7 -Days Machame Route

7- Days machame Route Overview

The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep, and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore, this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high-altitude hiking or backpacking experience.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rainforest to the Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s
Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

7- Days Machame Route Detailed Itinerary

ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro airport, you will be met by one of our friendly drivers who will transfer you to an amazing Hotel reserved for you in Moshi. Should you arrive early you can explore the small town of Moshi, which is only a short taxi ride away, or you can just relax at the lodge and get ready for the days ahead. You will also meet with one of our operations staff and the guide, who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment.

Machame Gate to Machame Camp Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft Distance: 11 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest. The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes. of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp. 

Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Heath. We leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending
path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands.
then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft Distance: 7 km/4 miles Hiking Time:
4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert. Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation: 15,190 feet to 13,044 feet Distance: 3 km/2 miles Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert. We continue to the east, a ridge, and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower—a 300-foot-tall volcanic rock formation.
We descend to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful groundsel giant Forest to an altitude of 13,000 feet. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert. We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From
the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into
Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for
acclimatization.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft Distance: 4 km/2 miles Hiking
Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert. We leave Karanga and hit the junction, which connects
with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section of Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks
of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. 

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time:7-8 hours Habitat; Arctic. Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Elevation: 19,341 feet to 10,065 feet Distance: 12 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Rain Forest. Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard
on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest. On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

7 Days Machame Route Price

Include

  • PARK FEES, CAMPING FEES & RESCUE FEES 
  • 18% VAT ON TOUR FEE AND SERVICES
  • MOUNTAIN TENTS
  • SLEEPING MATS
  • TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM MOUNTAIN gate
  • PROFESSIONAL MOUNTAIN GUIDES, COOKS AND PORTERS
  • 3 MEALS DAILY WHILE ON THE MOUNTAIN
  • Fair pay for the Mountain Crew
    APPROVED BY THE KILIMANJARO NATIONAL
    PARK AUTHORITY (KINAPA), KILIMANJARO
    ASSOCIATION OF TOUR OPERATORS (KIATO)
  • SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND pulses OXIMETER
  • PRE AND POST SAFARi ACCOMMODATION (2 nights) at Moshi.

Exclude

  • International and Local flights  
  • Tips to Mountain Crew and Driver Guides
  • Item of Personal Nature
  • Any other activities not included
  • Laundry services
  • Health insurance
  • Portable Flash Toilet with a toilet tent is extra ($100 Per toilet + Toilet tent).
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance
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