7 Days Machame Route
7 days—Kilimanjaro Trekking
From
$2060 USD
pp
Safari summary
The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Destination : Mount Kilimanjaro
Departure Location : Machame Gate, Kilimanjaro
Return Location : Mweka Gate, Kilimanjaro
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | Hiking | trekking | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | All months | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- All drinks
- Meals
- Park fees
What’s not included?
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
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. Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft Distance: 11 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest
Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
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. Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Heath
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization. Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft Distance: 7 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Barranco Camp to Karanga Ca
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. Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
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. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft Distance: 4 km/2 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
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. Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Habitat: Arctic
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
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. Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest
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