7 Days Machame Route
Machame (“Whiskey”) Route *** Known as the “Whiskey” route, the Machame route is now the most popular route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience. The route begins from the south, then heads east, traversing underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field before summiting. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although seven days is recommended. The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to the heavy crowds, it loses some of its spendor.
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi Arrival and preparation for the climb.
- Arrival: Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to your hotel in Moshi.
- Briefing: Meet with the guide for a detailed briefing and gear check.
- Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (bed and breakfast).
Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800 m) to Machame Camp (3,000 m)
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Montane forest
Begin the trek with a steady climb through the lush rainforest. You may spot colobus monkeys and vibrant birdlife. Reach Machame Camp for the night.
- Overnight: Machame Camp.
Day 3: Machame Camp (3,000 m) to Shira Camp (3,840 m)
- Distance: 6 km
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone with stunning views of the Shira Plateau. You’ll cross rocky ridges before reaching Shira Camp.
- Overnight: Shira Camp.
Day 4: Shira Camp (3,840 m) to Barranco Camp (3,950 m) via Lava Tower (4,630 m)
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Climb to Lava Tower (a key acclimatization point) before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach helps improve acclimatization.
- Overnight: Barranco Camp.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950 m) to Karanga Camp (3,995 m)
- Distance: 5 km
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Climb the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical rock face with incredible views. After reaching the top, continue across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.
- Overnight: Karanga Camp.
Day 6: Karanga Camp (3,995 m) to Barafu Camp (4,673 m)
- Distance: 4 km
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
A short but steep ascent to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit attempt. Rest and prepare for the early-morning climb.
- Overnight: Barafu Camp.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
- Distance: 17 km (up and down)
- Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
- Habitat: Arctic
Begin the summit attempt around midnight. Climb to Stella Point (5,739 m), then continue to Uhuru Peak for sunrise at Africa’s highest point. After celebrating, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.
- Overnight: Mweka Camp.
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), Transfer to Moshi
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane forest
Descend through the forest to Mweka Gate for summit certificates. Transfer back to Moshi for rest and celebration.
- Overnight: Hotel in Moshi.
Day 9: Departure
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport or continue with an optional safari or Zanzibar trip.
Whats Included
- Hotel accommodation in Moshi (2 nights)
- Full-board meals during the trek
- Airport transfers
- Transfers to/from Marangu Gate
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Hut accommodation
- Experienced mountain guide(s)
- Porters and cook
- Portable toilet
- Dining tent and camping equipment
- Safety equipment (first aid kit, oxygen cylinder, pulse oximeter)
- Summit certificate
Whats Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, hiking boots, clothing)
- Tips for the crew (guides, porters, cooks)
- Snacks and beverages
- Laundry services
- Optional add-ons (extra nights, safaris, Zanzibar trips)
- Medical services and evacuation costs beyond park fees
6 Days Marangu Route
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