7 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE

Overview

The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 7-day trek offers a gradual ascent, allowing for better acclimatization and a higher success rate compared to shorter itineraries.

Starting from the Machame Gate, the route passes through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, providing trekkers with a diverse and breathtaking landscape. As you ascend, you will experience stunning views of Kibo Peak, dramatic ridges, and the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling yet manageable climb. The route follows the climb-high, sleep-low principle, which helps with altitude adaptation, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a challenging yet rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.

The summit attempt begins from Barafu Camp, leading to an early morning push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit, the descent follows the Mweka Route, offering a different perspective of the mountain.

With its diverse landscapes, excellent acclimatization profile, and stunning views, the 7-day Machame Route is ideal for adventurous trekkers looking to fully experience Kilimanjaro’s beauty and challenges while maximizing their chances of a successful summit.

7 Days Machame Route

calendar

7 DAYS

6 NIGHTS

Destination

Mount Kilimanjaro

Itineraries

Day 1: Machame Hut

The climb starts from Machame Gate (1,800 m.) and follows a ridge through dense montane forest. This is the richest forested area on the mountain, and also the zone from where 96 % of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days, and especially in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful; it can also be a very muddy experience, particularly if it has rained recently! We have lunch at ‘Halfway Clearing’, a small opening in the trees, and continue climbing steadily. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame Hut (3,000 m.). We may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. [6-8 hours walking]

Day 2: Shira Hut

A shorter day that begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau from here,and it is a good rest point too! The trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp near Shira Hut (3,840m.) which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro; close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across to Mt. Meru floating on the clouds. [4-6 hours walking]

Day 3: Great Barranco Valley

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4,550 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking]

Day 4: Karanga

A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4,000 m.), the last water point on the approach to Barafu, in a narrow valley. There is plenty of time to rest, or for a short optional acclimatisation walk in the afternoon up the valley above the camp. [4-5 hours walking]

Day 5: Barafu Campsite

A short but steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views to reach Mweka Junction (4,150 m.). We then climb steadily to reach the Barafu campsite (4,600 m.) and continue to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East valley (4,800 m.). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before an early night. [4-5 hours walking]

Day 6: Millennium Campsite

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735 m.), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3,800 m.) Millenium. Most of us will be too tired to notice the beauty of the forest surrounding the crowded campsite. [11-15 hours walking]

Day 7: Mweka Village

A sustained descent on a well constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m). Here we sign out from the national park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalisingly close! [4-6 hours walking]

Inclusions

  • Park Fees
  • Professional Guides
  • Accommodation
  • Meals & Drinks
  • Drinking Water
  • Transportation
  • Camping Equipment
  • Rescue Fees
  • Oxygen & First Aid Kit
  • Summit Certificate
  • Luggage Handling

Exclusions

  • Flights
  • Visa Fees
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Gear & Equipment
  • Tips for Guides, Porters & Cooks
  • Additional Snacks & Drinks
  • Accommodation Before & After the Climb
  • Personal Expenses (Souvenirs, Laundry, etc.)
  • Emergency Evacuation Costs (If Not Covered by Insurance)
  • Optional Activities

The African Safari Trails is locally owned and managed by people with a love for their native Tanzania and Kilimanjaro, who collectively have many years of experience in the region.
African Safari Trails (TAST) offers amazing and affordable tour packages combining Kilimanjaro treks, African safaris and Zanzibar beach getaways. We have over 20 years of experience in travel planning, guiding numerous successful Mount Kilimanjaro climbs and safaris

SAFARI PACKAGES

2 Days Tanzania Safari

3 Days Tanzania Lodge Safari

4 Days Tanzania Safari

5 Days Serengeti Lodge Safari

6 Days Tanzania Lodge Safari

7 Days Tanzania Lodge Safari

TREKKING

6 Days Marangu Route

7 Days Machame Route

7 Days Rongai Route

6 Days Umbwe Route

8 Days Lemosho Route

3 Days Mount Meru Trekking

CONTACT US

Arusha ,Tanzania - East Africa

Phone: +255 715 709 102

Email: operations@theafricansafaritrails.co.tz

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