7-Day Machame Route for Trek Kilimanjaro: Ultimate Adventure
The Kilimanjaro Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic routes, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route” due to its challenging yet rewarding nature.
DISCOVER MOUNT KILIMANJARO
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Duration: 7 days -
Difficulty: Moderate to Chalenging - Price Per Person: $ 1,924- $ 2,025
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stunning scenery
Overview: Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trekking
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime by trekking Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” which offers an incredible blend of diverse ecosystems, breathtaking views, and unforgettable experiences. This 7-day trek provides optimal time for acclimatization, significantly improving your chances of summiting this magnificent peak. The Machame Route is a popular option for many trekkers due to its scenic beauty, varied habitats, and steady ascent. Our experienced team at Tanzania Songbirds Safaris will ensure that you have a smooth, enjoyable, and safe journey from start to finish.
Trip Highlights
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Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp -
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp -
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp -
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp -
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp -
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp -
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
What is Included
- Airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
- National park fees and camping fees
- Rescue fees
- Oxygen cylinders and first aid kit
- All meals while on the mountain
- Cleaned, Purified and drinking water
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- VAT (18% charged by government)
- Quality mess tents with table and chair
- Professional and experienced mountain guides
- All necessary trekking gear such as tents, sleeping bags, etc.
- Large portions of fresh, healthy and nutritious food
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
What is not Included
- International and Domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal items and gear (such as Clothing, trekking boots etc.)
- Soft drinks, alcohol or additional snacks
- Accommodation before and after trekking
- Tips and gratitude (senior guide $25 per day from the whole group, Assistant guide $20 per day for whole group, cooks $15 per day for whole group and Porters $10 per day from whole group.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Hotel
After your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our professional guide will be there to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in either Kilimanjaro or Arusha. This is the start of your journey to the Roof of Africa! After checking in and resting from your flight, you’ll be given a pre-trek briefing to explain the itinerary, safety protocols, gear recommendations, and what to expect on the trek. This evening, you’ll have the chance to meet your guides and fellow trekkers before getting a good night’s rest in preparation for the adventure ahead.
Kilimanjaro Trekking Gallery
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Machame Gate. This is where your official climb begins. Your permits will be processed, and your guide will make sure everything is in order before you start the trek. The first part of the hike takes you through lush rainforest, a habitat full of moss-draped trees and tropical vegetation. As you ascend, you’ll encounter diverse bird species and possibly some monkeys. By the end of the day, you’ll arrive at Machame Camp, where you’ll have a delicious dinner and prepare for the next day’s hike.
Trekking Features
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Elevation: Kilimanjaro Airport (1,320 m / 4,331 ft) - Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
- Estimated Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
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Habitat: Rainforest
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Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner -
Overnight stay in tents
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
This day’s trek begins with a steady ascent through the heath and moorland zone, where you’ll encounter giant heathers and lobelias. As you continue your climb, the terrain becomes more exposed, offering amazing views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll also get your first clear sight of Kilimanjaro’s summit, standing tall in the distance. Shira Camp, located on the Shira Plateau, offers a peaceful setting for you to rest and acclimatize to the higher elevation. The camp is known for its sweeping vistas, and you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
Trekking Features
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Elevation: Machame Camp: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft Shira Camp: 3,840 m / 12,602 ft - Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
- Estimated Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
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Habitat: Heath and Moorland
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Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. -
Overnight stay in tents
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
On Day 3, you’ll ascend to Lava Tower (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), a massive rock formation that provides panoramic views of the surrounding highlands. This “climb high, sleep low” tactic is designed to aid your acclimatization to the altitude. After a short break at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, located at the base of the towering Barranco Wall. The route transitions into an alpine desert environment, and you’ll experience the stark beauty of the high-altitude desert with volcanic rocks and sparse vegetation.
Trekking Features
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Elevation: Shira Camp: 3,840 m / 12,602 ft Lava Tower: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft Barranco Camp: 3,950 m / 12,960 ft - Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Estimated Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
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Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. -
Overnight stay in tents
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
This is a relatively short day but involves a steep ascent of the Barranco Wall, which is a challenging but rewarding part of the trek. The climb is not technical, but it’s steep, and it offers thrilling views over the valley below. After reaching the top of the wall, you’ll follow a scenic ridge leading to Karanga Camp. The area is characterized by alpine desert terrain, with scattered shrubs and boulders, and offers great views of the southern circuit of the mountain.
Trekking Features
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Elevation: Barranco Camp: 3,950 m / 12,960 ft Karanga Camp: 4,035 m / 13,238 ft - Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
- Estimated Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
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Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. -
Overnight stay in tents
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 5 brings you to Barafu Camp, which serves as the base camp for your summit push. You’ll pass through sparse vegetation and rugged terrain as you make your way up. Barafu Camp is located in a rocky, windswept area with incredible views of the summit ahead. This is the final campsite before your midnight ascent to the summit. After arriving at Barafu Camp, you’ll rest, have a light meal, and prepare for the upcoming night’s trek.
Trekking Features
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Karanga Camp: 4,035 m / 13,238 ft Barafu Camp: 4,640 m / 15,223 ft - Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
- Estimated Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
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Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. -
Overnight stay in tents
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
The final day is the most demanding. You’ll start your summit attempt at around midnight, walking through the night toward the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. The trail will take you through the harsh, arctic desert zone, where the temperature can drop below freezing. After several hours of challenging climbing, you’ll reach the summit, Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The views at the summit are absolutely breathtaking and worth every step of the grueling climb. After taking time to enjoy the summit and capture your moment, you’ll descend to Horombo Hut for your final night on the mountain.
Trekking Features
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Elevation: Barafu Camp: 4,640 m / 15,223 ft Summit (Uhuru Peak): 5,895 m / 19,341 ft Mweka Camp: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft - Distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles
- Estimated Hiking Time: 12-14 hours
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Habitat: Arctic
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Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. -
Overnight stay in tents
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On your final day, you’ll descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where your trek officially ends. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush vegetation and be able to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve completed. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate (depending on the altitude reached), and we will transport you back to your hotel in Arusha or Kilimanjaro for your well-deserved rest.
Trekking Features
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Elevation: Mweka Camp: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft Mweka Gate: 1,640 m / 5,381 ft - Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Estimated Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
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Habitat: Rainforest
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Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. -
Overnight stay in tents
Price Per Person
SEASON & DATES
2 pax
4 pax
6 pax
PRICE
Per Person
$2,025 USD*
$1,970 USD*
$1,924 USD*
Payment Methods
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Visa, MasterCard, American Express accepted.
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Processing Fee
A 3.5% charge is applied for card transactions.
Need help with your payment? Contact us at info@hoofsandhornsadventures.com
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FAQs About Kilimanjaro Machame Route
What is the Machame Route, and how difficult is it?
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It is considered moderately difficult due to its steep sections and varied terrain. It is suitable for hikers with good physical fitness and some trekking experience.
How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route?
The Machame Route typically takes 6-7 days to complete. A 7-day itinerary is highly recommended for better acclimatization and a higher chance of reaching the summit. The route’s “climb high, sleep low” approach helps with altitude adjustment.
What is the success rate of the Machame Route?
The success rate for the Machame Route is relatively high, averaging around 85-90%, thanks to its well-designed acclimatization profile. The longer itineraries (7 days) significantly improve the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
What makes the Machame Route unique compared to other routes?
The Machame Route is known for its stunning scenery and diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers. It is also one of the more crowded routes due to its popularity. The route’s challenging yet rewarding nature makes it a favorite among climbers.
What should I pack for the Machame Route?
Essential items for the Machame Route include:
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Sturdy hiking boots
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Warm clothing (layers for varying temperatures)
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Sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures
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Trekking poles
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Headlamp and extra batteries
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High-energy snacks and hydration system
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Altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor)
Proper gear is crucial for tackling the route’s varied terrain and weather conditions.
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