Kilimanjaro Climbing
7 days—Machame Route
$1750-2100 USD
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Safari summary
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MACHAME ROUTE
The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is a popular 6- or 7-day trail on Mount Kilimanjaro that offers stunning views, passes through five climatic zones, and is ideal for beginners. It features highlights like the Barranco Wall and the unique Dendrosenecio kilimanjari plants.
Machame Route overview, Difficulty, Success rates, Itinerary, and Expert tips
Machame Route overview
The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most popular and classic trails for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. At Kilimap Adventures, we organize hundreds of expeditions annually along this trail, which begins in a lush tropical forest. The Machame Route is available in both 6-day and 7-day variations, with the 7-day option offering a significantly better acclimatization profile and higher summit success rate. The Machame 7-day route is an excellent choice, offering stunning views and being suitable for beginners.
Hiking this route provides the opportunity to experience all five climatic zones of Mount Kilimanjaro. You'll also tackle the famous Barranco Wall and marvel at the unique Dendrosenecio kilimanjari – alien-looking plants found only on Kilimanjaro, making this a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
The name Machame not only refers to the specific location on the mountain but also to an ethnic and linguistic group that historically inhabited this region. The term Mchame is a sub-tribe of the Chagga people, who integrated into the larger Chagga community of the Kilimanjaro region.
The first person to rule Machame was Von der Decken, commonly known as Baron by the Chagga people. He established Mchame as a confederation of western Chagga states, which included Narumu, Kindi, Kombo, and extended to the western end of Kibongoto. Each of these regions had its own chief, but they were all united under the King of Machame, Lambogo. Later, the region became known as Kibosho, ruled by the powerful chief Sina, and it included areas such as Kilema.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | None | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | January, February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Walking safari—with armed guard
- Hiking | trekking
- Wildlife sanctuaries
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- 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
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Machame Gate 1800M to Machame Hut
Transfer from the hotel in Moshi to arrive at Machame gate for registration formalities. Start a steady climb at the gate and take the trail leads rain forest. The path continues to Machame hut to arrive in the evening where hot water will be served for washing. Sign in again while you are at the campsite and later have some hot tea with popcorns and biscuit. Stay at the campsite when you just waiting for the dinner and overnight. Distance: 10 Kilometers Time: 5 Hours walking Zone:Moorland
Camping
Machame Hut 2835M to Shira Camp
Climb through moorland zone which provides stunning view of Kibo peak. The trail leads to Shira cave to arrive in the afternoon. Rest and have refreshments upon arrival while waiting for the hot dinner. Distance: 5 Kilometers. Time: 4 Hours walking. Zone: Moorland.
Camping
Shira Cave to Lava Tower 4600M
Hike from the Shira cave and the process meant to acclimatize through to lava tower which is 4600Mamsl and go down to Baranco hut which is 3900Mamsl just to adjust the body. Rest for a while at the tower and wait for the lunch. Start descending the tower and finally arrive at Baranco hut for the dinner and overnight stay. Distance: 10 Kilometers. Time: 7 Hours walking. Zone: Moorland.
Camping
Barranco Hut to Karanga Camp 3995M
Start a steep climb up the top Baranco wall which is 4200Mamsl for acclimatization for few minutes. Continue with the trail to reach Karanga Hut 3995Mamsl for the lunch and a long rest. Rest and have refreshments while waiting for dinner. Distance: 6 Kilometers. Time: 4 Hours walking. Zone: Alpine desert.
Camping
Karanga Hut 3995M to Barafu Camp
Trek out of Karanga camp to reach mweka junction 4500Mamsl.Proceed with the hike to join mweka trail which finally leads to Barafu hut. Take as much rest and water upon arrival to prepare your body for the final summit. Dinner and overnight at the campsite. It’s recommended to sleep early by 19:00. Distance: 4 Kilometers. Time: 3Hours walking. Zone: Alpine desert zone.
Camping
Ascend to the Summit of Uhuru Peak
Wake up around 23:00 for adding more warm clothes and headlamps.Leave the camp and start summiting by midnight into the glacial zone.The path leads to Stella point 5756Mamsl.Have time for the sun rise pictures and a short rest for 5 to 10 minutes while having water or hot tea at Stela point.For the climbers who have experienced AMS are advised to start descending, however for those interested can take a round trip along the crater rim to reach Uhuru 5895M.Proceed by descending from the summit.
Camping
Mweka Hut 3100M to Mweka Gate
After a hot breakfast, continue hiking through the beautiful green forest to arrive at Mweka gate.Take time to show gratitude to the crew by tipping guides, cooks and porters.Get awarded with certificates whereby golden certificates are given to hikers who reached Uhuru peak and green certificates for Stella point hikers.Retreat back to Mweka village for a drive to Moshi town for resting or airport for a flight back at home. Distance: 10 Kilometers. Time: 3 Hours walking. Zone: Rain forest.
Camping
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