7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Tour Starts & Ends: Arusha

Combination with e.g. Zanzibar possible!

TREK OVERVIEW

The 7-day Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This challenging and rewarding trek offers varied landscapes, including lush rainforests, moorlands, and high alpine deserts, culminating at the snow-capped Uhuru Peak. The extended itinerary allows for better acclimatization, improving your chances of successfully reaching Africa’s highest point. Starting from Moshi, the Machame Route is perfect for adventurers seeking both a thrilling climb and a diverse trekking experience.

Our Tanzania Destinations

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi, where you will meet your guides for a briefing about the upcoming trek. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the town, or prepare your gear for the climb. Moshi, nestled at the foot of Kilimanjaro, offers a serene introduction to your trekking adventure.

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

Kilimanjaro Luxury Camp

Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After breakfast, you’ll depart from Moshi to the Machame Gate (1,800m), where registration and final preparations take place. The trek starts with a gradual climb through the lush rainforest, where you may spot monkeys and exotic birds. The trail eventually opens up to heathland as you make your way to Machame Camp (3,000m), where you’ll spend your first night on the mountain.

Trek Information

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

On your second day, the landscape begins to change as you leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper and rockier as you ascend, with stunning views of the surrounding valleys and Mount Meru in the distance. You’ll arrive at Shira Camp (3,840m) by mid-afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy the views of Kibo Peak as the sun sets.

Trek Information

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Today is an important acclimatization day as you trek from Shira Camp to Lava Tower (4,630m) before descending to Barranco Camp (3,960m). Although this day involves hiking at higher altitudes, the descent to Barranco Camp helps your body acclimatize. The day’s trek offers stunning scenery, with the Lava Tower and the Barranco Valley providing incredible photo opportunities. Barranco Camp is set in a scenic location below the towering Barranco Wall.

Trek Information

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, you’ll tackle the Barranco Wall, a challenging but non-technical climb that offers fantastic views once you reach the top. The trail then descends into the Karanga Valley before a short ascent to Karanga Camp (4,035m). This day is relatively short, designed to aid further acclimatization and prepare you for the higher altitudes ahead.

Trek Information

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Today’s trek takes you from Karanga to Barafu Camp (4,640m), the final camp before your summit attempt. The trail becomes steeper as you ascend through the alpine desert, with little vegetation and dramatic views of the surrounding peaks. Once you arrive at Barafu Camp, you’ll rest and prepare for the challenging summit night ahead. An early dinner and an early night’s sleep are essential as your summit attempt will begin around midnight.

Trek Information

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Mweka Camp

Just after midnight, you’ll begin the final push to Uhuru Peak. The ascent is steep and challenging, passing through scree and snowfields as you approach Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim. From here, it’s a gradual climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Standing at the summit as the sun rises is a truly unforgettable experience. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll begin the long descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, followed by a further descent to Mweka Camp (3,110m) for your overnight stay.

Trek Information

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Return to Moshi

On your final day, you’ll continue your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m), where you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi for a much-deserved rest and celebration of your successful climb. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring Moshi before your departure.

Trek Information

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

Kilimanjaro Luxury Camp

Day 9: Departure from Moshi

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey. This marks the end of your incredible 7-day adventure on the Machame Route, with unforgettable memories of standing atop Africa’s highest peak.

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