Call or WhatsApp: +255 769 100 177
7 Day Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route
The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is renowned for its scenic beauty and varied terrain, offering one of the most rewarding Kilimanjaro experiences.
DAY 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp
- Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
- We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge.
- At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
- Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
- Estimated Time: 5-7 hours
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Habitat: Montane Rainforest
DAY 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,750m/12,300ft)
- Today’s trek is shorter but steeper, as you leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone.
- The landscape changes dramatically, offering stunning views and the first clear sight of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak.
- The rocky terrain and thinning air make this day both challenging and rewarding. Upon arrival at Shira Camp, you’ll be greeted with expansive views of the summit and the surrounding landscape.
- Enjoy a warm meal and rest under the starry skies, feeling a step closer to your goal.
- Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
- Estimated Time: 4-6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower (4,630m/15,190ft) to Barranco Camp (3,976m/13,044ft)
- This day is crucial for acclimatization as you trek from Shira Camp to the dramatic Lava Tower, a massive volcanic rock formation.
- The ascent to Lava Tower is challenging due to the altitude, but it’s an important part of the acclimatization process. After reaching Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, which is situated in a beautiful valley.
- The descent to a lower altitude for the night helps your body adjust to the altitude, increasing your chances of a successful summit.
- Enjoy another satisfying meal and rest at Barranco Camp, reflecting on the day’s achievements.
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Estimated Time: 6-8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (3,995m/13,106ft)
- After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
- We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.
- Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Estimated Time: 6-8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
- Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
- From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
- From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
- Distance: 5km (3 miles)
- Estimated Time: 4-5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
- After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
- Unique Africa Tours vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).
- Ascent Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
- Descent Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
- Estimated Time: Descent – 4-6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast
- Habitat: Forest
Day 7: Farewell to Tanzania & the Roof of Africa
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the lodge to start your day
- Check out and prepare for your departure
- Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey, carrying the memories of your incredible adventure
Depart with unforgettable memories of your incredible African safari adventure, having conquered Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route.
Starting rate: USD $ 2,200 per person
Please note that the cost per person is based on standard accommodation for 6pax. Rates may vary depending on group size, travel days, and accommodation preference. It’s also VAT Exclusive.