Seven Days Machame Route

7 days—Kilimanjaro Trekking

$1600-1750 USD

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Safari summary

The Machame route, also known as the Whisky Route is one of the most scenic and recommended routes on Kilimanjaro. This popular route with paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. Because it can be done over longer periods and the incline is more manageable it has a much higher success rate of summit.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October, December
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking
Cycling | mountain biking—with professional guide

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
All drinks
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

DAY 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft meters(1800m to 3000m) Distance: 11 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.

Camping on Mountain

Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft meters(3000m to 3800m) Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Heath We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.

Camping on Mountain

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft meters(3800m to 4600m) Distance: 7 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft meters(4600m to 3900m) Distance: 3 km/2 miles Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation.

Camping on Mountain

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft meters(3900m to 4000m) Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Camping on Mountain

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft meters(4000m to 4600m) Distance: 4 km/2 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Camping on Mountain

DAY 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft meters(4600m to 5895m) Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft meters(5985m to 3000m) Distance: 12 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Rain Forest 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.

Camping on Mountain

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft meters(3000m to 1650m) Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Hotel arround Moshi town

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