Climb Machame Route
7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route
$1790-1850 USD
pp
Safari summary
The Machame Route is well known as the "Whiskey Route" and one of the most popular trails on Mount Kilimanjaro, fondly known as Kili. It is reported that around 50% of trekkers use this route to ascend to the highest point in Africa and for good reason. The trail, whilst challenging, also offers spectacular vistas, ascends the Barranco wall and allows good acclimatisation opportunities.
From lush rainforest, the trail rises steeply towards the Shira Plateau, providing trekkers with scenic mountain views and varying landscapes. While the ascent does not require any technical climbing, the trails are demanding and a sound level of fitness are essential pre-requisites. With seven days on the mountain, there is excellent opportunity for a safe and successful climb, with a sound sense of achievement more than reward for your effort.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | None | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | March, June, July, August, September, October, December | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Photography safari—with professional guide
- Sightseeing | shopping | markets
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- All drinks
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Machame Gate – Machame Camp
The day starts by driving 50 minutes from Moshi to Machame Gate, going through the village of Machame, which is on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. From the park gate, we will start by following a winding trial that takes us into the lush rain forest before we start ascending along a ridge until we reach Machame Camp.
Machame Camp – Shira Camp
Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Distance: 5 km | 3 miles Habitat: Heathland We leave the rainforest glades on a steadily climbing track up a steep, rocky ridge. The landscape turns into heather and open moorlands as we approach the Shira Plateau. Then, we cross a wide river gorge to reach Shira 2 Camp.
Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower Barranco
Our trek continues east through a ridge and then southeast towards the giant Lava Tower, a very impressive 300-foot volcanic rock formation. From there, we make our way down to Barranco Camp through the unique and enchanting Senecio Forest, arriving at an altitude of 13,000 ft. The day starts and ends at almost the same altitude. The time spent at higher altitudes greatly aids in acclimatization.
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Today we make a ravine descent, down to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. From here, we go up on the steep, non-technical 900-foot cliff. Coming from Barranco Wall, at the top, we continue across a series of hills and valleys before making a very sharp descent into Karanga Valley. Our final section is the steep climbing up to Karanga Camp. This day is meant to be shorter in order to help acclimatize.
Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Leaving Karanga, we now head to a junction where the path joins the Mweka route. From here, we trek up and along a rocky trail to Barafu Hut. You have now completed the Southern Circuit, which affords spectacular views of the summit from various angles. We camp out, rest, and have dinner early in anticipation of the summit attempt. The vistas from this point include both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka
We will wake up very very early, during the night, in order to arrive to the peak at sunrise. This will just be a 5 kilometers hike but due to the altitude and steepness (1186 meters ascent) it will take 6 to 7 hours to do. When you reach the summit, you will be at 5986 meters and have the best views of your entire life. You will never in your life forget this moment and it will make you a better person. After some time at the summit, we’ll start our descent to Mweka. Again,
Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
On our final day, we make the descent to Mweka Gate, from which we collect our summit certificates. The trail is lower in elevation and can be wet and muddy, and thus care must be exercised. From the gate, we hike an hour to Mweka Village, where we have a vehicle waiting to drive us back to our hotel in Moshi.
Here are the latest 6 tours by Maranje Adventures. See all 12 tours.
Zanzibar Beaches
Tour by: Maranje Adventures
Countries:
Focus: None
Ngorongoro Crater Day Tour
Tour by: Maranje Adventures
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Tanzania Lodge Safari
Tour by: Maranje Adventures
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Camping Adventure Safari
Tour by: Maranje Adventures
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Kikuletwa Hot Springs
Tour by: Maranje Adventures
Countries:
Focus: None
Climbing via Marangu route
Tour by: Maranje Adventures
Countries:
Focus: None
Cleanliness of vehicle
Meet and greet team
Quality of itinerary
Responsiveness of staff