Overview
7-Day Machame Route Overview: A Challenging Kilimanjaro Adventure
The 7-day Machame Route trek is one of the most popular and rewarding ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its scenic beauty, diverse landscapes, and challenging terrain, this route is ideal for trekkers who are physically fit and looking for an immersive adventure. Often referred to as the “Whiskey Route” due to its more demanding nature, the Machame Route offers hikers an unforgettable journey to the summit of Africa’s highest peak.
What sets the Machame Route apart is its varied ecosystems. Starting from the rainforest zone at the base, trekkers gradually ascend through heath and moorland, reaching alpine desert conditions before finally encountering the glaciers at the summit. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush vegetation, rocky paths, and stunning ridgelines, offering panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s majestic landscape.
The Machame Route is also known for its higher success rate compared to shorter routes, thanks to the longer duration, which allows for better acclimatization. The trek takes seven days, giving climbers the opportunity to properly adjust to the altitude, reducing the risks of altitude sickness. However, it is still a demanding climb and requires a strong level of fitness and mental determination.
Camping along the Machame Route offers a more immersive experience, with trekkers staying in tents at designated campsites. While the trek is physically demanding, the sense of accomplishment when reaching the summit is unparalleled. The final ascent to Uhuru Peak, via the Barranco Wall and the summit crater rim, is both challenging and exhilarating.
For adventurers seeking a true test of endurance and a deep connection with nature, the 7-day Machame Route provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the majesty of Kilimanjaro.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation in camps or huts
- All meals during the trek
- Guides and porters
- Park fees and trekking permits
- Transfers to/from the trek
- Safety equipment and communication devices
- Water and snacks
Exclusions:
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear and clothing
- Additional meals outside the trek
- Tips for staff
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Personal medical expenses
What To Expect
Day 1: Machame gate to Machame camp
The tour will begin with a drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate, which will take about 50 minutes. We’ll pass through the quaint Machame village located on the south-western slope of Kilimanjaro. After we have signed into the national park and all the formalities have been taken care of, we’ll begin our trek through the rainforest keep your eyes out for wildlife including monkeys.
Accommodation
Camping at Machame Camp.
Elevation: 1,640m/5,380feet to 2,850m/9,350 feet
Distance: 11km/6.8 miles
Hiking time: 5-7 hrs
Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
We will say goodbye to the rainforest and continue up the path onto a steep, rocky ridge. After we pass over the Shira Plateau, the land opens up to heather and moorland before we cross a large river and reach Shira 2 Camp.
Accommodation
Camping at Shira 2 Camp.
Elevation: 2,850m/9,350feet to 3,800m/12,500feet
Distance: 5km/3 miles
Hiking time: 4-6 hrs
Habitat: Heath
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,800m/12,500feet to 4,630m/15,190 feet
Distance: 7km/4 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
Today will begin with a trek towards the Lava Tower (a 300ft tall volcanic rock formation). We’ll continue down to Barranco Camp through the unique Senecio Forest. This day is special because you’ll begin and end at the same altitude, very beneficial for acclimatization.
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 4,630m/15,190feet to 3,975m/13,044 feet
Distance: 3km/1.8 miles
Hiking time: 2-3 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The day will start by heading down into a ravine before we tackle the Great Barranco Wall. It’s not a technical climb but it is steep, nearly 900feet of steepness. From the top, we’ll then continue our trek twisting and turning before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. After another short but fairly steep climb, we’ll reach Karanga Camp. Another short day designed to help with acclimatization.
Accommodation
Camping at Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,975m/13,044feet to 3,995m/13,106feet
Distance: 5km/3 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast at the Camp, we’ll trek towards the route that conjoin with the Mweka route. We’ll then gradually make our way to Barafu Hut. Today, you will have completed the Southern Circuit, and the views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks here are awe-inspiring. Once we make it to the camp, we’ll eat, rest, and prepare the bags for the summit.
Accommodation
Camping at Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3,994m/13,106feet to 4,672m/15,331feet
Distance: 4km/2.5 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (Summiting)
Elevation: 4,672m/15,331feet to 5,895m/19,341feet
Distance: 5km/3 miles
Hiking time: 7-8 hrs
Habitat: Arctic
At the midnight, we will wake you up for a quick snack and get ready to begin our journey to the summit. This is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek, a true endurance experience. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. As we approach Stella Point, you’ll begin to feel the heat of the magnificent sunrise appearing over the Mawenzi Peak—a truly unforgettable moment. We will then continue until we finally reach Uhuru Peak—the tip of Mount Kilimanjaro and Africa’s highest point!
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and, later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Accommodation
Mweka Camp
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 5,895m/19,341feet to 3,067m/10,065feet
Distance: 12km/7.5 miles
Hiking time: 4-6 hrs
Habitat: Rainforest
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka gate
After breakfast, we will say goodbye to our porters and continue our descent to the Mweka Park Gate to collect our summit certificates. It can be muddy and wet during our walk to lower elevation. You’ll begin to realize how good you feel as the altitude slowly begins to drop. You will be met at the gate by our Dubu adventures representative who will drive you back to the hotel.
Elevation: 3,067m/10,065feet to 1,639m/5,380feet
Distance: 10km/6 miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
Price per person $2600 All inclusive
P/p standard $ 2200
P/p join group $ 1800
Map
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From Original price was: $1,800.00.$1,750.00Current price is: $1,750.00.
From Original price was: $1,800.00.$1,750.00Current price is: $1,750.00.
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