This 7 days Machame route , also known as the “Whiskey” route
7 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking | Climbing Machame Route
ABOUT 7 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE KILIMANJARO CLIMBING TOUR
The 7 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking | Climbing Machame Route This thrilling journey will take you to the roof of Africa, where you will conquer the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. With its towering peaks and breathtaking vistas, this iconic mountain is a dream destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty.
However, travelers consider the trail difficult, steep, and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore, this route better suits 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 rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of 7 Days Machame Route Climbing Kilimanjaro Trekking & Hikes 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. Climbers make their descent via the Mweka route.
DAY O – Arrival – Kilimanjaro
Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro airport, one of our friendly drivers will meet you and transfer you to a hotel in Moshi.
Should you arrive early you can explore the small town of Moshi, which is only a short taxi ride away, or you can just relax at the lodge and get ready for the days ahead. You will also meet with one of our operations staff and Guide who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment.
Days 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp. Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft Distance: 11 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest
Days 2: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge.
On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp. Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-7 hours Habitat: Heath
Days 3: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Barranco Camp
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, spending time at higher altitudes proves very beneficial for acclimatization. Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft Distance: 7 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Days 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This shorter day is intended for acclimatization. Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,107 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Days 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.
Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. Elevation: 13,107 ft to 15,331 ft Distance: 4 km/2 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Days 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Habitat: Arctic
Days 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi. Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Distance: 10 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest
