7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing
The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route..
Cost from $1900 per person
PRICE
$ 1900 PER PERSON
ALTITUDE
5895 M
LENGTH
7 DAYS
ACCOMMODATION
CAMPING
DIFFICULTY
CHALLENGING
Route Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 7 Days Machame Route. The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accomodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents.The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days on the mountain. However, it is most often tackled over seven days, for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rain forest. The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.
Itinerary in detail
Day 0 : Arrival
Welcome to Tanzania! When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your driver will welcome you. Upon arriving at the lodge, a full briefing and equipment check will take place, providing you with crucial information for climbing Kilimanjaro in the coming days. You have the afternoon free.
Meals
None
Drinks
Drinking Water
Transport
Min-Van
Day 1 : Machame Gate (1830m) to Machame Camp (3050m)
One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our porter crew, and begin climbing! The first segment of the trail climbs slowly and passes through breathtaking, lush rainforest. This trail is less well-traveled, so it can become overgrown in sections and is frequently damp and muddy underfoot.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Machame Camp (3050m) to Shira Camp (3850m)
Following breakfast, we depart from the rain forest’s glades and proceed uphill, traversing the valley on a precipitous rocky ridge. Until we reach the Shira campground, the trail now heads west onto a river gorge.
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 : Shira Cave (3850m) to Barranco Camp (4000m)
Now that we’re walking on high moorland, the scenery completely alters the trek’s atmosphere. We travel up Kilimanjaro’s southwest flank, passing beneath the Lava Tower and the last segment of the Western Breach, before arriving at camp. Despite spending the day at elevation (up to 4600m), we adhered to the mountaineering maxim “walk high, sleep low” to let your body adjust to the higher altitude.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 : Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)
Day 5 : Karanga Camp (4050) to Barafu Camp (4700m)
Breakfast and a restful night’s sleep preceded our trek to the 4640-meter-high Barafu camp. There won’t be any flora surrounding us as we ascend across barren scree slopes. The altitude adds to the difficulty of the strenuous, steep walk. As we get ready for a long night and day ahead, we eat when we get to camp and relax in the afternoon. It is crucial to stay warm and hydrated. After an early meal, we attempt to get some rest because we will be rising between 11 and 12 p.m. to begin the ascent to the summit.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 : Barafu Camp (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m)
We proceed to the peak between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers quite early in the morning (between midnight and two in the morning). In order to reach Stella Point on the crater rim, you travel northwest and climb over dense scree. This part of the journey is the most physically and mentally taxing. You will be rewarded with the most breathtaking sunrise you are likely to ever witness when you pause for a brief rest at Stella Point. Those who hike faster might be able to see the sunrise from the top.
The one-hour climb to the peak from Stella Point may be completely covered in snow. You have arrived at the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent when you reach Uhuru Peak!
We start our descent from the peak by going directly down to the Mweka Camp, with a lunch halt at Barafu. For the loose gravel heading down, you might want trekking poles and gaiters. We spend our final night on the mountain in Mweka Camp.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast we continue descending down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Bestday Safaris vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Frequently Asked Questions About this Route
How Long is the Machame Route?
The Machame route is roughly 62 kilometers (37 miles) long. Between 16,000 and 17,000 feet is the approximate total elevation gain.
How Hard is it to Climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route?
Because of its distance and elevation increase, the Machame route is regarded as difficult. The route is challenging due to its up-and-down terrain. The course is relatively challenging, but, because it has a respectable acclimatization schedule.
What is the Success Rate of Climbing Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route?
The amount of days you spend on the mountain determines your success rate. An estimated 50% of six-day Machame climbs and 70% of seven-day Machame climbs are successful for all operators combined. Our success percentage for the six-day Machame route is roughly 70–75%, and our success rate for the seven- and eight-day Machame routes is roughly 85–90%.
How do I perepare for the Machame Route
Any exercise you can do prior to your climb is considered Machame Route Preparation. Whether you choose to climb the Uhuru Peak or take a shorter route will depend on how hard you train before the climb, and this will vary from person to person.
Meals on the Hike
Our mountain chefs and waiters will prepare and serve your breakfasts, lunches, and meals during the trip. The menu has been created in collaboration with a professional nutritionist to guarantee that our meals are both delicious and energy-rich, providing hikers with the required nourishment.
What is Scenery on Machame Route
You will go through five different climatic zones en route to the summit, and the panorama is incredibly varied. Before ascending into the low alpine zone of moorlands and wild meadows, the hike starts in a rain forest on the lower slopes. You then hike through the high alpine region before arriving at the glacial zone. Shira Plateau, Barranco, and Lava Tower are just a some of the breathtaking locations you will see.
2 PEOPLE
$1900
3 PEOPLE
$
4 PEOPLE
$
5 PEOPLE
$
6 PEOPLE
$
Price inclusions
Price
Includes
- 2 nights hotel accommodation before and after your climb on bed & breakfast basis
- Transfers to and from the mountain
- National Park entry, and climbing fees
- Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees – Part of the National Park
- High-quality mess and sleeping tents with a comfortable foam mattress
- Camping fees
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- Healthy & Clean Meals
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National
- Mountain climbing certificates
- Porter to carry your duffel bag
- Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).
- Emergency first-aid kit
Price
Excludes
- International flights (from/to home)
- Domestic Flights
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Tipping the Guides and Porters
- Snacks on the mountain
- Your personal trekking gears
- Travel Insurance (Recommended – Travel insurance with medical cover of 6,000m and above)
- Sleeping Bags
- Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included
Optional extras available at a surcharge:
- Self-inflatable mattresses (additional to the basic mattress)
- Sleepings bags for low temperatures
- Walking poles
- Additional oxygen cylinder package
- Overnight stay at Crater Camp
- Additional clothes and equipment on request
- Portable chemical toilet
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Why You SHOULD BOOK WITH US
- Your safety is our Number 1 Priority
- There is no Hidden Costs
- Quickest response time
- We take pride in having knowledgeable, experienced, and genuinely caring guides
- Successful summits
- Hot meals during the climbing
- Local Registered Tour Operator in Tanzania
- Competitive Prices
100% Tailored Safaris
No matter if you’re an individual, couple, family, or group, Meijo Safaris is here to assist you in planning your itinerary and guaranteeing that you have an incredible experience in Africa with complete confidence and peace of mind.
DAUDI MOLLEL
Safari Specialist
Experienced Safari Experts
You will have the opportunity to plan your journey with knowledgeable Mountain Climbing Specialist who will guide you every step of the way. Embrace a life where you can dedicate more time to living the experience, rather than getting caught up in researching, worrying, and comparing.
Frequently Asked Questions
We receive many queries regarding traveling to this amazing destinations some of which we have tried to answer in our Kilimanjaro Climbing Faq's
Mountain Packing List
If this is your first time in Tanzania or your first time on safari, this packing list below can help to be well prepared and comfortable during your adventure
Terms & Conditions
Making a booking with Meijo Safaris is taken as acceptance by the customer of these Terms and Conditions
- International flights (from/to home)
- Domestic Flights
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Tipping the Guides and Porters
- Snacks on the mountain
- Your personal trekking gears
- Sleeping Bags
- Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included