DAY 7: MWEKA GATE & OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE

After breakfast, we continue to climb down to Mweka Gate (5,423ft or 1,653m) where we sign the Official Kilimanjaro National Park Register, have a cold drink, and get presented our official Kilimanjaro Certificate by our Head Guide. This last descent to the gate should take approximately 3-4 hrs.

We then head to our bus and head back to the Premium Hotel in Arusha. This drive takes approximately 3 hrs. You should be arriving back at the hotel in the mid-afternoon around 3 PM (depending what time you leave your camp in the morning).

INCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE

Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
Airport Transfers
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water and Full Board Meals
All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
Gate Transfers
Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder

EXCLUDED FROM TREKKING PACKAGE:

Flights
Visa fees
Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
Gamow Bag
Medication
Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room

Price depends on the number of people in a group, The route and number of days, click book below and let us know the number of people in your group, the route you want and number of days, We will get back to you instantly with the exact price