7 Days Machame Route Trekking

The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is a six or seven day camping route and is most popular route on Kilimanjaro

Overview

Machame route has been nicknamed the “Whiskey Route” because it is often perceived as being tougher than Marangu route, which is often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route. Unlike that trail however, camping is allowed on Machame, which means trekkers will be sleeping in tents all the way to the summit.

Trekkers who take the Machame Route pass several well known Mount Kilimanjaro landmarks while en route, including the famed Lava Tower and Shira Plateau. The route wanders up and down a series of valleys and ridges, which make the walk a bit more strenuous, but rewards hikers with some of the best views on the mountain.

It is for that reason that Machame route is widely considered to be the most scenic of all of the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, providing unique and varied landscapes to pass through on each and every day. The trail starts on the south side of the mountain, passes underneath the Southern Ice Field and makes its summit approach from the Barafu Camp.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Machame Hut Camp

A short drive brings us to the Machame trailhead (~5,380’). After the climbers and crew have checked in with the park rangers, we will hike up through the montane forests, winding up the mossy jungle, making our way to Machame Hut camp.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~9,350′

Day 2: Shira Plateau

After breakfast, our hike continues through the forest. We will take our time, soaking in the scenery as we make our way through the moorlands. We will be treated to spectacular views of Kibo peak.
Hiking: 4-6 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,500′

Day 3: Barranco Camp

Today is a long day but lots of acclimatization as you climb high, sleep low. We will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (~15,190’) for lunch, before descending to the Barranco valley. For those who have energy, and if time and weather permit, there’s the possibility to scramble up the Lava Tower itself. The scenery is amazing today, passing through different zones of the mountain.
Hiking: 6-8 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~13,044′

Day 4: Karanga Camp

Today you’ll continue to acclimatize and let your body adjust to these higher altitudes, in preparation for your upcoming summit push. Climb the steep Barranco Wall and then go up and down several ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga camp. There will likely be time for an acclimatization hike in the afternoon.
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~13,106′

Day 5: Barafu Camp

Today you’ll continue your circuit and arrive at your final camp before the summit (Barafu camp). Some ups and downs along ridges and valleys along the way. You’ll have an early supper, sleep for a few hours, and then arise at about 11:00 PM to start tomorrow’s summit ascent.
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~15,331′

Day 6: Summit and Mweka Camp

Start hiking at around midnight, using your headlamps to lead the way slowly up to Stella Point and then the summit. Due to the altitude, you will hike slowly, and will need to dress warmly for the cold. After celebrating with photos at the summit, descend down to Mweka camp.
Hiking: 6-7 hours ascent to the summit, then 6-9 hours of descent
Summit: ~19,341′
Overnight Altitude: ~10,500′

Day 7: Mweka Park Gate (~5,000’) to Arusha

We make the final descent through the rain forest to Mweka Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner.
Hiking: 3-5 hours

Includes

Tour Price Will Include

Excluded

Tour Price will not include

Arrival and departure transfers from, to “JRO”
Accommodation in the mountain and hotel 2 nights
Meals
All parks fees, mountain rescue fee, government taxes
Services for crew team and salary
Tent highest quality tent Eureka or Mountain hard ware
Transport to and from mountain
Emergency oxygen cylinder
Mattress

Items of personal nature such as passport, visa, travelers etc.
Tips for the crew
Medical equipment as hyperbaric chamber
Portable toilets: available for renting 110 USD/trip
Note Over weight, extra luggage will require an extra porter, at a rate of 11 USD per bag per day
Massage we may arrange for 40 USD per person

Book This Tour

Our classic tariff is an ideal combination of price and quality. We have selected comfortable lodges right in savannah centers for an unforgettable experience. Each lodge offers a cozy room with breathtaking scenery and all the necessities, including Wi-Fi. Chef-inspired meals, prepared with fresh ingredients are sure to please both vegetarians and meat-lovers.

Our professional tour guides will tell you all about the wild world of Africa and lead you to some of the rarest animals on the continent