Mountain Climbing Adventure
7-Day Machame Route Mt. Kilimanjaro
Machame Route
Climbing Itinerary Overview
Destinations
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Mount Kilimanjaro | Machame Route
The Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is known as the “Whiskey” route, in contrast to Marangu’s more famous “Coca-Cola” route. This scenic route is the second most popular route on the mountain. Climbers will sleep in provided tents, and meals are served in a dinner tent or outside on a blanket.
The Machame Route takes seven days, making acclimatization easier and leading to a relatively high success rate. It’s recommended for physically fit individuals with some hiking experience. The descent is via the Mweka trail, with the final night spent at either the Mweka or Millenium camp on the mountain.
All Kilimanjaro treks can be taken as private trips, starting any day. Group departures are also offered on selected dates.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Moshi
A driver will meet you at the Kilimanjaro Airport after you go through immigration and customs. Look for someone with a sign that says “Savannah Tales” and your name. Without traffic, it takes at least 45 minutes to get to Moshi.
You will have a trek orientation today with your Kilimanjaro guide. This will also allow you to rent necessary items and pack for the trek. Any extra luggage that you don’t need for the hike can be left at the hotel.
We recommend an extra rest day before your trek if you have time.
Meals and Accommodation
- Meals included: n/a
- Mid-Range Accommodations: Chanya Lodge
Day 2: Drive to Machame Gate at Kilimanjaro National Park, Hike to Machame Camp
To reach the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, approximately 30-45 minutes from Moshi, we will drive through the charming village of Machame, situated on the mountain’s lower slopes.
From the park gate, we will hike through the rainforest on a meandering path that ascends a ridge. The trail may be muddy and slippery at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The journey continues until we arrive at the Machame Camp, a short distance away.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
- Distance: 11km/7mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals and Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Accommodations: Machame Camp
Day 3: Hike Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After Breakfast, we ascend on a steep rocky ridge, cross the valley, and continue west on a river gorge until we reach the Shira campsite.
- Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Walking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Meals and Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Accommodations: Shira Camp
Day 4: Hike Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Our journey from the Shira Plateau takes us eastward up a ridge, passing the junction leading to the Kibo peak. As we progress further, we turn southeast towards the Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth,” which sits at 4650m/15,250ft. After the tower, we reach the second junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier.
Our path now takes us down to the Barranco Camp. Though we end the day at the same elevation as we started, this day is crucial for acclimatization and preparing our bodies for the summit day.
- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals and Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Accommodations: Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After Breakfast, we will ascend the steep Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley, connecting with the Mweka Trail.
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals and Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Accommodations: Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We reach Barafu Camp after completing the South Circuit, which provides various summit angles. We rest, dine, 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 and Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Accommodations: Barafu Camp
Day 7: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
We start our ascent towards the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro between midnight and 2 a.m., walking towards Stella Point on the crater rim through the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. This is the most challenging part of the trek, both physically and mentally, as we walk on heavy scree.
Upon reaching Stella Point, we will rest briefly and enjoy the breathtaking sunrise, one of the most magnificent sights ever seen. Fast-moving hikers might be able to see the sunrise from the peak.
During the 1-hour ascent to the summit, you may encounter snow from Stella Point. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, we will have climbed the highest mountain in Africa. We will then start our descent to Mweka Camp, stopping for lunch at Barafu. Using gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel while descending would be best. We end our trek at Mweka Camp, where we can relax 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 and Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Accommodations: Mweka Camp
Day 8: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
Once we finish Breakfast, we will go down to the Mweka Park Gate to collect your summit certificates. It can get damp and muddy at lower elevations, so it’s recommended that you wear gaiters and use trekking poles. Shorts and T-shirts are suitable to wear, but make sure to keep rain gear and warmer clothing close by. After reaching the gate, we will proceed for about an hour until we reach Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting for you to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 30 minutes away). Please remember to show appreciation for your guides and porters by giving them a tip.
- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
Meals and Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Mid-Range Accommodations: Chanya Lodge
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