Kilimanjaro Machame Route
7 days—Kilimanjaro Climbing Seven day Machame Route
$1800-2300 USD
pp
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Safari summary
The 7-day Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most scenic and popular routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). It offers a challenging yet rewarding trek with diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glacial zones. The route provides a gradual ascent, allowing for better acclimatization, which increases summit success rates. The journey begins at Machame Gate (1,800m) with a trek through dense rainforests to Machame Camp (3,000m). The second day leads to Shira Camp (3,840m), offering stunning views of Kibo Peak. On day three, climbers reach Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp (3,950m). The fourth day involves climbing the Barranco Wall and trekking to Karanga Camp (4,035m). From there, the trail continues to Barafu Camp (4,673m) on day five, where trekkers prepare for the final midnight ascent. Day six is the most challenging, with a long climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, followed by a descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m). The trek concludes on day seven with a descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m), where climbers receive their summit certificates. The best times to climb are January–March and June–October, and proper preparation, including physical training and acclimatization, is essential for success.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | None | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | All months | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Alcoholic beverages
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- All drinks
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Visas
Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast and a drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, you’ll register and begin your hike through lush, often muddy rainforest. The 11 km trek to Machame Camp takes 5–7 hours. At camp, porters provide hot water and a warm bottle. Enjoy dinner before a cold overnight stay in your tent.
Overnight at Machame Camp.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast at Machame Camp, begin a steep climb into the moorland zone. The 5 km trek to Shira Camp takes 4–6 hours and offers stunning views as you ascend. You'll follow a scenic ridge with panoramic landscapes before reaching Shira Camp, where porters set up tents and prepare lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing and acclimatizing to the altitude. Enjoy a warm dinner in the evening, followed by a briefing for the next day’s trek.
Overnight at Shira Camp.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower.
After breakfast at Shira Camp, begin a steady ascent to Lava Tower at 4,630m. This 6–8 hour trek covers rugged, semi-desert terrain with striking views. At the tower, enjoy lunch and take in the sweeping scenery. In the afternoon, descend for about 2 hours to Barranco Camp at 3,950m. This route offers incredible views of the Western Breach. Upon arrival, your tents will be ready and dinner served. Your guide will provide a briefing for the next day’s hike.
Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Day4:Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Begin the day with an early breakfast before tackling the steep Barranco Wall. After the climb, descend into the picturesque Karanga Valley. At Karanga Camp, enjoy lunch and rest, with an optional short acclimatization hike to 4,400m. Dinner is served in the evening, followed by a briefing from your guide for the next day’s trek.
Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After an early breakfast, hike to Barafu Camp through rocky, high-altitude terrain. The gradual climb aids acclimatization and offers stunning views. At camp, enjoy lunch and rest. Dinner is served in the evening, followed by a summit briefing from your guide. Rest well your summit attempt begins later tonight.
Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Around 11:30 PM, begin your summit attempt with tea and biscuits. The steep 6-hour climb over scree leads to Stella Point (5,685m), often the toughest part of the trek. From there, it’s a 2-hour push to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest point. After celebrating briefly at the summit, descend 3 hours to Barafu Camp for rest and food. Then continue down another 3/4 hours to Mweka Camp. The descent can be tough trekking poles are recommended. Enjoy dinner and a well earned rest at Mweka Camp.
Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
After breakfast at Mweka Camp, begin your final descent through the lush rainforest. The trail is scenic but can be slippery, so take care as you enjoy the sounds and sights of the forest. The trek to Mweka Gate takes 4–6 hours. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and celebrate with the Great Time Experience team. From there, you’ll return to your hotel in Moshi for a hot meal, shower, and well-deserved rest.
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