7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route
7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route
- Accommodation Style: Mid-range
- You Visit: Kilimanjaro
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whisky Route,” is the second most popular and one of the most scenic paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. Slightly longer and more challenging than the Marangu Route, it is ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking breathtaking views not found on the easier “Coca-Cola Route.” Unlike Marangu’s hut accommodations, Machame offers an exclusive camping experience. Thanks to its well-balanced difficulty, around 80% of climbers successfully reach the summit—the Roof of Africa.
Getting There: You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moshi and driven to the Machame Gate, a 45-minute journey passing through the lush Machame Village, known for its banana and coffee plantations.
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park – Hike to Machame Camp
Drive: 45 minutes from Moshi to Machame Gate.
Hike: Trek through lush rainforest on a winding trail, which may be muddy—gaiters and trekking poles are recommended.
Arrive at Machame Camp for overnight.
Elevation: 1,830m (6,000ft) → 3,050m (9,950ft)
Distance: 11km / 7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Hike: Ascend through rocky ridges and cross a river gorge to reach the Shira Plateau.
Arrive at Shira Camp, with stunning high-altitude views.
Elevation: 3,050m (9,950ft) → 3,850m (12,600ft)
Distance: 5km / 3mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Hike: Trek east toward Lava Tower (4,650m / 15,250ft), then descend to Barranco Camp.
Key Benefit: This day aids acclimatization despite ending at a similar elevation.
Elevation: 3,850m (12,600ft) → 4,000m (13,000ft)
Distance: 10km / 6mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Hike: Scramble up the Barranco Wall, then traverse the Karanga Valley.
Arrive at Karanga Camp, preparing for the final ascent.
Elevation: 4,000m (13,000ft) → 4,050m (13,250ft)
Distance: 5km / 3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Hike: Steady climb to Barafu Camp, completing the Southern Circuit.
Rest & Prepare: Early dinner and rest before the midnight summit push.
Elevation: 4,050m (13,250ft) → 4,700m (15,350ft)
Distance: 4km / 2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then to Mweka Camp
Summit Push (Midnight): Hike through scree to Stella Point (5,752m), then to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Reward: Spectacular sunrise and Africa’s highest point!
Descent: Down to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Elevation: 4,700m (15,350ft) → 5,895m (19,340ft) → 3,090m (10,150ft)
Distance: 5km up / 13km down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree & ice-capped summit
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Drive to Moshi
Final Descent: Trek through rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Certificates: Receive your summit certificates.
Transfer: Drive back to Moshi (30 minutes).
Elevation: 3,090m (10,150ft) → 1,680m (5,500ft)
Distance: 10km / 6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Included in the Package:
✔ All park entry fees & crater service fees
✔ Professional English-speaking safari guide
✔ 4×4 safari jeep with pop-up roof
✔ All meals as specified (B, L, D)
✔ 2 nights mid-range lodge accommodation
✔ Bottled drinking water
✔ Government taxes
Excluded:
✖ International flights & visas
✖ Travel insurance
✖ Tips for guides & lodge staff
✖ Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)
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