Trekking Machame Route

8 days—Majestic Heights Unveiled: Ascend Kilimanjaro's Machame Route in 7 Days, Embracing Scenic Landscapes and Achieving Summit Success.

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$2170 USD

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Safari summary

Regarded as the most picturesque route up Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Machame Route offers diverse landscapes and stunning views of Mount Meru and Kibo. Dubbed the "whiskey route," it attracts adventurous hikers who camp in tents, skillfully arranged by the mountain crew.

A choice between the 6-day and 7-day Machame route is available. Opting for the 7-day journey, with an extra day for acclimatization, increases the chances of summit success. The 6-day climb is suitable for seasoned climbers, skipping the night at Karanga Camp on day 4 and proceeding directly to Barafu Camp. After spending a few hours, the ascent to the summit begins around midnight.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
All drinks
Meals
Park fees

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Private vehicle and driver
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Arrival

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be greeted and transported to the your Hotel in Moshi/Arusha. Here, you'll have dinner and spend the night. Your guide will provide a briefing for your upcoming trek and check your equipment to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Any missing gear can be rented on this day. Rest overnight in Moshi/Arusha.

The Charity Hote

Machame Gate to Machame Campsite

Kilimanjaro

Your day kicks off early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a 45-minute drive from Moshi (910m) to the Machame Park Gate. After registering, you enter the rainforest, receiving a lunch pack and using bottled water from your Hotel. The forest may get soggy and slippery in the rain. In the evening, porters provide boiled water, the cook prepares dinner, and you retire to your tent at Machame camp, where night temperatures may drop to freezing.

Machame Campsite

Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2

Kilimanjaro

Early at Machame camp, post-breakfast, climb an hour through the forest and 2 hours in the moorland zone. After lunch, ascend a rocky ridge to the Shira plateau, revealing the Western Breach's glaciers. West of Kibo, a short hike leads to Shira camp at 3,840m. Porters boil water for drinking and washing, serving dinner. Expect a colder night than before, with temperatures well below freezing.

Shira Campsite 2

Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro

The route heads east into a semi-desert, reaching 4630m after a challenging 5-hour walk to Lava Tower. Lunch is served before ascending the rocky scree path, the toughest day causing breathlessness. Post-lunch, descend by 680m to Barranco camping area, showcasing acclimatization. The 2-hour descent offers photo opportunities of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. Nestled in a valley, Barranco Camp provides a memorable sunset, awaiting dinner and an overnight stay at 4600m.

Barranco Campsite

Barranco to Karanga Campsite

Kilimanjaro

Embark on the day by ascending the Barranco Wall, a steep yet manageable climb. Traverse valleys and ridges en route to Karanga Camp, presenting captivating views of Kibo's southern glacier. Total trekking time spans 4-5 hours.

Karanga Campsite

Karanga to Barafu Campsite

Kilimanjaro

Exposed to relentless gales, tents are set on a narrow, stony ridge perilous terrain. Familiarize yourself with it before dark to avoid accidents. The summit lies 1345m higher and your final ascent will be during the night. Prepare equipment, ski stick, and thermal clothing for the summit attempt. Replace headlamp and camera batteries, ensuring you have spares. Carry water in a thermal flask to prevent freezing. Retire around 19hrs, aiming for precious rest, limiting sleep to no more than 5hrs.

Barafu Campsite

Barafu | Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro

Around midnight, embark in a northwesterly direction up the southeast valley towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour walk to Stella Point is both a mental and physical challenge, especially the steep face just below Stella. The duration of your summit stay depends on weather and wind conditions. The return walk to Mweka Camp from the summit may extend beyond 7 hours.

Mweka CampSite

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro

Descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, concluding your trek with a gradual journey through diverse landscapes, celebrating the accomplishments of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

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