7 DAYS TREK
Machame Route Climbing
7 DAYS MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB (MACHAME ROUTE)
MACHAME ROUTE ITINERARY
The Machame Route is the legendary “Whiskey” route. It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain. All climbers sleep in high-quality tents (included in the package). Because this trek is done over 7 days, altitude acclimatization is much easier and the success rate is fairly high. It is highly recommended for physically fit people with some hiking experience.
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 45 minutes, passing through the beautiful village of Machame located on the lower slopes. We depart the park gate and walk through the lush rain forest 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.
- Elevation : 1,830 m / 6,000 ft to 3,050 m / 9,950 ft
- Distance : 11 km / 7 mi
- Hiking Time : 5 – 6 hours
- Habitat : Montane Forest
Day 2: Hike Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path. We cross the valley along a steep rocky ridge covered with unique moorland vegetation until we arrive at the scenic Shira campsite on the plateau.
- Elevation : 3,050 m / 9,950 ft to 3,850 m / 12,600 ft
- Distance : 5 km / 3 mi
- Walking Time : 4 – 5 hours
- Habitat : Moorland
Day 3: Hike Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo peak. Our direction changes south-east towards the Lava Tower, famously called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4,650 m / 15,250 ft). Shortly after the tower, we reach the second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier, before descending down to Barranco Camp. Although you end the day near your starting altitude, this "climb high, sleep low" strategy is critical for acclimatization.
- Elevation : 3,850 m / 12,600 ft to 4,000 m / 13,000 ft
- Distance : 10 km / 6 mi
- Walking Time : 5 – 6 hours
- Habitat : Semi-desert
Day 4: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and tackle the steep ridge up the famous Barranco Wall. From the top, we traverse down into the Karanga Valley and reach the campsite, located right before the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
- Elevation : 4,000 m / 13,000 ft to 4,050 m / 13,250 ft
- Distance : 5 km / 3 mi
- Hiking Time : 3 – 4 hours
- Habitat : Alpine Desert
Day 5: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue our steady ascent up to the Barafu Camp. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers spectacular views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare thoroughly for the midnight summit bid.
- Elevation : 4,050 m / 13,250 ft to 4,700 m / 15,350 ft
- Distance : 4 km / 2 mi
- Hiking Time : 3 – 4 hours
- Habitat : Alpine Desert
Day 6: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, then down to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You ascend northwest through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim—the most challenging portion. After a short rest at Stella Point, you will experience a magnificent sunrise. From here, a 1-hour snowy ascent brings you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! We then descend straight down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch.
- Elevation : 4,700 m / 15,350 ft to 5,895 m / 19,340 ft (down to 3,090 m / 10,150 ft)
- Distance : 5 km / 3 mi up, 13 km / 8 mi down
- Hiking Time : 5 – 7 hours up / 5 – 6 hours down
- Habitat : Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 7: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
After breakfast, we continue our final descent through the beautiful rain forest down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your official summit certificates. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village where our vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).
- Elevation : 3,090 m / 10,150 ft to 1,680 m / 5,500 ft
- Distance : 10 km / 6 mi
- Hiking Time : 3 – 4 hours
- Habitat : Forest
- Meals : Breakfast (B)
Trek Pricing
| Group Size | Price / Person |
|---|---|
| 1 – 3 Pax (Standard Group) | $1,800 per person |
| 4 Pax + (Large Group Rate) | $1,600 per person |
What's Included
- ✔ 2 nights’ accommodation in a 3* hotel (before and after the trek)
- ✔ All nights’ accommodation in high-quality mountain tents
- ✔ Professional, experienced mountain guides
- ✔ All park fees and emergency rescue fees
- ✔ All meals while on the mountain
- ✔ Arrival and departure airport transfers
- ✔ Fair salaries for guides, porters, and cooks, including their park fees
- ✔ Mess tents equipped with tables and chairs
- ✔ Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- ✔ Clean, purified drinking water throughout the trek
- ✔ Fair and ethical treatment of mountain porters
- ✔ Comfortable sleeping mattress
Not Included
- ✖ Tanzania Visa ($50 per person payable on arrival)
- ✖ Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- ✖ Optional tours (e.g., short wildlife safari after your climb)
- ✖ Tips for mountain staff (guides, porters, and cooks) and any items of a personal nature