7 Days Machame Route
Full Itinerary
Overview
The Machame route, nicknamed the “Whiskey” route, is known for being more challenging and costly than the Marangu route. It’s one of the best routes for acclimatization and overall experience, making it ideal for adventurous trekkers with some hiking experience. The route offers stunning and varied scenery, passing through five climatic zones and features like the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and Barranco Wall. While popular and crowded, it remains a rewarding and demanding trek with excellent acclimatization opportunities.
Day 1: Hotel to Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After an early breakfast, you’ll drive from Arusha to Machame Gate, a journey of about 45 minutes through the lush Tanzanian countryside. The trek begins at Machame Gate, where you’ll register with the park authorities. The trail starts with a steady climb through the montane rainforest, where you’ll be surrounded by towering trees, vibrant greenery, and possibly encounter some of the mountain’s wildlife. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. After 5-6 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Machame Camp, situated at the edge of the forest.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll leave the forest behind and ascend a steep ridge that leads to the Shira Plateau. The vegetation becomes sparser as you enter the moorland zone, with expansive views opening up around you. The trail offers a mix of rocky paths and smoother terrain as you make your way to Shira Camp. The day’s hike is shorter, allowing you to adjust to the altitude. As you reach Shira Camp, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Mount Meru and the surrounding landscape.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
This day is crucial for acclimatization as you climb from Shira Camp up to the Lava Tower, a massive volcanic rock formation known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” The trail is more challenging, taking you into the semi-desert zone, where the landscape becomes increasingly barren. Reaching the Lava Tower at 4,650 meters, you’ll have the option to take a break and explore the area before descending into the Barranco Valley. The descent to Barranco Camp helps your body acclimate to the altitude, even though you’ll end the day at a similar elevation to where you started. This day is key in preparing for the summit.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, you’ll tackle the Barranco Wall, a steep, rocky climb that requires some scrambling but is not technically difficult. The climb is exhilarating, and once at the top, you’re greeted with breathtaking views of the Karanga Valley and the surrounding landscape. The trail then descends into the valley, leading you to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day of trekking, giving you time to rest and recover. The afternoon can be spent exploring the area or simply relaxing and enjoying the stunning alpine desert scenery.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Today’s hike is relatively short but challenging as you continue your ascent to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The trail is steep and passes through an alpine desert, with little vegetation but incredible views of the mountain and its glaciers. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll have completed the Southern Circuit, offering you views of the summit from various angles. The camp is set on a narrow, exposed ridge, where you’ll spend the afternoon resting, eating, and preparing for the midnight push to the summit.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) to Mweka Camp
The most challenging and rewarding day begins around midnight. Under the cover of darkness, you’ll start your ascent to the summit, navigating through scree and snow as you make your way to Stella Point on the crater rim. The climb is steep, and the air is thin, making this portion both mentally and physically demanding. At Stella Point, you’ll pause to witness one of the most magnificent sunrises, with the sun rising over the clouds beneath you. From there, it’s a final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll begin the long descent to Mweka Camp, stopping briefly at Barafu Camp for lunch. The descent is steep and can be tough on the knees, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Arriving at Mweka Camp in the evening, you’ll enjoy your last night on the mountain, reflecting on your incredible achievement.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
On the final day, you’ll make your way down through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail is lush and scenic, and the descent is relatively quick compared to previous days. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate—gold for those who reached Uhuru Peak and green for those who reached Stella Point. After saying goodbye to your trekking team, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, where a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and a well-deserved rest await you. The evening is yours to relax and celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro climb.
- included
- Airport Transfer: Pickup and transfer to Parkview Inn or Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
- Mountain Crew: Professional team with fair wages as per KINAPA and KIATO standards
- Permits and Fees: Kilimanjaro National Park permits and camping/hut fees
- Meals and Equipment: 3 daily meals, modern tents, warm sleeping pads, first aid kit, and group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery, cutlery)
- Optional Facilities: Portable flush toilets available upon request
- Post-Climb: Meeting at the park exit, transfer to hotel, accommodation after the climb, international ascent certificates
- Return Transfer: Transfer back to Kilimanjaro Airport
- Excluded
- Flight tickets
- Visa fees
- Personal gear rental
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry services
- Tips for the mountain crew
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