7 Days Machame
Route Map, Itinerary, Altitude, Distance & Time
Famously known as the “Whiskey” route, Machame had been one of the most popular routes on Mount Kilimanjaro.
That being said, there are no parts on the route that require any technical climbing skills. The total Machame route distance is approximately 62km/38miles from gate to gate. One can complete the Machame route with a minimum of 6 days, although 7 days is recommend
According to statistics from Kilimanjaro National Park approximately 50% of trekkers use the Machame Route to ascend Kilimanjaro. The route is very scenic, providing hikers with incredible views and varying landscapes.
Day 1
The drive from Moshi to the 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 walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.
| From Machame Gate | To Machame Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 1,640m = 5,380ft |
2,849m = 9,350 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
11 km = 7 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
5- 7 hour |
|
Habitat |
Rain Forest |
Day 2
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.
| From Machame Camp | To Shira 2 Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 2,849m = 9,350ft |
3,810m = 12,500 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
5 km = 3 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4 – 6 Hours |
|
Habitat |
Heath |
Day 3
We continue to the 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.
| From Shira 2 | Lava Tower | To Barranco Camp |
|---|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,810m = 12,500ft |
4,630m = 15,190 ft |
3,976m = 13,044 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
7 Km = 4miles |
3 km = 2 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4 – 5 hours |
2-3 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Alpine Desert |
Day 4
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 the 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.
| From Barranco Camp | To Karanga Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,976m = 13,044ft |
3,995m = 13,106 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
5 km = 3 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4 – 5 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Day 5
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.
| From Karanga Camp | To Barafu Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,995m = 13,106ft |
4,673m = 15,331 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
4 km = 2 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4 – 5 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Day 6
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; 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.
| From Barafu Camp | To Uhuru Peak | To Mweka Camp |
|---|---|---|
|
Elevation 4,673m = 15,331ft |
5,895m = 19,341 ft |
3,068m = 10,065 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
5 km = 3 miles |
12 km = 7 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
7 – 8 hours |
4-6 hours |
|
Habitat |
Arctic |
Rain Forest |
Day 7
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the 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.
| From Mweka Camp | To Mweka Gate |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,068m = 10,065ft |
1,640m = 5,380 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
10 km = 6 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
3 – 4 hours |
|
Habitat |
Rain Forest |
NOTE:
The price includes:
- All park entry fees, tour charges and respective taxes as per itinerary,
- Camping Equipment (i.e. tents, chairs, mattresses),
- Food – 3 meals a day and refreshments,
- Trained Personal Cook,
- Trained and licensed English Speaking Mountain Guide,
- Mountain Porters,
- Transportation to/from the mountain,
- Airport transfers,
- Two nights bed and breakfast hotel accommodation in Moshi before and after climbing,
- Air and ground ambulance cover for medical evacuation services,
However, the price excludes:
- Crews tip,
- Climbing gears – e.g. sleeping bag, walking poles, rainy and warm stuff, etc,
- Personal expenses, such as visa fee, airport taxes, insurance policy, etc.