MACHAME ROUTE 7 DAYS KILIMANJARO TREKKING
7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro The second most popular and indeed one of the most beautiful routes up the mountain is the Machame Route. Also known as the Whisky Route, this trail is both longer and slightly more challenging than the Marangu Route. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. The route is better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however, rewarding him with a scenic splendour such as not seen on the Marangu route. Provided of its challenge about 80% of hiker makes it to the summit of Africa.
Route Map
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp
Drive from Arusha/Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
- Distance: 11km/7mi
- Hiking time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
- Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Hiking time: 34 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 4km/2mi
- Hiking time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to : 3090m/10,150ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
- Hiking time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
- Vegetation: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha/Moshi
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Praygod Africa Safaris vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi (about 30 minutes).
- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Down to : 3090m/10,150ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
INCLUDED
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Professional, experienced, and friendly mountain guides
- Medical evacuation with Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue> Flying Doctors.
- 2 nights and accommodations-one before and after the trek in good hotels.
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Pulse-oximeter – To measure the oxygen level, for each climber daily
- Portable Emergency Oxygen tanks
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
- Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- All Government Tax and Park Entrance Fees
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
EXCLUDED
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters
- Track your trek by satellite device services
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Tanzania Visa on arrival
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
