7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Machame Route
Overview
The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered hard, steep, and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking, or backpacking experience.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rainforest to the Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Full Itinerary
Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft (altitude gained: 1210m)
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft (altitude gained: 818m)
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from 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. Temperatures begin to drop.
Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft (altitude gained: 147m)
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From the Shira plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, southeast towards the lava tower, called the “shark’s tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco camp.
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft (Altitude gained: 48m)
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco wall to the Karanga valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga camp.
Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft (Altitude gained: 628m)
We continue up toward Barafu camp and once reached you have now completed the south circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft (Altitude gained: 1233m)
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction ascend through heavy scree towards stella point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru peak the highest point on mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain.
Overnight Mweka camp.
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the mweka park gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in moshi (about 30 minutes).
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the mweka park gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in moshi (about 30 minutes)
Included
- Transfers
- Entry fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Hiking and safety equipment
- Climbing crew
Excluded
- Airline tickets
- Visa fee
- Personal gear rentals
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Mountaineering insurance
Location
Safari Booking Form
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