Machame Route

7 Days | 6 Nights

From $2,118 / person

Your trip overview

The 7-day Machame route variation for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the popular Machame route is considered the optimal choice for this trek. While Machame can also be completed in 6 days, the 7-day option provides a higher likelihood of reaching the summit due to the additional day allocated for acclimatization.

The itinerary includes splitting the journey from Barranco to Barafu into two days, allowing for a rest day before the summit attempt. This rest day is crucial as summit day commences early, at midnight, and climbers may experience sleep deprivation leading into the mountain’s most challenging day. By incorporating a shorter day before the climb, climbers can ensure they are more rested and better prepared for the ascent.

The Machame route, also known as the Whisky Route, stands out as one of the most picturesque and highly recommended paths on Mount Kilimanjaro. Renowned among climbers, it starts at the Machame Gate and concludes with a descent back to the Machame Gate via the Mweka Route.

As you traverse through diverse landscapes, from the lush rainforest to the expansive moorland zone and the breathtaking Shira Plateau, you’ll be captivated by the stunning panoramas along the trail. The route offers mesmerizing views that transition from verdant forests to vast sheets of glaciers at the Southern Ice fields, culminating at the Barafu Route leading towards the summit of Uhuru Peak.

Duration: 6 or 7 days, Difficulty: Medium, Scenery: Excellent, Traffic: High.

The 7-day Machame Route itinerary boasts a significantly higher summit success rate of approximately 85%. In comparison, the 6-day Machame route typically has a lower average summit success rate of about 75%.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Machame Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro

Machame Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro

Shira Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro

Barranco Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro

Karanga Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro

Barafu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mweka Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro

Planning Your Safari

Organizing a safari in Kenya, especially to the Masai Mara, can be overwhelming due to the many choices available for transport, accommodation, and activities.

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Embark on your 7-day Machame Route expedition with a drive from your hotel to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Upon arrival at the park gate, complete the necessary check-in procedures at the office and make final preparations for the climb.

The journey commences through the lush rainforest and ascends along a hill to Machame Camp, where we will set up camp for the night.

Elevation (m):
1800m to 3000m

Distance:
11 km

Time:
5-7 hours

Habitat:
Montane Forest

Where to stay

Machame Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1

Continuing our journey eastward, we venture past the picturesque Shira Plateau and the imposing Shira Cathedral. Trekking through a vast expanse of moorland meadows, we make our way to Shira 1 campsite, nestled at an elevation of 3500m.

Here, amidst the tranquil surroundings, we will enjoy a hearty supper and spend the night camping under the starry skies. As evening sets in, the temperature is expected to drop below freezing, much like the night before, adding to the rugged charm of our alpine adventure.

Our dedicated team will prepare a nourishing dinner over the camp burners, ensuring a satisfying end to our day’s trek.

Elevation (m):
2895m to 3500m

Distance:
8 km,

Time:
5-6 hours.

Habitat:
Moorland.

Where to stay

Shira 1

Day 3: Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Today is crucial for acclimatization, preparing your body for summit day. It marks our most challenging day thus far, and you may start feeling the effects of altitude. To aid in acclimatization, we ascend to Lava Tower at 4600m, where we’ll have lunch.

Afterward, we descend to Barranco Camp, our overnight stop. Along the way, the Western Breach and Breach Wall offer excellent photo opportunities. As you await your meal, the camp is nestled in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, providing a spectacular backdrop for a magnificent sunset.

Elevation (m):
3850m to 4600m to 3950m

Distance:
12 km,

Time:
6-7 hours.

Habitat:
Semi-desert

Where to stay

Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today commences with a brief yet satisfying scramble to the summit of the renowned Great Barranco Wall. Continuing our journey, we traverse through scree terrain to reach the picturesque Karanga Valley at 3930m.

Nestled beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers, Karanga Campsite awaits us for dinner and a much-needed overnight rest.

Elevation (m):
3950m to 3930m

Distance:
7 km,

Time:
4 hours.

Habitat:
Alpine Desert

Where to stay

Karanga Hut

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Departing from Karanga Camp, we make our way towards the junction of the Mweka descending route. Continuing our ascent, we reach Barafu Hut. Having completed the Southern Circuit, we are treated to various panoramic views of the summit.

At Barafu Camp, we relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare ourselves for the upcoming summit day. From this elevated vantage point, both peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible, offering a breathtaking sight as we anticipate the journey ahead.

Elevation (m):
3930m to 4600m

Distance:
6 km,

Time:
3 hours.

Habitat:
Alpine Desert.

Where to stay

Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Day 6 of the 7-day Machame Route is summit day, so we awaken at 23:30 hours for a quick cup of tea and some snacks. Between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers, we commence our ascent to the summit. Taking a north-westerly route, we journey to Stella Point on the crater rim, ascending through challenging scree terrain.

This segment is the most psychologically and physically demanding part of the trek. Upon reaching Stella Point at 5732m, weather permitting, we pause for a brief rest and are treated to one of the most spectacular sunrises you’ll ever witness.

Elevation (m):
4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)

Distance:
7km ascent / 23km descent

Time:
6-8 hours ascent / 6-7 hours descent

Habitat:
Stone scree and ice-capped summit / Alpine desert

Where to stay

Mweka Hut

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Hotel

We go on the final leg of our 7-day Machame Route trek, descending from Mweka Camp to the Mweka Park Gate. Upon arrival, you will receive your well-deserved summit certificates, marking the successful completion of our journey.

The trail may be muddy and damp at lower levels, so the use of gaiters and trekking poles is recommended for stability. T-shirts and shorts are suitable attire, but ensure you have rain gear and warmer clothing on hand for any changes in weather conditions.

Elevation (m):
3100m to 1800m

Distance:
8 km,

Time:
3-4 hours.

Habitat:
Montane Forest.

Where to stay

Hotel

Rates Per Person

Below are the prices for the 7-day Machame route package:

1PAX	2-5 PAX	6-10PAX	11+PAX
$2,428	$2,209 (per person)	$2,176 (per person)	$2,118 (per person)

Please contact us if you are interested in full moon Kilimanjaro climbs for this 8-day Lemosho route trip, and we will provide you with the dates for the years 2025-2026.

Trekking Route

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after the climb)

Breakfast included at the hotel

1 Post-climb celebratory drink (beer, juice, or soda) on us

Group transport to and from Moshi to ALL Kilimanjaro park gates

No additional transport fees will be charged to the Northern or Western route gates

Kilimanjaro National Park permits

Camping/Hut fees

Mountain rescue fees

Guides/Porters salaries

Private toilet for the party on all climbs (except for Marangu)

All season mountain tents

Foam sleeping pad (unless you opt to bring your own instead)

Mess tents, tables, chairs for parties of two or more

All meals on the mountain

No small party supplement fees will be charged

No single supplement fees for Private Climbs will be charged

Exclusions

Airfare

Personal Gear

Tips for porters & Guides

Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)

Tips and any items of personal nature.

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Machame Route

7 Days | 6 Nights

Your trip overview

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Machame Gate

Machame Camp

Shira Camp

Barranco Camp

Karanga Camp

Barafu Camp

Mweka Hut

Planning Your Safari

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Rates Per Person

Trekking Route

Inclusions & Exclusions

Enquire this Tour

What our Client Say

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