7 Days Machame Route

Trek Details

TREK OVERVIEW

Experience the renowned Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey” route, on a thrilling seven-day Kilimanjaro trek. This challenging route offers breathtaking scenery, diverse ecosystems, and a higher success rate for summit attempts. Over seven days, you will ascend through lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and rocky landscapes, culminating in the exhilarating climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you’ll be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Take the day to rest and prepare for the trek, enjoying a pre-trek briefing to go over the itinerary and gear. Overnight in Moshi.

  • Transfer to Machame Gate: Approx. 1.5 hours.
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.
  • Elevation Gain: From 1,800 meters (5,906 feet) at Machame Gate to 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) at Machame Camp.

Transfer to Machame Gate for park registration and begin your hike through the lush rainforest. The trail ascends gradually to Machame Camp, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night in tent accommodations.

  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours.
  • Elevation Gain: From 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) at Machame Camp to 3,850 meters (12,631 feet) at Shira Camp.

Trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp, ascending through the moorland zone. Enjoy panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks as you approach Shira Camp, which offers stunning views of the Shira Plateau.

  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours.
  • Elevation Gain: From 3,850 meters (12,631 feet) at Shira Camp to 3,960 meters (12,993 feet) at Barranco Camp.

Continue your trek to Barranco Camp, passing through the alpine desert zone. The day includes a challenging ascent of the Lava Tower, followed by a descent to Barranco Camp. This helps with acclimatization, providing excellent views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.
  • Elevation Gain: From 3,960 meters (12,993 feet) at Barranco Camp to 4,035 meters (13,270 feet) at Karanga Camp.

Hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp, navigating the Barranco Wall—a steep but manageable climb. The trail continues through alpine desert terrain to Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest and prepare for the ascent to the high camp.

  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.
  • Elevation Gain: From 4,035 meters (13,270 feet) at Karanga Camp to 4,673 meters (15,331 feet) at Barafu Camp.

Ascend from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, located at the base of the summit. The climb is steady but demanding, with stunning views of the peak and surrounding glaciers. Barafu Camp is where you’ll rest before your final summit attempt.

  • Ascent to Uhuru Peak: 6-8 hours.
  • Elevation Gain: From 4,673 meters (15,331 feet) at Barafu Camp to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) at Uhuru Peak.
  • Descent to Mweka Camp: 6-7 hours.

Begin your summit attempt at midnight, ascending through the night to reach Uhuru Peak just before sunrise. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the highest point in Africa. Afterward, descend to Mweka Camp for the night, passing through the alpine desert and rainforest zones.

  • Descent to Mweka Gate: 3-4 hours.
  • Elevation Loss: From 3,100 meters (10,171 feet) at Mweka Camp to 1,800 meters (5,906 feet) at Mweka Gate.

Complete your descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi or Arusha for a celebratory evening and overnight stay at your hotel.

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