Climb Kilimanjaro
Machame Route Duration – 7 Days
Experience the Thrill of the Machame Route
Nicknamed the “Whiskey” route, the Machame route has become the most popular way to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. Unlike the Marangu route, Machame offers longer days and steeper climbs, making it perfect for adventurous spirits and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.
The Machame route winds eastward from the south, taking you beneath Kilimanjaro’s stunning southern ice field before you reach the summit. While your journey can be completed in a minimum of six days, we recommend seven days for a more enjoyable and less strenuous experience.
The Machame route is renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Though it tends to be crowded, the vibrant vistas and the thrill of the climb more than makeup for it. If you’re seeking an exhilarating adventure with a variety of stunning backdrops, the Machame route is perfect for your Kilimanjaro ascent.
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Trip Duration:
7 days
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Route:
Machame Route
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Your Day to Day Itinerary
All our itineraries are suggestions; they can be adapted and customised to suit your needs and preferences or for any seasonal changes or migratory animal movements.
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Elevation:
5,380 ft to 9,350 ft -
Climb Time:
5-7 hours -
Distance:
11 km -
Habitat:
Rainforest
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, passing through the charming village of Machame on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. Once at the park gate, you’ll start your trek through the lush rainforest, following a winding trail up a ridge.
As you ascend, you’ll experience the rich, green canopy of the rainforest, though be prepared for the trail to be muddy and slippery in places. The diverse flora and fauna will captivate you as you make your way to Machame Camp, your first stop on this incredible journey. By the end of the day, you’ll have climbed to an elevation of 9,350 ft, ready to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
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Elevation:
5,380 ft to 9,350 ft -
Climb Time:
5-7 hours -
Distance:
11 km -
Habitat:
Rainforest
After a hearty breakfast at Machame Camp, you’ll leave the lush glades of the rainforest behind and continue on an ascending path. The trail crosses a little valley and then takes you along a steep, rocky ridge adorned with heather, offering stunning views as you climb.
As the ridge ends, the route turns west, leading you into a scenic river gorge. The day’s hike is both challenging and rewarding, with diverse landscapes to enjoy along the way. Upon reaching Shira Camp, you’ll have time to rest, enjoy dinner, and take in the breathtaking surroundings before settling in for the night. This day’s journey elevates you to 12,500 ft, bringing you closer to the summit.
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Elevation:
12,500 ft to 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft -
Climb Time:
6-8 hours -
Distance:
10 km -
Habitat:
Alpine Desert
Today’s trek takes you from Shira Camp eastward up a ridge, passing a junction that points towards Kibo’s peak. As you continue, the path shifts southeast towards the impressive Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” This striking rock formation stands at an altitude of 15,190 ft.
Shortly after reaching Lava Tower, you’ll come to a second junction near Arrow Glacier at an elevation of 16,000 ft. From here, you’ll begin your descent to Barranco Camp at 13,044 ft. Despite ending the day at a similar elevation to where you started, this journey is crucial for acclimatization, helping your body adjust to the altitude and better preparing you for the summit push.
Upon arrival at Barranco Camp, you’ll have time to rest, enjoy dinner, and appreciate the unique alpine desert landscape around you. This day’s varied terrain and significant altitude changes are essential to your acclimatization process.
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Elevation:
13,044 ft to 13,106 ft -
Climb Time:
4-5 hours -
Distance:
5 km -
Habitat:
Alpine Desert
Today’s trek begins with the exhilarating challenge of climbing and scrambling over the 1,200 ft Barranco Wall. This volcanic rock formation provides both a physical test and an adventurous start to the day. Upon reaching the top, you’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch break and the fantastic views of Barafu and Mount Meru.
After lunch, the journey continues across ridges and valleys, leading to the Karanga Valley campsite. This shorter hike is designed for acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust further to the altitude. The scenic views and the relatively gentle terrain make this day enjoyable and beneficial as you prepare for the higher altitudes.
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Elevation:
13,106 ft to 15,331 ft -
Climb Time:
4-5 hours -
Distance:
4 km -
Habitat:
Alpine Desert
After breakfast at Karanga Camp, you’ll set out towards the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. From here, you’ll continue your ascent to Barafu Hut. As you hike, you’ll complete the Southern Circuit, which provides stunning summit views from various angles.
Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll set up camp and enjoy an early dinner. This camp offers magnificent views of the two peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, which will inspire you for the climb ahead. The rest of the day is dedicated to rest and preparation for your summit attempt, ensuring you’re ready for the challenging journey to Uhuru Peak.
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Elevation:
15,331 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft -
Climb Time:
11-14 hours Habitat: Arctic -
Distance:
17 km -
Habitat:
Arctic
In the early hours of the morning, around midnight, you’ll bundle up in many layers of clothing and begin your final ascent to the summit. Heading in a northwesterly direction, you’ll climb through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This segment is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
Upon reaching Stella Point at 18,600 ft, you’ll take a short rest and witness one of the most magnificent sunrises you’ll ever see. From Stella Point, it’s just one more hour of trekking before you reach the summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Those who are faster may catch the sunrise from the summit itself.
You’ll begin the long descent after celebrating your incredible achievement at Uhuru Peak. You’ll head straight down to Mweka Hut, stopping at Barafu for lunch to refuel. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, providing a different scenic experience as you descend. Later in the evening, you’ll enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, reflecting on the remarkable journey you’ve completed.
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Elevation:
10,065 ft to 5,380 ft -
Climb Time:
3-4 hours -
Distance:
10 km -
Habitat:
Rainforest
After breakfast, you’ll embark on the final leg of your descent, going down to the Mweka Park Gate. As you descend through the lush rainforest, be prepared for the trail to be wet and muddy, especially at lower elevations.
Upon reaching Mweka Park Gate, you’ll receive your well-deserved summit certificates, marking the completion of your incredible journey. From the gate, you’ll continue for another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. There, you can finally enjoy a hot shower and celebrate the incredible accomplishment of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.