7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route
The Machame Route is a trekking route on the south side of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This route takes approximately 7 days to complete and is considered one of the more scenic routes on the mountain, with views of the Shira Plateau, the Lava Tower, and the summit of Kibo.
The route is also known as the Whiskey Route, as it is said to be a bit more challenging than the other routes. During the trek, you will gain altitude slowly and make your way to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
The Machame Route is a great way to experience the beauty of the Kilimanjaro region and challenge yourself to reach the summit.
INCLUDES:
- All accommodations per itinerary
- All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
- All transportation and transfers per itinerary
- 2 nights 3-star accommodations in Moshi (upgrade possible)
- Round-trip transfers for the Kilimanjaro Airport (shared)
- National Park gate fees
- Transport from Moshi to trailhead and return to Moshi
- Camping fees
- Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
- Salaries for all crew members
- Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
- Tents, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
- Oximeters
- Emergency Oxygen (2L canister)
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EXCLUDES:
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed
- Beverages and alcohol
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
- Optional tours
- Single room supplement
- Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $400-550/person)
- Sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and personal gear
- Single tent
- Low season discount in April/May
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Details
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Moshi or Arusha.
A driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro Airport after you go through immigration and customs.
There will be a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide today and an opportunity to get any rental items that you may need and also pack for the trek. You can leave extra luggage that is not needed on the trek at the hotel.
If you have time, we recommend an extra rest day before your trek.
Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Moshi or Arusha
Drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (30-45 minutes). The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
-- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
-- Distance: 11km/7mi
-- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
-- Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Machame Camp
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
-- Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
-- Distance: 5km/3mi
-- Walking Time: 4-5 hours
-- Habitat: Moorland
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Shira Camp
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth" (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier.
We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
-- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
-- Distance: 10km/6mi
-- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
-- Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barranco Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
-- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
-- Distance: 5km/3mi
-- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
-- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Karanga Camp
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
-- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
-- Distance: 4km/2mi
-- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
-- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barafu Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
-- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
-- 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 included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mweka Camp
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Don't forget to tip your guides and porters.
-- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
-- Distance: 10km/6mi
-- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
-- Habitat: Forest
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Mid-Range Accommodations: Moshi or Arusha
Drive to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure, or continue on for your safari.
Meals included: Breakfast
