7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking via Machame Route + 2 Nights Hotel Stay
Overview
The Machame route, also known as the "Whiskey" route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro.
Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rainforest to Shira Plateau and it is here where many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge.
Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Highlights
- This route, with its steep passages and higher altitudes, offers you occasional views of spectacular Mount Meru
- Enjoy sleeping in a tent
- Enjoy a stunning sunrise near Stella Point
- Offers you occasional beautiful views of Shira Ridge and Kibo summit as you make your way through lush rain-forest
Good to Know
Scheduling: Shared Tour
Languages offered on the Activity / Tour: English, German, French, Japanese, Russian, Spanish
Duration: 7 days
Skip the Line
Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted
Instant Confirmation
Pick-up serviceWe will pick you up at Kilimanjaro international Airport and drop you off. This is include in the price
Disability ServicesNo activity is wheelchair accessible and can cater for people with disabilities only in Marangu route
Easy CancellationThere is no cancellation fee once Customers Cancel at least 7 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
There is 50% cancellation fee for Customers to Cancel 3 and 6 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
There is 100% cancellation fee for Customers to Cancel 2 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Inclusions
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Overnight stays in hotels and mountain tents
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water
- All national park fees
- All mentioned transfers
Exclusions
- Sleeping bag
- Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc
What To Expect
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to the Honey Badger Lodge in Moshi.
The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at leisure – relax at the hotel pool or take a taxi and explore the town of Moshi.
In the late afternoon, you will be met by one of our team members, who will brief you on your upcoming trek.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
The drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
As we leave the park gate, we will walk through the dense rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach Machame Camp.
Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft, Distance: 11 km/7 miles, Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep rocky ridge.
On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.
Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft, Distance: 5 km/3 miles, Hiking Time: 4-6 hours,Habitat: Heath
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
We continue east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower, Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft, Distance: 7 km/4 miles, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp, Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft, Distance: 3 km/2 miles, Hiking Time: 2-3 hours' Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff.
From the top of Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley.
One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft, Distance: 5 km/3 miles, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.
Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft, Distance: 4 km/2 miles, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit.
This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.
We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch.
The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees and trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft, Distance: 5 km/3 miles, Hiking Time: 7-8 hours, Habitat:
Arctic Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft, Distance: 12 km/7 miles, Hiking Time: 4-6 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect our summit certificates.
At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft, Distance: 10 km/6 miles, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 9: Moshi – Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast you will be taken to Kilimanjaro Airport or you can opt to extend your trip with a safari or a beach holiday on Zanzibar.
Pickup and Drop-off / Meeting Point
This map is provided by Google Maps, which may set its own cookies.
Know Before You Go
- According to the national park authorities, children under the age of 10 years are only allowed to hike until Shira Camp (3700 m). There are no official restrictions for children above the age of 10 years
- Officially, no vaccinations are required by the Tanzanian health department. However, Tanzania is a yellow fever region and thus we advise that you get yourself vaccinated for this.
- There are a few things you should pack for a Kilimanjaro climb and as the list is quite extensive, you will receive a detailed packing list from us once you have confirmed the booking
- Tips for the mountain crew are common practice. Gratuities are a large portion of the crew’s income and thus highly appreciated. Below are some recommendations from our side (per group, not per person): Guide: 15-18 USD per day
- You should bring some extra money for tips, souvenirs and other personal expenses. If you are bringing USD, please make sure the bills have been be printed after 2004 as any earlier printed ones will not be accepted
- Mountain rescue services in Tanzania can in no sense be compared to the ones found in the European Alps for example. If you find yourself unable to walk, you will either be carried or transported on stretcher
- Almost everybody climbing Kilimanjaro will be affected by the altitude in some or other way. Top athletes are just as much at risk of suffering from it as are people who are out of shape. Headaches and extreme fatigue are symptons
- Meals are included as mentioned in the itinerary. For breakfast there will be a choice of fruit, scrambled eggs, porridge, toast, jam, hot chocolate, coffee or tea. Lunch and dinner will be provided on the trek
- Apart from very basic long drops (simple latrines), there are no further ablution facilities. Climbers are however provided with a bowl of warm water for their daily wash
- You will sleep in two-man tents equipped with sleeping mats. Single travellers often share a tent with another group member of the same gender, at an extra cost
- The Machame Route, commonly known as the “Whiskey Route” is regarded as one of the most beautiful routes, offering hikers breath-taking views of the summit. On the other hand, it is also the route that is challenging
- The warmest time with the least rainfall is between December and February, followed by the main rainy season from March until the beginning of June.
- Africa’s highest peak is one of the only mountains of this magnitude that can be conquered without you being an experienced alpinist. However, it goes without saying that you should be healthy and fit to master the 4-6 hour treks
- Groups can be anywhere between 2 and 10 and climbers come from far and wide
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