Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of Mount Kilimanjaro, within its green, abundant rainforest. We climb to the Shira Plateau, then traverse the mountain beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Icefield, before summiting from Barafu Hut and descends using Mweka Gate. Machame 7 Day route is recommended because it provides an additional acclimatization day and shortens some of the daily hikes.

Program Description

Arrive in Tanzania

Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a pick-up private transfer waiting to Arusha for accommodation ready for Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking – Machame Route – 7 Days climb.
We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
Dinner and overnight at Arusha:

Day 1: Machame Camp.

After completing the necessary registration formalities at Machame National Park gate, our Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking – Machame Route – 7 Days begins to trek through a beautiful and lush forest. We have a picnic lunch en route.
We camp at Machame Camp (9,800 ft). [5-6 hours walking]

Day 2: Shira Camp

We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily through rocky hills with wide views of the Shira Plateau (11,000 ft). From our camp near Shira Hut (12,600 ft), we take in the unforgettable views of Mt. Meru as she floats among the clouds. [4-5 hours walking]

Day 3: Barranco Camp.

A morning of sustained ascent and panoramic views brings us to lunch near Lava Tower (14,900 ft). The trail then descends to the bottom of the Barranco Valley (12,800 ft), where we stay in the spectacular Barranco Camp sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [7-9 hours walking]

Day 4: Karanga Camp

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 Camp (13,100 ft), the last water point on the approach to the summit. [5-7 hours walking]

Day 5: Barafu Camp

We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) for lunch. There is a short acclimatization hike to the plateau at the bottom of the southeast valley (15,700 ft). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the early morning final ascent. [3-5 hours walking]

Day 6: Summit to Mweka Camp

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 (18,800 ft), 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 (19,345 ft), 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 refreshments, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite, Mweka Camp (9,300 ft). [12-15 hours walking]

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.

A sustained descent on a well-constructed path takes us through a lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Mweka (5,400 ft); and on through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village, where we are transferred to our lodging in Arusha. [4-6 hours walking] Dinner and overnight at Ilboru Safari Lodge: B&B

Departure Day

Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight back home, safari, or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar we can discuss on arrival day.
E-mail us at any time to discuss your trip and get an accurate quotation and best price.

Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking – Machame Route – 7 Days Includes:
• Tanzania VAT on tourism activities.
• Airports Transfers
• Hotel Lodging  before and  after the climb (double occupancy)
• All Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits.
• Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees
• Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summing aid)
• Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
• Professional, English-speaking Guide, assistant guides and cook
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables & sleeping mattresses)
• Porter to carry your duffel bag (max weight 15kg / 32 lbs)
• Chemical Portable toilet

Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking – Machame Route – 7 Days Excludes;
• Flights and airport taxes
• Items of a personal nature
•Visa
• Highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
• Personal hiking/trekking gear – we can rent some of the gear from our equipment store in Tanzania
• Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets
• Tips (see Tipping guideline) and any items of personal nature.


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Itinerary Name: Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking - Machame Route - 7 Days

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