7 Days Machame Route Trekking
SAFARI OVERVIEW
Nicknamed the “Whiskey” route because the route is popularized as somewhat difficult and more expensive than Marangu route.
On an overall comparison of the routes to scale Kilimanjaro, this is one of the best routes to take, both in terms of acclimatization and cost.
The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.
The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity there are increased numbers of trekkers, it loses some of its splendour. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.
In certain sections this route is steeper than the Marangu and Rongai routes and physically more demanding but is easier overall.
Great for acclimatization with lots of walk high, sleep low opportunities.
Challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones.
Good opportunity to split pre-summit day climb to leave climbers rested before summiting.
Very popular trail.
≤ 2 PAX
2016
US$
3 PAX
1971
US$
4 PAX
1961
US$
5 PAX
1921
US$
6 PAX
1918
US$
≤ 7 PAX
1910
US$
SAFARI DETAIL
Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Day 1: Hotel to Machame Camp
Drive from Moshi to Machame 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 rain forest 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
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest 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
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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” (elevation 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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit 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 north westerly 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. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. 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
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
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).
Severah Tarvel & Tours vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
INCLUDES
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Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Clean, purified drinking water
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Sleeping Mattress
All meals while on the Mountain
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
EXCLUDED
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Tanzania Visa
Travel insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for
Tips and gratuities (Senior guide : $30 per day from the whole group Assistant guide : $20 per day from the whole group Porter : $10 per day from the whole group renting)
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
International and domestic flights
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
FAQs
🎯 What's Covered in Each Tour Package?
Every safari experience is unique, with different inclusions depending on which adventure you select. To understand exactly what your chosen tour covers, check out the detailed information on each specific tour’s page.
💳 How Can I Pay for My Safari?
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❌ What's Your Policy on Cancellations?
We follow industry-standard cancellation policies. You can find all the details about our cancellation terms and conditions on our dedicated policy page.
♿ Can You Accommodate Special Accessibility Needs?
Absolutely! We’re committed to making safaris accessible for everyone. Whether you need wheelchair-accessible vehicles, ground-floor accommodations, or other special arrangements, just let us know your requirements when booking so we can prepare accordingly.
📱 Will My Phone Work on Safari?
Your mobile device should function, though signal strength can be spotty in remote areas – which many guests actually enjoy as a digital detox opportunity!
🍽️ What About Special Dietary Requirements?
We’re happy to accommodate all dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other special requirements. Just give us a heads-up about your preferences when you book.
💉 Are There Any Health or Vaccination Requirements?
Health requirements differ based on your destination and home country. For the most up-to-date vaccination and health information, check your specific destination page and contact your local embassy or health department.
🚗 What Should I Expect from the Roads?
Safari destinations typically feature unpaved, bumpy terrain – but don’t worry! The roads are completely manageable, and most of our guests find the journey part of the adventure. It’s all part of the authentic safari experience.
🏠 Can I Request Different Lodging Options?
Definitely! If you have specific accommodation preferences, just let us know. We work with an extensive network of lodges and camps, including both our own properties and trusted partners, which often means better rates for our guests.
⚡ Will I Have Power Throughout My Stay?
Most of our camps and lodges run generators to provide electricity around the clock. While you might experience occasional brief outages, this rarely impacts your overall experience.
👨👩👧👦 Is This Experience Suitable for Children?
Safari adventures are fantastic for kids! They’ll love seeing wildlife up close in their natural environment. Many of our accommodations feature kid-friendly amenities like play areas and swimming pools (availability varies by location). We recommend bringing along some activities to keep little ones entertained during travel times.
💰 Should I Plan to Tip?
While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s certainly appreciated by our staff and guides. The amount is entirely up to you and should reflect your satisfaction with the service you receive.
Spoiler alert!
Some photos of what you will find in this adventure:
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