6-7 days
Mt Kilimanjaro Trek - Machame Route
6-7 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Trek - Machame Route
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and beautiful paths to trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. This route offers a challenging but rewarding journey with ever-changing landscapes and stunning views that will inspire and excite you. Below is a detailed 6-—to 7-day plan to help you prepare for this unforgettable adventure.
Tour Features
Duration：
7 Days
Tour guide:
English, French, German
Can be customized:
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Private tour:
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won’t be shared with others.
Tour Flexibility:
Can start any day
Transportation:
6-seater 4×4 Land Cruis
Route
Machame Route Trekking
Price per person
1 Person
Price From
$2,475
Per Person
2 – 3 Person
Price From
$ 2,240
Per Person
6 – 10 Person
Price From
$ 2,210
Per Person
11+ Person
Price From
$ 2,150
Per Person
Your Journey Mapped Out
Ready to set out? Your adventure awaits!
- DAY 1 - Arrival
- DAY 2 - Trekking From Machame Gate to Machame Camp
- DAY 3 - Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- DAY 4 - Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
- DAY 5 -Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- DAY 6 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- DAY 7 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- DAY 8 - DEPARTURE
Day 1
Arrival
Highlights:
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Transfer to your hotel in Arusha
- Pre-trek briefing and gear check
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our representative will welcome you and escort you to your hotel in Moshi. Later in the evening, our seasoned guides will meet with you for a comprehensive discussion on the trek and safety measures to ensure you have all the necessary gear for the climb. This briefing is a crucial step to prepare you for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation
Arusha Planet Lodge
located in Arusha (City)
- HB - Dinner and Breakfast
- Drinks not included
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation
2,250 m – 2,820 m
Distance
6 km
Hiking Time
3-4 hours
Habitat
Rainforest
Day 2
Trekking From Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Highlights:
After breakfast, you’ll drive to the Machame Gate, where your trek will start. The hike begins with a gentle uphill walk through a lush rainforest, where you can see unique plants and animals like colobus monkeys and colorful birds. The path might be muddy and slippery, so using trekking poles and gaiters is a good idea. You’ll reach Machame Camp in the late afternoon.
- Drive to Machame Gate (1,640 meters / 5,380 feet)
- Trek through lush rainforest
- Arrival at Machame Camp (2,850 meters / 9,350 feet)
After breakfast, you’ll drive to the Machame Gate, where your trek will start. The hike begins with a gentle uphill walk through a lush rainforest, where you can see unique plants and animals like colobus monkeys and colorful birds. The path might be muddy and slippery, so using trekking poles and gaiters is a good idea. You’ll reach Machame Camp in the late afternoon.
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation
2,250 m – 2,820 m
Distance
6 km
Hiking Time
3-4 hours
Habitat
Rainforest
Day 3
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Highlights:
Today’s hike begins with a steep climb out of the lush, rainy forest and into a drier area filled with low shrubs and grasslands. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful views of Mount Meru in the distance and the expansive Shira Plateau. The ground is rocky with some tall, bushy plants. By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive at Shira Camp, where you can take a break and get used to the higher altitude.
- Climb out of the rainforest to moorland
- Scenic views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau
- Arrival at Shira Camp (3,750 meters / 12,300 feet)
Today’s hike begins with a steep climb out of the lush, rainy forest and into a drier area filled with low shrubs and grasslands. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful views of Mount Meru in the distance and the expansive Shira Plateau. The ground is rocky with some tall, bushy plants. By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive at Shira Camp, where you can take a break and get used to the higher altitude.
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation
2,250 m – 2,820 m
Distance
6 km
Hiking Time
3-4 hours
Habitat
Rainforest
Day 4
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Highlights:
Today is a pivotal day for acclimatization to high altitudes. You’ll be trekking to the Lava Tower, an impressive rock formation at 4,630 meters. This hike is designed to help your body adjust to the high altitude. After a hearty lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp. The Descent provides an excellent opportunity for your body to acclimatize while you soak in the stunning desert scenery.
- Acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (4,630 meters / 15,190 feet)
- Descent to Barranco Camp (3,960 meters / 12,990 feet)
- Diverse alpine desert landscape
Today is a pivotal day for acclimatization to high altitudes. You’ll be trekking to the Lava Tower, an impressive rock formation at 4,630 meters. This hike is designed to help your body adjust to the high altitude. After a hearty lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp. The Descent provides an excellent opportunity for your body to acclimatize while you soak in the stunning desert scenery.
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation
2,250 m – 2,820 m
Distance
6 km
Hiking Time
3-4 hours
Habitat
Rainforest
Day 5
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Highlights:
Today, you’ll climb the Barranco Wall, a challenging but exciting part of the trek. It’s steep but not too tricky; your guides will help you safely navigate it. Once you reach the top, you’ll see amazing views of the Heim Glacier. After that, the trail will take you through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
- Climb the Barranco Wall
- Traverse through the Karanga Valley
- Arrival at Karanga Camp (4,035 meters / 13,106 feet)
Today, you’ll climb the Barranco Wall, a challenging but exciting part of the trek. It’s steep but not too tricky; your guides will help you safely navigate it. Once you reach the top, you’ll see amazing views of the Heim Glacier. After that, the trail will take you through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation
2,250 m – 2,820 m
Distance
6 km
Hiking Time
3-4 hours
Habitat
Rainforest
Day 6
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Highlights:
As you arrive at Barafu Camp after a day of trekking, prepare yourself for the upcoming midnight summit push. Rest, eat well, and get ready for the challenging journey ahead. Remember to rest; the next 48 hours will test your strength and determination.
- Short trek to Barafu Camp (4,640 meters / 15,223 feet)
- Rest and prepare for the summit push
As you arrive at Barafu Camp after a day of trekking, prepare yourself for the upcoming midnight summit push. Rest, eat well, and get ready for the challenging journey ahead. Remember to rest; the next 48 hours will test your strength and determination.
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation
2,250 m – 2,820 m
Distance
6 km
Hiking Time
3-4 hours
Habitat
Rainforest
Day 7
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Highlights:
Start climbing to the summit around midnight. It’s a long and arduous ascent in the dark. Once you reach Stella Point, take a short break before heading to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit at sunrise is a great experience. After celebrating and taking photos, descend to Barafu Camp for a rest and breakfast, then continue to Mweka Camp to relax and reflect on your achievement.
- Midnight summit attempt
- Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet)
- Descent to Mweka Camp (3,080 meters / 10,105 feet)
Start climbing to the summit around midnight. It’s a long and arduous ascent in the dark. Once you reach Stella Point, take a short break before heading to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit at sunrise is a great experience. After celebrating and taking photos, descend to Barafu Camp for a rest and breakfast, then continue to Mweka Camp to relax and reflect on your achievement.
Day 8
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Return to Moshi
Highlights:
On your last day, you’ll walk back down through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. It’s a beautiful contrast to the cold and dry conditions at the summit. At Mweka Gate, you’ll get certificates to celebrate your achievement: a green one if you reach Stella Point and a gold one if you reach Uhuru Peak. After that, you’ll be returned to Moshi, where you can unwind and celebrate your amazing accomplishment.
- Final Descent through the Rainforest
- Celebrate with a certificate ceremony
- Return to Moshi
On your last day, you’ll walk back down through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. It’s a beautiful contrast to the cold and dry conditions at the summit. At Mweka Gate, you’ll get certificates to celebrate your achievement: a green one if you reach Stella Point and a gold one if you reach Uhuru Peak. After that, you’ll be returned to Moshi, where you can unwind and celebrate your amazing accomplishment.
Accommodation
Arusha Planet Lodge
located in Arusha (City)
- HB - Dinner and Breakfast
- Drinks not included
Included
- professional, English-speaking guide
- mountain crew (cook & porters)
- 8 nights‘ stay in lodges and mountain tents
- camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc)
- portable toilet and toilet tent
- meals according to the itinerary
- drinking water
- all national park fees
- all mentioned transfers
Excluded
- flights (international and domestic)
- meals not indicated in the itinerary
- alcoholic and soft drinks
- sleeping bag (can be rented at extra cost)
- tips
- personal expenses, visa fees, travel insurance