7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
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7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route: Experience the adventure of a lifetime with our 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route tour. Enjoy stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a high summit success rate.
Introduction to the 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
The 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route is one of the most scenic and popular trekking paths on Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” this trail offers breathtaking views and a diverse range of ecosystems, making it a favorite among climbers. This route is not only beautiful but also provides a higher success rate for reaching the summit due to its gradual ascent and acclimatization schedule. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you embark on this iconic journey!
Setting Off from Machame Gate
Your adventure begins at Machame Gate, located on the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro. After a brief orientation and registration, you’ll set off into the lush rainforest that characterizes this section of the mountain.
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
- Elevation: 5,400 ft to 9,350 ft (1,640 m to 2,850 m)
- Distance: Approximately 11 km (7 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
As you hike through the dense rainforest, keep an eye out for unique flora and fauna. The trail is often steep and can be slippery due to moisture in the forest, so trekking poles are recommended.
Discovering Diverse Ecosystems
The Machame Route takes you through various climatic zones, each offering distinct landscapes and wildlife.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft (2,850 m to 3,810 m)
- Distance: Approximately 5 km (3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
On this day, you’ll ascend from Machame Camp to Shira Camp. The scenery transitions from rainforest to heathland as you gain elevation. The views of Kilimanjaro’s towering peaks become more pronounced as you approach Shira Plateau.
Acclimatization and Summit Preparation
Acclimatization is crucial for a successful summit attempt. The 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route allows for gradual ascent and adequate rest.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 12,500 ft to 13,066 ft (3,810 m to 3,983 m)
- Distance: Approximately 10 km (6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
This day includes a hike to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp. The ascent to Lava Tower helps with acclimatization as you reach higher altitudes before descending again.
Conquering the Barranco Wall
One of the highlights of the Machame Route is the famous Barranco Wall.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 13,066 ft to 13,106 ft (3,983 m to 3,994 m)
- Distance: Approximately 5 km (3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
The climb up Barranco Wall is challenging but rewarding. The views from the top are spectacular! After reaching the summit of the wall, you’ll continue on a relatively flat path until you reach Karanga Camp.
Preparing for Summit Day
As you approach your final camp before the summit attempt, it’s essential to rest and hydrate.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft (3,994 m to 4,673 m)
- Distance: Approximately 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Barafu Camp serves as your base for the final ascent. Here you will have dinner early and get some rest before waking up in the middle of the night for your summit attempt.
Summit Day: Reaching Uhuru Peak
The moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived!
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp
- Elevation: Barafu Camp (15,331 ft) to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft) then down to Mweka Camp (10,204 ft)
- Distance: Approximately 16 km (10 miles) round trip
- Hiking Time: About 12 hours total
You will start your ascent around midnight. The trek is challenging but incredibly rewarding as you make your way toward Uhuru Peak. Witnessing sunrise from the roof of Africa is an unforgettable experience.
Descent and Celebration
After reaching Uhuru Peak and taking in the breathtaking views, it’s time to descend back down.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Elevation: Mweka Camp (10,204 ft) to Mweka Gate (5,380 ft)
- Distance: Approximately 10 km (6 miles)
- Hiking Time: About 3-4 hours
Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate as a testament to your incredible achievement!
Planning Your Climb on the Machame Route
If you’re ready for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, consider booking your climb today! For more information on available tours and experiences, visit Zanzibar Nature Trails or Pemba Island Tours.For inquiries or further assistance, feel free to check our Contact Us page.
Included/Exclude
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary.
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide.
- Proper Ratio of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters).
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast).
- Airport Transfers.
- Meals according to the itinerary.
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals.
- All National Park & Camping Fees, Crew Permits and VAT.
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages.
- Gate Transfers.
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder.
- Portable Private Toilet and Porter.
- Quality Imported Equipment.
- Flights.
- Visa fees.
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation.
- Gamow Bag.
- Medication.
- Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended).
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights for acclimatizing is $ 150 for one room bed breakfast.
Tour Plan
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at KILIMANJARO WHITE HOUSE HOTEL (B&B). Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.
- Overnight at : KILIMANJARO WHITE HOUSE HOTEL.
- Elevation: 1811m/5942 ft to 3021m/9911ft
- Altitude gained: 1210m
Departing from Moshi, a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
- Overnight at: MACHAME CAMP
- Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
- Altitude gained: 818m
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.
- Overnight at: SHIRA CAMP.
- Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
- Altitude gained: 147m
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continued to descend overnight at Barranco Camp.
- Overnight at : BARRANCO CAMP.
- Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
- Altitude gained: 48m
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease.
- Overnight at Karanga Camp.
- Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
- Altitude gained: 628m
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
- Overnight at : BARAFU CAMP.
- Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude gained: 1233m
- Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
- Altitude lost: 2789m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
- Overnight at : MWEKA CAMP.
- Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633 m/5358 ft
- Altitude lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
- Overnight KILIMANJARO WHITE HOUSE HOTEL ( B&B) ,before being transferred to Airport for departure.
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