Embark on an unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure with the 7-day Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa your gateway, Known as the “Whiskey Route,” it’s celebrated for its breathtaking scenic diversity, strategic acclimatization, and a remarkably high summit success rate, making it a top choice for trekkers worldwide. This meticulously planned Kilimanjaro trek offers a gradual acclimatization profile, crucial for reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) the top of Mountain Kilimanjaro Ideal for Kilimanjaro adventurers seeking diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and glacial summits providing an immersive and rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.
Duration: Typically 6-7 days. Difficulty: Moderately challenging, with varying terrain and elevation changes.
Machame route highlights: Hiking through rainforests, crossing the Shira Plateau, ascending the Barranco Wall, and reaching the summit via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5895m) the highest point in Africa.
The Machame Route on Kilimanjaro is approximately 62 km (37 miles) long. However, it’s important to note that this distance is covered over several days, with the number of days varying depending on the chosen itinerary.
Most people take 6 or 7 days to complete the Machame Route, with longer options also available for better acclimatization.
The Machame Route, often called the “Whiskey Route,” is renowned for its stunning scenery and excellent acclimatization profile. This 7-day itinerary provides a balanced approach, maximizing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Here’s a day-by-day Machame route 7day itinerary of what you can expect, detailed itinerary, daily altitudes, and expert tips for a successful summit.
Once arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will find our experts and take you to the hotel in Moshi for dinner as well as breakfast as per the instruction is given by us, later meet together for the Kilimanjaro briefing and Equipment checkup.
Hike through the lush rainforest, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding valleys.
Distance: 11km/8miles
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Elevation gain: 1200M
Activities: Registration at Machame Gate, Hiking through dense rainforest, Evening meal and overnight at Machame Camp.
Begin your adventure with a drive from Moshi to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate where also your trip will take a pass through Machame village, after registration at Machame gate 1800m/5905ft we will be leaving the park gate and get into the rain forest. One should keep it in mind that the trekking poles as well as Gaiters are said to be the best idea. However, you will continue your trip to Machame camp 3000m/9,842ft and overnight.
Leave the rainforest behind and enter the Shira Plateau, a vast volcanic landscape
Distance: 5km/3.5miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Activities: Hiking through moorland, viewing the Shira plateau, Evening meal and overnight at Shira Camp
Elevation gain: 830m (though you might descend a bit initially).
Once the breakfast is completed, we will leave the glades at Machame Camp and move towards the climbing path and cross the valley which is mainly covered with heather along with steep rocky ridge. Now, your route will get turned out to river gorge. For your information, you will also have your dinner as well as overnight stay at Shira Camp 3840m/12,598ft.
Trek past the iconic Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation, and descend into the Barranco Valley.
Distance: 10km/6miles
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Elevation gain: 120m, with significant ups and downs
Activities: Hiking through moorland, viewing the Shira plateau, Evening meal and overnight at Shira Camp.
You will continue your trip from Shira Plateau towards ridge where passing over the junction of Kibo peak. Now, our way will be towards Lava tower 4550m/14,927ft and then come to the second junction that takes you to the Arrow Glacier. Then, move towards Barranco hut and take rest along with your dinner and overnight stay at Barranco 3900m/12,795ft.
Navigate the challenging Barranco Wall and climb up to Karanga Camp.
Distance: 5km/3.5miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Elevation gain: 140m
Activities: Climbing the Barranco Wall, hiking to Karanga Camp, rest and acclimatization, Evening meal and overnight at Karanga Camp.
After the successful breakfast is over, we will be leaving Barranco and then move towards the steep ridge. Then, you will take a path to Karanga Valley Campsite 4100m/13,451ft.
Steep up climb up to Barafu base Camp, the final stop before the summit
Distance: 4km/3miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Elevation gain: 560m
Activities: Hiking to Barafu Camp, preparing summit gear, early dinner and rest.
Once the breakfast is completed, leave Karanga Camp and move towards the junction that mainly connects with Mweka trail. Now, we continue our path to Barafu Hut Base Camp 4600m/15,091ft. At this stage, you will get a chance to view some stunning visuals from various angles. Here, we will be making camp and the rest will continue along with dinner as per instruction.
Early morning start for the summit push, challenging yourself on steep scree and possibly encountering ice and snow
Distance: 13km/8miles up, 12km/7miles down
Hiking time: 7-12 hours up, 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Arctic or summit zone
Elevation gain: 1,255m, then descend 2,565m to Mweka Camp
Activities: Summit attempt to Uhuru peak, descent to Mweka camp, rest.
In the early morning, we will continue our trip to the summit which is located between Ratzel glaciers as well as Rebmann. And get an opportunity to climb towards Stella point 5735m/18,815ft which is on the crater rim. Once reached the Stella point, you will get a short rest and then move towards the summit Uhuru peak 5895m/19,340ft which the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. In order to loose gravel moving down, it is important for you to have trekking poles as well as gaiters.
After the summit, a quick descent back to Barafu campsite for a short rest before descending to Mweka Camp 3100m/10,170ft that is situated in the upper forest for your last dinner on the mountain.
Descend through the rainforest on the final leg of the trek, reaching Mweka Gate and celebrating your achievement
Distance: 10km/6miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Elevation loss: 1,450m.
Activities: Final descent to Mweka Gate, receiving summit certificates, transportation back to hotel.
After your breakfast, we will be moving down towards the Mweka exit gate 1650m/5500ft and get your summit certificates. At this stage, the wearing of shots as well as T-shirts will be easy to wear during lower elevations along with the support of trekking poles and gaiters. Now, take a move towards Mweka village and drive back to the hotel, and then finally your trip will be done.
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport or Join Our Tanzania Wildlife Safari.
Why Machame route is so popular?
Stunning Scenery: Offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts.
Good Acclimatization: The route is designed to help climbers gradually adjust to the altitude, increasing your chances of reaching the summit.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry season, which is from December to March and June to September.
You will need to obtain a permit to climb Kilimanjaro, which can be arranged through a tour operator.
It is important to hire a qualified guide to help you with the climb.
Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for the different climates you will encounter on the mountain.
Acclimatization is essential for success on Kilimanjaro. Be sure to spend enough time at altitude before attempting the summit.
With careful planning and preparation, the Machame Route can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
The 7-day Machame Route is one of the most popular routes to climb Kilimanjaro, and for good reason. Here are some of the reasons why you might choose it:
The cost of climbing the Machame route on Kilimanjaro typically ranges from $1800 to $10,000 per person.
This wide range is due to several factors:
Duration of the climb: The Machame route can be done in 6 or 7 days, with the 7-day option being the standard itinerary.
Group or private climb: Group climbs are often cheaper than private climbs.
Time of year: Peak season (December to February) tends to be more expensive.
Included services: Some packages include more than others (e.g luxury Kilimanjaro Climb).
Conquer Kilimanjaro Machame Route! Our 7-day packing list covers essential clothing, gear, and tips for a safe and successful summit.
Embarking on the iconic Machame Route for your Kilimanjaro trek? This comprehensive 7-day Kilimanjaro Machame Route packing list ensures you’re equipped for every altitude and weather challenge. From essential Kilimanjaro gear to crucial Kilimanjaro clothing, we’ll guide you through the must-haves for a safe and successful summit. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time climber, proper preparation is key to conquering Africa’s highest peak.
Important Notes:
The success rate of the Machame Route on Kilimanjaro varies based on the number of days.
7-day Machame route: Typically boasts a success rate of around 85%.
6-day Machame route: Offers a lower success rate, generally around 75%.
Factors affecting success rate:
Acclimatization: The Machame route is designed with a “climb high, sleep low” itinerary, which aids in acclimatization.
Additionally, the success rate can be influenced by various factors such as:
Physical fitness: The better your physical condition, the higher your chances of success.
Acclimatization: Following the recommended acclimatization schedule is crucial.
Altitude sickness: Being aware of the symptoms and taking precautions can help prevent altitude sickness.
Weather conditions: Unfavorable weather can impact summit attempts.
The best time to climb the Machame Route 7 day on Kilimanjaro is during the dry season, which falls between June and October.
Why this period is ideal Machame route climb:
Stable weather: Less chance of rain, providing clearer skies and better visibility.
Drier trails: Improved footing and overall hiking comfort.
Higher success rates: Favorable conditions contribute to a higher chance of reaching the summit.
Other options:
While June to October is the peak season, you can also consider climbing during these periods:
January to February: This is the short rainy season, but it’s also the warmest time of the year. You can expect some rain, but the landscape is lush, and there are fewer crowds.
Important to note:
Kilimanjaro is close to the equator, so it’s possible to climb year-round.
Weather can be unpredictable, so always be prepared for changing conditions.
Acclimatization is crucial for summit success, regardless of the time of year.
High success rate: The 7-day Machame Route has a higher success rate than shorter routes, such as the 5-day Marangu Route. This is because the extra day gives your body more time to acclimate to the altitude, which can help to reduce your risk of altitude sickness.
Beautiful scenery: The Machame Route is known for its stunning scenery. You’ll hike through a variety of different landscapes, from rainforest to moorland to glaciers.
Challenging but doable: The Machame Route is challenging, but it is also doable for people with a good level of fitness. The trail is well-maintained and there are plenty of places to rest along the way.
Good value for money: The Machame Route is a good value for money compared to other routes on Kilimanjaro. You’ll get more time on the mountain and you’ll have a higher chance of reaching the summit.
The Machame Route is generally considered one of the challenging routes to climb Kilimanjaro, but the 7-day itinerary offers a better chance of acclimatization, making it significantly less difficult than shorter options.
Here’s a breakdown of the factors affecting difficulty:
Altitude Sickness: The primary challenge is altitude sickness. The 7-day itinerary allows for better acclimatization, reducing the risk.
Physical Fitness: A good level of physical fitness is essential. Hiking experience, especially at altitude, is beneficial.
Weather Conditions: Unpredictable weather can add to the difficulty.
Personal Factors: Individual tolerance to altitude and physical condition play a crucial role.
Better Acclimatization: More time to adjust to altitude.
Reduced Risk of Altitude Sickness: Increased chances of summit success.
More Leisurely Pace: Enjoy the scenery and experience without rushing.
Make your deal at budget
In order to make your trip successful with your friends and family, make sure to contact Kilimanjaro bound and book your trip. Here you can also find various packages to pick and utilize for this vacation at your budget.
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