Machame Route
7 Days
Duration
Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Lava Tower,Karanga Camp,Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp and Mweka Gate.
Tour Destination
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m / 19,341 ft). This 7-day itinerary allows for excellent acclimatization, increasing summit success rates. The trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and glacial summits.
Tour overview
Day by Day Program
Day 1
Elevation: 1,640m (5,380 ft) to 2,850m (9,350 ft)
Hiking Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
After an early breakfast, depart Arusha and drive to the Machame Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. The journey takes approximately two hours, passing through the lush Tanzanian countryside and small villages. Upon arrival at the park entrance, meet your climbing team and complete the necessary registration.
Begin your trek through the dense, green rainforest, where the trail is often damp and rich with wildlife. The towering trees are draped with moss, and the air is filled with the sounds of birds and monkeys, including the black-and-white colobus monkeys swinging through the branches. The trail gradually ascends as you make your way to Machame Camp, nestled among giant heather trees. Arrive in the late afternoon, settle into camp, and enjoy a warm meal before resting for the night.
Arrival in Arusha
Day 2
Elevation: 2,850m (9,350 ft) to 3,810m (12,500 ft)
Hiking Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Leave the rainforest behind and ascend into the moorland zone, where the vegetation changes dramatically. The trail steepens as you climb rocky ridges and volcanic terrain, offering spectacular views of the Shira Plateau.
Pass through clusters of helichrysum and lobelia plants that thrive in this rugged environment. A picnic lunch is taken en route before continuing to Shira Camp, located on a broad plateau with stunning vistas of Kibo Peak. As the sun sets, enjoy breathtaking views of the Western Breach and its glistening glaciers.
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Day 3
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Elevation: 3,810m (12,500 ft) to 4,600m (15,092 ft) (Lava Tower), then down to 3,960m (13,044 ft)
Hiking Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Today is a crucial acclimatization day with the “climb high, sleep low” principle. Begin your ascent towards Lava Tower, a towering volcanic rock formation standing at 4,600m. This stretch of the trek takes you through the alpine desert, a stark, windswept landscape with little vegetation.
Enjoy a well-earned break and lunch at Lava Tower before descending into the lush Barranco Valley. The descent allows your body to adjust to the altitude, improving acclimatization. As you approach Barranco Camp, you will pass through the fascinating “Garden of the Senecios,” where giant groundsel plants and lobelias grow in the valley. Settle in for the night beneath the towering Barranco Wall.
Day 4
Elevation: 3,960m (13,044 ft) to 4,035m (13,250 ft)
Hiking Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Begin the day by tackling the Barranco Wall, an exhilarating and challenging climb that requires the use of hands in some sections. Despite its intimidating appearance, it is manageable and provides stunning panoramic views of the valleys below.
Once at the top, the trail winds through a series of ascents and descents, leading you to Karanga Camp. This relatively short day is designed to aid acclimatization, ensuring you are well-prepared for the higher elevations ahead. Spend the afternoon resting and enjoying the stunning views of Kibo’s glaciers towering above the camp.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Day 5
Elevation: 4,035m (13,250 ft) to 4,673m (15,331 ft)
Hiking Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Today is a steady uphill trek through an alpine desert landscape to reach Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit attempt. The terrain is rocky and exposed, with strong winds often sweeping through the area.
Arrive at Barafu Camp in the early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to rest and prepare for the summit push.After an early dinner, head to your tent to sleep, as the summit ascent will begin around midnight.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 6
Elevation: 4,673m (15,331 ft) to 5,895m (19,341 ft) (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,068m (10,065 ft)
Hiking Distance: 17 km (11 miles)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
Depart Barafu Camp just before midnight, ascending slowly and steadily towards the summit in freezing temperatures. The climb to Stella Point at 5,756m (18,885 ft) is physically and mentally demanding. Upon reaching Stella Point, witness a breathtaking sunrise before continuing along the crater rim for the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895m (19,341 ft).
After celebrating at the summit and taking photos, begin the descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest. Then, continue down to Mweka Camp, where you will spend your final night on the mountain. The descent provides welcome relief as oxygen levels increase and temperatures rise.
Summit Attempt – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Day 7
Elevation: 3,068m (10,065 ft) to 1,640m (5,380 ft)
Hiking Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Enjoy the final stretch of the journey as you pass through the dense vegetation and listen to the sounds of birds and monkeys one last time.
At Mweka Gate, receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your mountain crew before transferring back to Arusha. Enjoy a hot shower and a well-earned rest after your incredible Kilimanjaro adventure.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha
Book this Tour
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transport
- Park Fees
- Game Drives
- Drinking Water
- Airport Transfers
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- personal Items
- Travel insurance
- Services not mentioned in the program
- Tips
- 6 Days /5 Nights
The Marangu Route is the easiest and most popular way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
- 7 Days /6 Nights
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular paths
- 8 Days /7 Nights
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and least crowded paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
Tanzania
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