7 Days / 6 Nights
Kilimanjaro Machame Route
TOUR DESTINATION
Machame Gate, Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Lava Tower, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp
Safari Overview
The 7-Day Machame Route is one of the most spectacular and popular hiking routes to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, with an ideal blend of adventure and acclimatisation. Known as the “Whisky Route,” it offers trekkers breathtaking scenery, ranging from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and glacial heights. Over seven days, you will progressively ascend through various ecological zones, giving your body enough time to adjust to the altitude and boosting your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) successfully. This path is great for those looking for a tough but rewarding ascent with stunning vistas along the way, including the famed Barranco Wall and the huge Shira Plateau.
Your tour begins at the Machame Gate, where you will walk through lush jungle, encountering unusual flora and wildlife before ascending to Shira Camp and its panoramic views. The route takes a climb-high, sleep-low approach, including highlights such as the Lava Tower and the picturesque Karanga Valley, which are important for acclimatisation. The last trek to the summit begins at midnight from Barafu Camp and culminates in a beautiful dawn across the African plains from Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. After you’ve celebrated your accomplishment, descend by the Mweka Route, which provides a quick return through Kilimanjaro’s lush lower slopes. This 7-day journey is ideal for intrepid hikers seeking an exceptional experience on Africa’s highest peak.
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) – Machame Camp (3,000m)
Your adventure begins at Machame Gate, where you complete registration and meet your guides and porters. The trek starts with a scenic hike through the lush rainforest, home to unique wildlife, towering trees, and vibrant mosses. The trail is relatively moderate, with occasional steep sections, and takes about 5-7 hours to reach Machame Camp, your first overnight Camp.
Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000m) – Shira Camp (3,840m)
After breakfast, the trail ascends steeply through the forest before transitioning into heath and moorland. You will trek across rocky ridges, with beautiful views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak in the distance. This day involves a 4-6 hour hike, with increasing altitude but a steady pace, allowing for acclimatization. You’ll spend the night at Shira Camp, enjoying stunning sunset views over Mount Meru.
Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840m) – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Today’s trek follows the climb-high, sleep-low strategy, crucial for acclimatization. You ascend gradually to Lava Tower (4,630m), a rocky outcrop where you take a lunch break and let your body adjust to the altitude. Afterward, you descend into the scenic Barranco Valley, passing through giant Senecio trees. The trek takes about 6-8 hours, and you will camp at Barranco Camp, surrounded by towering cliffs and glaciers.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Your day begins with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable scramble that offers rewarding views. The trail then undulates through alpine desert terrain, with a few short ascents and descents before reaching Karanga Camp after 4-5 hours of trekking. This is a shorter day, allowing for rest and acclimatization before the final push to higher altitudes.
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m)
The trek continues through barren, rocky landscapes, gradually ascending to Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt. The hike takes about 4-5 hours, and upon arrival, you’ll have an early dinner and rest, preparing for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak. Expect a cold night, but the excitement of reaching the top keeps spirits high.
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Your summit push begins around midnight, trekking in the dark with headlamps under a sky full of stars. The climb is steep and physically demanding, taking 6-8 hours to reach Stella Point (5,756m), where you witness an incredible sunrise. A final 1-hour push leads you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa! After celebrating and capturing memories, you descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m) via Barafu, completing a 10-14 hour trekking day.
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) – Mweka Gate (1,640m)
The final descent is a 3-4 hour trek through the lush rainforest, where you’ll likely see Colobus monkeys and diverse birdlife. At Mweka Gate, you receive your summit certificates before transferring back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest and celebration of your incredible achievement.
This 7-day Machame Route is designed to maximize acclimatization and summit success while providing breathtaking scenery and an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.
BOOK THIS TOUR
Price quoted includes:
- All transport, 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Hotel and lodge accommodation
- Bottled drinking water & soft drinks
- Services of various local guides
- All National Park entrance and camp site fees
- All food – breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals
- Crater floor game drive
Prices quoted exclude:
- International flights
- Travel and personal accident insurance
- Visa, passport, vaccinations, medicines
- Tips
- Expenditure on personal bar bills (including all additional drinks), souvenirs, personal items
- Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary
- Any additional services requested
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