7 Days – Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek Machame Route
Overview
The Machame Route, often referred to as the Whisky Route, is a highly recommended and visually captivating way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is renowned for its stunning scenery and higher success rate due to its gradual ascent over 6 to 7 days. Starting from Moshi, climbers are transferred to the Machame Gate to begin their adventure through the dense rainforest.
The trek takes you through a variety of landscapes, from lush rainforests to open moorlands and alpine deserts, before reaching the icy summit. The Machame Route traverses beneath the Southern Ice Fields and provides breathtaking views from various points along the journey. It is known for its impressive acclimatization profile, which includes a strategic climb to Lava Tower for altitude adjustment before descending to a lower camp for better acclimatization.
Climbers experience diverse terrains, including the challenging Barranco Wall and the steep ascent to Barafu Camp. The route culminates in a night-time summit attempt, reaching Uhuru Peak at dawn, the highest point in Africa. The descent is equally dramatic, navigating through volcanic ash and muddy trails to the Mweka Gate.
Overall, the Machame Route offers a rewarding trekking experience with excellent views, varied landscapes, and a solid chance of reaching the summit, making it a popular choice among climbers.
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: High
The Machame Route, often referred to as the Whisky Route, is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and is highly recommended for those seeking an immersive Kilimanjaro experience. This route traverses diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests and moorlands to alpine deserts and glaciers, making it one of the most picturesque ways to reach the summit. Due to its longer duration and manageable incline, it offers a higher success rate for reaching the summit.
Tour Highlights
Scenic Diversity: Experience Kilimanjaro’s varied landscapes, from rainforests and moorlands to alpine deserts and glaciers.
Acclimatization: The route’s extended duration enhances acclimatization, increasing summit success rates.
Adventure: Conquer the Barranco Wall and traverse the Shira Plateau for an unforgettable trekking experience.
Summit Achievement: Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, and enjoy stunning views from the summit
CLIMBING RATES
* Cost per person in USD
Itinerary
Distance: 10.75 km / 7 mi
Duration: 5-6 hrs
Elevation: 1811 m / 5942 ft to 3021 m / 9911 ft
Habitat: Rainforest
Begin with a drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate, where permits are obtained. Experience the vibrant rainforest with its muddy, slippery trails. Enjoy the lush scenery and learn about local flora and fauna from your guide. It’s advisable to use gaiters and trekking poles.
Distance: 5.3 km / 3 mi
Duration: 4-5 hrs
Elevation: 3021 m / 9911 ft to 3839 m / 12,595 ft
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, ascend from the rainforest through a rocky ridge and river gorge to Shira Camp. As you climb, temperatures will drop and you’ll be greeted with expansive views.
Distance: 10.75 km / 6 mi
Duration: 5-6 hrs
Elevation: 3839 m / 12,595 ft to 3986 m / 13,077 ft
Habitat: Semi-Desert
This day is crucial for acclimatization. Hike from Shira Plateau to Lava Tower ("Shark’s Tooth") at 4650 m / 15,250 ft, then descend to Barranco Camp. The ascent helps with acclimatization despite the return to a lower altitude
Distance: 5.2 km / 3 mi
Duration: 3-4 hrs
Elevation: 3986 m / 13,077 ft to 4034 m / 13,235 ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Navigate the challenging Barranco Wall, a steep and impressive climb, and proceed to Karanga Camp. The day offers spectacular views and a chance to experience the crew’s skill on the wall.
Distance: 3.3 km / 2 mi
Duration: 3-4 hrs
Elevation: 4034 m / 13,235 ft to 4662 m / 15,295 ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Continue to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit. Here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the summit and prepare for the challenging summit night.
Distance: 4.86 km / 3 mi up / 11.5 km / 7.2 mi down
Duration: 5-7 hrs up / 5-6 hrs down
Elevation: 4662 m / 15,295 ft to 5895 m / 19,341 ft
Habitat: Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
Start early (midnight to 2 a.m.) for the summit climb. Ascend through the glaciers to Stella Point, and then to Uhuru Peak. Celebrate the summit achievement before descending to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Distance: 9.1 km / 6 mi
Duration: 3-4 hrs
Elevation: 3106 m / 10,190 ft to 1633 m / 5358 ft
Habitat: Rainforest
Descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Return to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
Included/Exclude
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodations as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Tips for porters and mountain crew is recommended
- The government imposed an increase in taxes and park fees
- Alcohol drinks
