Kilimanjaro – Machame route – 7 Days
$2200 per person
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. This is a 6 day Kilimanjaro hike ascends through afromontane forest and then into the heath zone and on to the edge of the remnants of the Shira volcano. The route then circumnavigates the main peak, Kibo, anticlockwise on route passing some spectacular features such as giant steps and glacial valleys. The key difference between the 7 and 6 day version of this route is that this 6 day hike misses a night camping at Karanga camp and so the section from Barranco to Barafu camp is long. This means if you do not acclimatize well or are unfit, this is very tough. The final ascent is from Barafu camp. It is a night time ascent to Uhuru Peak via Stella Point. The descent is via the Mweka route.
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Destination
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Departure
Arusha -
Departure Time
morning from Arusha -
Return Time
afternon to Arusha -
Dress Code
Comfortable trekking and athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat and warm jacket. -
Included
Accommondation per Tour DescriptionAll meals during safari as per itineraryDestinations transfers (airport transfer)Emergency Evacuation by Flying DoctorGovernment Taxes, VAT and all relating service chargesKnowledgeable driver/guidePark FeesRescue Fees -
Not Included
BeveragesDrinking water one bottle of 1.5 ltr a day while on safariFlightsMeals not listedOptional ToursPersonal Expenses (i.e. laundry and communications)Private 4x4 custom built vehicleTanzania VisaTips for guidesTrip & medical insurance
From Our Gallery
Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame route
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Hut 2,987 m/9,800 ft
The climb starts from Machame gate (1830m), we walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rain forest, you will arrive to the first Machame Hut, situated at 3000m above sea level
If is a clear day we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo.
5-6 hours · 6.7 miles elevation: +4,400 ft.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp 3,535 m/11,600 ft
From Machame camp you hike to Shira Camp. The first section is relatively steep and altitude is gained rapidly. A picnic lunch is taken on trail today. The zone you pass through today is known as the heath zone where attractive helichrysum and lobelia plants become apparent. Various geologic features can be seen today from lava tubes to glacial valleys. The trail offers wide views. Overnight Shira Camp (full board).
4-5 hours · 3.3 miles · elevation: +2,800 ft.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Valley 3,901 m/12,800 ft
Today is a walk high sleep low day. You ascend into alpine desert and for those that are feeling strong you can even head up to Lava Tower (15,150 ft) before decending to Barranco camp (12,800 ft). Lunch is taken as a picnic lunch on route. This is long day but pays dividends later on – great acclimatisation day! Overnight Barranco Camp (full board).
7-9 hours · 7.5 miles · elevation: +200 ft.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley (acclimatization day).
Day 5: Karanga camp to Barafu Camp 4,511 m/14,800 ft
From Barranco camp, famous for its’ giant groundsels (Senecio species), you ascend the Barranco wall and hike glacial valleys to Karanga camp (13,100 ft). Lunch is taken at Karanga valley before heading to Barafu (14,800 ft) in the afternoon. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening slendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the evening. Overnight Barafu Camp (full board).
7-11 hours · 6.6 miles · elevation: +2,000 ft.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak 5,896 m/19,345 ft to Mweka Camp
Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point (18,800 ft) affords a realtively short final section that is passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. And finally - Uhuru peak (19,345 ft), the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down and your goal today is to reach Mweka camp Mweka (5,400 ft) before dusk. Overnight Mweka Camp (full board).
11-15 hours · 12.3 miles · elevation: +4,545 ft. gain · -13,945 ft. loss
Day 7: Descent - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka gate successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch we drive back to Arusha for diner and overnight at Mc- Elly’s hotel.
Mount Kilimanjaro is an inactive strato-volcano in northeast Tanzania, near the border with Kenya. At 5,895m (19,340 feet) above sea level, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and the world's highest free-standing mountain. Aided by its relatively easy ascent - Kilimanjaro has become a major destination for mountaineers and trekkers from around the world. It's also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2,200$ |
| 2-4 | 2,100$ |
| 5-7 | 1,900$ |
| 8+ | 1,850$ |