Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro
Machame 7 Days Route
Overview
Machame Route is one of the most popular routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Dubbed the “Whiskey” route, it is steeper and longer than the Marangu (Coca-Cola) Route, but offers greater acclimatization. Over the course of seven days, climbers traverse through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, experiencing some of the most spectacular views along the way. This route allows for a longer ascent, which aids in acclimatization, and offers an excellent chance of reaching Uhuru Peak at 5895m.
Map Route
Itinerary
Day 0
Arrive in Tanzania
- You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Day 1
Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)
- Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 6 hours
Two hour’s drive from Arusha to Machame gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
Day 2
Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)
- Distance covered: 5.4km / 3.4mi
- Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.
Day 3
Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
- Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 8 hrs
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.
Day 4
Barranco Camp (3960m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
- Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3mi
- Approx. time taken: 8 hours
Our day starts by descending into the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical, but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley, which is our last stop for fresh water before the summit. Scree now forms the terrain as we walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu camp.
Day 5
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
- 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.
- Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- 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 can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
- Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Approx. time taken: 4-6 hours
Day 6
Mweka hut camp to Mweka Park Gate to Arusha
- Distance covered: 10km
- Hiking time: 4-3hours
We make the final descent through the rain forest to Mweka Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebrating dinner.
Day 7
Kilimanjaro International Airport
After a good night rest and breakfast at the hotel, our transfer vehicle will be ready to pick you up and take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport to connect with your flight back home. But if you wish to extend your program and proceed with safari kindly let us know so that we can arrange it in advance.
Price
2550 USD / Person
What you get
Included
- Mountain Climbing Fees: All necessary permits and fees for climbing Kilimanjaro.
- Camping Fees: Fees for camping along the Machame Route.
- Rescue Fees: Coverage for any potential rescue operations during the climb.
- Meals: Three meals per day provided throughout the climb, including the day 1.
- Professional Mountain Guide: Expert guidance from experienced Kilimanjaro guides.
- Cook: A dedicated cook to prepare meals during the climb.
- Porters: More than the standard number of porters provided per client to carry gear and supplies.
- Mountain Tents: Comfortable two-room mountain tents for accommodation.
- Mattress and Sleeping Bag: Mattresses and sleeping bags included for each climber.
- Transport: Transportation from Arusha to Machame Gate and back to Arusha on the last day.
- Boiled Drinking Water: 3 to 4 liters of boiled drinking water per person per day during the climb.
Excluded
- Sleeping Bags and Climbing Gear: Personal gear such as sleeping bags, clothing, shoes, walking poles, headlamp, gloves, and other climbing essentials.
- Tips for the Crew: Gratuities for guides, porters, and other support staff.
- Gratuities for the Driver Guide and Hotel Staff: Additional tips for the driver guide and hotel staff.
- Personal Expenses: Expenses such as beverages, laundry, and other personal costs.
- Telephone, Faxes, and Telexes: Costs for communication services.
- Travel Insurance and Medical Evacuation:Coverage for travel insurance and medical evacuation is not included.
- International Flights: Flights to and from Tanzania are not included.
- Visas: Costs for visas or any other travel documentation.