7 Days Machame Route
The Machame Route also referred to as the whiskey route, is rightly regarded as the most scenic ascent of Kilimanjaro. The profile of the route allows for a good acclimatization therefore, the success rate to the summit is always high. Camping accommodation (mobile tents) is used and the descent is via the Mweka route.
This trek is strenuous as the route is steeper and at the Barranco Wall a simple climbing passage and may be better suited to more adventurous hikers as the route leads partly through steeper passages and requires a good level of fitness.
It is particularly varied in landscape and offers great views of Mount Meru and the Kibo. Next to the Marangu route and Lemosho route it is also a popular route on the mountain. The Machame route is normally completed in a minimum of 6 days/5nights on the mountain.
Day 1: Machame Gate (1800m) - Machame Camp (3000m)
Arrive at the Machame Gate, introduction to your whole crew then do the registration at the park’s gate. After registration is done you start climb through rain forest with picnic lunch for approximately 4 to 5 hrs where you arrive to the Machame Camp. Later afternoon walk up to a little higher altitude then you return to Machame Camp for dinner and overnight.
Walking duration: 5-7 hrs, 11 km
Meals: Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Machame Camp (3000m) - Shira Camp (3800m)
After breakfast, start climb through short Savannah, forest and other vegetation for approximately 4 to 5hrs, with picnic lunch en route before arriving in the afternoon at the Shira Camp, dinner and overnight at Shira Camp.
Walking Duration: 4-6 hrs, 5 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Shira Camp(3800m) - Barranco Camp(3950m)
After breakfast a slow walk through semi glacier and sandy areas with picnic lunch 3 to 4 hrs before arriving at the Barranco Camp for dinner and overnight rest.
Walking duration: 6-8 hrs, 10 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3950m)-Karanga Valley Camp (3995m) - Acclimatization day
A day of acclimatization with a walk to Karanga Valley Camp (3963 m)
Walking duration: 4-5 hrs, 5 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Karanga Valley (3995m) - Barafu Camp (4600m)
After breakfast, with picnic lunch enroute climb through glaciers for approximately 4 to 5 hours before arriving the Barafu Camp for dinner and overnight.
Walking duration: 4-5 hrs, 4 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4600m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Mweka Camp (3100m)
An early wakeup call around 01.00hrs for preparation and light breakfast before starting final ascent to the summit i.e. either the Stella Point reached in approximately 5 to 6 hrs and a further ascent to the Uhuru Peak reached in another approx 45 minutes. After signing and short rest at Barafu Hut descend via the Gilman’s Point down to Mweka Camp for few hours rest with light breakfast then descend down for dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.
Walking duration: 11-14 hrs, 17 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3100) – Mweka Gate (1640m)
Descend from Mweka Camp to the park gate from where you are transferred back to your hotel for a well deserved shower
Walking duration: 3-4 hrs, 10 km
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Services included:
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, experienced, English-speaking mountain guide(s), assistant guides, porters and professional cooks
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Quality mountain mobile tents, sleeping mats, camping tables ,camping chairs and Mess/Dining Tent.(Not applicable on the Marangu route as accommodation is in A-frame huts)
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs, etc.)
- All meals according to the itinerary; - We provide fresh food on the mountain: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain.
- Drinking water, tea & coffee: - 3-4 liters of mineral/treated water (per Climber) provided daily during the climb
- Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
- Supplementary Portable Oxygen and Complete First Aid Kit (used in case of emergency only)
- Pulse oxy-meter carried by all chief guides
- All national park fees
- Hut fees [ Marangu route }
- Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees)
- Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back
- All Government taxes including 18% VAT.
N:B ***Portable toilet available at an additional cost (There are public toilets on the mountain)
Not included services:
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- Sleeping bag
- Snacks, personal medicine
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Travel insurance
Climbing Highlights
Day |
Overnight stays in tents |
Hours |
Kilometers |
1 |
Machame Gate (1790m) - Machame Camp (3010m) |
5-6h |
9 |
2 |
Machame Camp (3010m) - New Shira Camp (3845m) |
4-6h |
7 |
3 |
New Shira Camp (3845m) - Lava Tower (4640m) - Barranco Camp (3960m) |
6-7h |
10 |
4 |
Barranco Camp (3960m) - Karanga Camp (4035m) |
3-4h |
6 |
5 |
Karanga Camp (4035m) - Barafu Camp (4640m) |
3-4h |
4 |
6 |
Barafu Camp (4640m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Mweka Camp (3080m) |
10-14h |
19 |
7 |
Mweka Camp (3080m) - Mweka Gate (1630m) |
2-3h |
10 |