Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb

Machame Route Itinerary

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MT Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

    Interest on Trip

    Machame 7 day route, price per person

    Overview

    The Machame route is commonly referred to as the Whiskey route, a popular and challenging route compared to the perceptively easier Marangu route, known as the “Coca-Cola” route.  Trekkers hike through five different climatic zones of Mt Kilimanjaro, climbing up and down a series of valleys and ridges to experience some of the most incredible views on the mountain. Accommodation is in tents. 

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    Itinerary

    Day 1 – MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP

    Elevation: 1640m/5380ft – 2850m / 9350ft
    Distance: 11km
    Hiking time: 5-7hrs
    Habitat: Heath

    After being collected from your accommodation in the morning, you will be driven to Machame Gate to register for the climb. You will then hike to Machame camp through beautiful rainforest and mossy jungle scenery while your guide tells you all about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife. Enjoy a delicious, filling dinner followed by an overnight stay at Machame camp.

    Day 2 – MACHAME CAMP to shira 2 camp

    Elevation: 294m / 9659ft – 3986m / 13 077ft
    Distance: 4-5hrs
    Hiking time: 5-7hrs
    Habitat: Heath

    Elevation: 2850m / 9350ft – 3810m / 12,500ft
    Distance: 5km
    Hiking time: 4-6hrs
    Habitat: Heath

    After breakfast, we start our day by trekking through the rainforest and moorlands. We emerge to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau. When we reach Baranco Camp, a hearty lunch will be provided and an opportunity to rest, followed by an acclimatisation hike towards Lava Tower Camp.

    Day 3 – shira 2 camp to Barranco camp VIA AN ASCENT TO THE LAVA TOWER

    Elevation: 3810m / 12,500ft – 3976m / 13,044ft
    Distance: 10km
    Hiking time: 6-8hrs
    Habitat:  Alpine Desert

    Today is an acclimatisation day as you climb high and sleep low. After breakfast, you will head to Lava Tower for lunch before descending to the Barranco Valley. If time and energy permit, some hikers may want to scramble up Lava Tower itself. The scenery is amazing today as you pass through different climatic zones of the mountain.  

    Day 4 –Barranco camp to karanga camp

    Elevation: 3976m / 13,044ft – 3995m / 13,106ft
    Distance: 5kms
    Hiking time: 4-5hrs
    Habitat:  Alpine Desert

    Today we climb the steep Barranco Wall. The top of the wall provides great photo opportunities with Kibo Peak as the backdrop. We then follow several ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga camp. The day is spent further acclimatising to the higher altitudes in preparation for the upcoming push to the summit.

    Day 5 – karanga camp to Barafu camp

    Elevation: 3995m / 13,106ft – 4673m / 15,331ft
    Distance: 4kms
    Hiking time: 4-5hrs
    Habitat: Arctic

    After breakfast, you will begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp via many ridges and valleys on route.  You’ll have an early supper, sleep for a few hours then arise around 11pm to start tomorrow’s summit ascent.

    Day 6 – Barafu camp to Uhuru peak

    Elevation: 4673m / 15,331ft – 5895m / 19,341ft
    Distance: 5km
    Hiking time: 7-8hrs
    Habitat: Rainforest

    Around midnight, we begin the final climb to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek with extreme temperatures, strong winds, and eerie darkness peppered with the glow of head torches and ancient stars. We climb throughout the night, taking frequent, short breaks. Near Stella Point on the crater rim, you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise over Mawenze Peak. We then summit through snow to Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Hongera sana (many congratulations) for climbing to the roof of Africa!

    Uhuru peak to Mweka camp

    Elevation: 5895m / 19,341ft – 3068m / 10,065ft
    Distance: 12km
    Hiking time: 4-6hrs
    Habitat: Rain Forest

    From the celebrations at the peak, we then descend a steep and rocky trail stopping at Barafu Camp for lunch. Trekking poles are useful for this part of the hike. We arrive at Mweka Camp in the late afternoon, situated in the tranquil misty upper forest. That evening, we enjoy our last delicious dinner on the mountain and a very well-deserved sleep.

    Day 7 – Mweka camp to mweka gate

    Elevation: 3068m / 10,065ft – 1640m / 5380ft
    Distance: 10km
    Hiking time: 3-4hrs
    Habitat: Rainforest

    End of Safari

    Price Includes

    Safari according to the itinerary

    • Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
    • Professional English-speaking guide
    • Meals according to the itinerary
    • Drinking water
    • All mentioned activities
    • All national park fees.

    Price Excludes

    • Flights ticket
    • Optional activities
    • Alcoholic and soft drinks
    • Visa fees
    • Tips
    • Personal spending money for souvenirs
    • Travel insurance
    • Airport pickups/departure transfers.