7-Day Machame Route

from $1,950

per person sharing

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on the mountain. Machame approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southwest and descends using Mweka Gate, 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. The descent occurs on the Mweka route. Climbers sleep in tents and eat meals either outdoors or inside a large dining tent.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

We now leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, 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.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, our journey takes us further to the east as we ascend a ridge. Along the way, we'll pass the junction that leads to the peak of Kibo. As we progress, our path veers to the southeast, leading us to the Lava Tower, known as the "Shark's Tooth." After passing the tower, we reach a second junction, which guides us up to the Arrow Glacier, situated at an altitude of 16,000 feet.

Afterward, we continue our descent to the Barranco Hut, located at an elevation of 13,000 feet. At this point, we take a break, savor dinner, and spend the night. It's worth noting that even though you finish the day at the same elevation you started, this day is crucial for acclimatization and will help prepare your body for the summit day.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Following breakfast, we depart from Barranco and proceed along a steep ridge, which involves passing the Barranco Wall. Our destination for the day is the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a relatively short day, intended for the purpose of acclimatization.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we depart from Karanga and head towards the junction that links up with the Mweka Trail. We then carry on to the Barafu Hut. By this stage, you will have finished the South Circuit, providing you with various viewpoints of the summit from different angles. Here, we set up camp, take a rest, savor dinner, and get ready for the big summit day. You'll be able to spot the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo from this vantage point.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Very early in the morning (between midnight and 2 a.m.), we continue our way to the summit, situated between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Heading in a northwesterly direction, you'll ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This stretch is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

Upon reaching Stella Point (18,600 feet above sea level), you'll pause for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, weather permitting. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa. Faster hikers will catch the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, our descent takes us straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu for lunch along the way. Gaiters and trekking poles will come in handy for the loose gravel during the descent. Mweka Camp is in the upper forest, where mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we savor our final dinner on the mountain and look forward to a well-earned night's sleep.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As you descend to lower elevations, it can become wet and muddy. Therefore, gaiters and trekking poles will be particularly helpful during this part of the journey. While at lower altitudes, you'll likely find that shorts and t-shirts are sufficient attire (but do keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy, just in case).

From the gate, you will continue for another hour to Mweka Village. Subsequently, a vehicle will be waiting to meet you at Mweka Village, which will then transport you back to your hotel in Arusha.

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INCLUSIONS

The Price Includes

  1. National Park entrance fee as detailed above
  2. Accommodation double or twin rooms and meals as stated in the itinerary
  3. Private safari cars during safari Land Cruiser 4WD with the top up the roof, fridge to cool your drinks, guaranteed window seat to each person, and seat belt
  4. Professional English-speaking driver-guide. A Friendly, Experienced, and Passionate with a wide knowledge of culture, Flora, and Fauna
  5. Enough Bottled mineral water, throughout the Safari
  6. Airport transfer – Pick up and drop off as detailed above
  7. Cultural tour entrance fee as detailed in the itinerary
  8. Service Charges our offer include the planning, handling, operational, and communication charges & current VAT Taxes

 The Price Exclude

  1. Tips to the driver-guide and hotelier
  2. Alcoholic beverages, sodas,
  3. Laundry Service
  4. Visa
  5. Balloon Safari in Serengeti and Tarangire National Park
  6. International and local flights
  7. Travel and medical Insurance
  8. Other items of a personal nature