Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7 Days

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

From

$1895.00

Duration

7 days

Trip Overview

Kilimanjaro Machame Route, 7 Days Nicknamed the “Whiskey” route because the route is popularized as somewhat difficult and more expensive than the Marangu route. On an overall comparison of the routes to scale Kilimanjaro, this is one of the best routes to take in terms of acclimatization and cost.

The Machame route is considered difficult and better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.

The Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7 Days is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity, there are increased numbers of trekkers, so it loses some of its splendour. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest. It descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco Wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.

In certain sections, this route is steeper than the Marangu and Rongai routes and physically more demanding, but it is easier overall. Great for acclimatization with lots of walk-high, sleep-low opportunities.

a challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones.

Good opportunity to split the pre-summit day climb to leave climbers rested before summiting.

Very popular trail.

 

Tour Highlights

  • Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Machame Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Maps)
  • Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
  • Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
  • Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hats, cold-weather jackets, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
  • Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at a 3-star hotel (upgrades on request).
  • Customizations: Can be customized upon request to meet travelers’s needs
  • Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
  • Trip Availability: All year round.

Tour Plan

We will pick you up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha airports if you have chosen the optional airport transfers, and we will then drive you to your Moshi accommodation.

briefing before the journey at your Moshi hotel. You should arrange to arrive at least one day before the start of the hike. We will spend the day conducting a pre-trek briefing. In addition, we will inspect your equipment and rent any that is required.

It takes roughly 45 minutes to get from Moshi to Machame Gate by car. Situated on the mountain's lower slopes, the settlement of Machame is traversed throughout the route.

We leave the park entrance and take a twisting trail up a ridge through the rainforest. The trail may be slick and muddy at lower altitudes. In this case, hiking poles and gaiters are an excellent option. After a short while, we arrive at the Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rainforest and head uphill, crossing the valley on a steep rocky ridge. After that, the path heads west into a ravine formed by a river, leading to the Shira campground.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We proceed eastward from the Shira Plateau, climbing a hill and reaching the intersection that leads to Kibo's peak. As we go, we turn to the southeast in the direction of the Lava Tower, also known as the "Shark's Tooth" because it elevates 4,650 meters (15,250 feet).

We reach the second intersection, leading to the Arrow Glacier, not far from the tower. Moving further, we descend to the Barranco Camp. Even though the day ends at roughly the same elevation as it started, this day is crucial for acclimatization because it will help your body get ready for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Following breakfast, we depart from Barranco and ascend the Barranco Wall along a difficult slope to reach the Karanga Valley and the intersection with the Mweka Trail.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Up to the Barafu Camp, we go. The South Circuit, which provides a variety of perspectives of the summit, is now complete. Here, we set up camp, relax, eat dinner, and get ready for the day of the summit.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We proceed to the peak between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers between midnight and two in the morning. You make your way to Stella Point on the crater rim by heading northwest and climbing over dense scree. This is the hardest part of the walk, both physically and mentally. You will pause for a little rest at Stella Point, where you will be treated to the most spectacular sunrise you have probably ever seen. Those who hike more quickly can see the sunrise from the top.

On your one-hour journey to the summit from Stella Point, snow may be encountered the entire time. You have arrived at the highest point on both the African continent and Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak!

We start our descent from the summit by going straight down to the Mweka Camp, with a lunch break at Barafu. Trekking poles and gaiters can be useful on the loose gravel descent. Upon reaching Mweka Camp, we relish our final night on the peak.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5 km/3 mi up, 13 km/8 mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up, 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Following breakfast, we proceed to the Mweka Park Gate, where you may pick up your summit certificates. It can be muddy and damp at lower altitudes. Trekking poles and gaiters will be useful.

You should probably wear plenty of shorts and T-shirts (have warm clothes and rain gear accessible).

When you arrive at Mweka Gate, a Monkey Adventures van will be waiting to take you back to your Moshi accommodation (around 60 minutes).

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Cost Includes/Excludes

  • Two way private airport transfers
  • All park fees collected by the National Park
  • Hotel ccommodations before and the expedition
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
  • All meals on the hike
  • All group camping equipment
  • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
  • Complete Expedition medical kits
  • Kilimanjaro licensed professional guides
  • Hiking dedicated support crews
  • Government taxes
  • Crew salaries
  • Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
  • Purified water while on the mountain
  • Portable tented private flush toilet
  • Personal Climbing gears
  • Tanzania Visa on arrival
  • Mountaineering Insurance
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses

Tour Costs

Number of PeopleCost Per Person
1 person$2,500
2 people$2,100
3 people$2,035
4 people$2,000
5 people$1,955
6 people$1,930
7 people$1,920
8 people$1,910
9 people$1,900
10 people +$1,895

Tour Accommodations

Two Nights Hotel Accommodations
   One before and after the Kilimanjaro hiking adventure. Our recommended options include:
  1. Keys Hotel: Comfortable and contemporary stay.
  2. Ameg Lodge: Tranquil retreat amidst picturesque landscapes.
  3. Lindrin Lodge: Charming and rustic ambience.
  4. Parkview Inn: Convenient location with well-appointed rooms.
  5. Chanya Lodge: Exceptional service and warm hospitality.

Tour Map

Related Tours

Trip Inquiry

Tour Information

Max Travelers

20

Min Age

16+

Tour Location

Languages Support

Got a Question or Want Help?

Why Book With Us?

Review Us On