MACHAME ROUTE (7 Days)
ROUTE OVERVIEW
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is a classic Kilimanjaro trail. Africana Royal Tours offers this route in 6- and 7-day variants, with the 7-day option providing a higher acclimatization profile and summit success rate. The route allows hikers to experience all five climatic zones of Kilimanjaro, scale the impressive Barranco Wall, and admire the unique Dendrosenecio kilimanjari plants.
The 7-day Machame Route converges with the Lemosho and Umbwe routes on Day 3 and continues to the summit as a single route, offering a more gradual and rewarding climb.
The Machame Route 7-day itinerary has a significantly higher summit success rate than its 6-day variation. In fact, the 7-day Machame Route is among the best itineraries for this metric. On the third day, it converges with the Lemosho and Umbwe routes, continuing to the summit as one route. Overall, it’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
ROUTE MERITS
- High Success Rate: The 7-day Machame Route offers a significantly higher summit success rate due to better acclimatization.
- Stunning Sceneries: Mesmerizing scenic vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro await you. Visual euphoria and amazing photos are guaranteed.
- Superb Acclimatization: The 7-day itinerary ensures a smoother acclimatization transition with a higher summit success rate.
The price for the 6-day Machame Route varies depending on the accommodation before and after the climb, as well as luxury or standard budget climbing activities.
Best 7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route Cost (2024/2025)
Duration | Price | Tour Type |
7 Days | US $1,500 to US $3,000 | Budget |
7 Days | US $1,500 to US $3,000 | Mid-range |
7 Days | US $1,500 to US $3,000 | Luxury |
SCHEDULE
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800 m / 5,905 ft) to Machame Camp (2,835 m / 9,301 ft)
- Stretch: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Climatic Habitat: Rainforest
- Shelter: Machame Camp
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. On a winding trail up a ridge, hikers will leave the park gate and cross the rainforest. Lower down the trail, it can be muddy and slippery. Hikers will walk a short distance until they reach the Machame Camp.
Day 2: Machame Camp (2,835 m / 9,301 ft) to Shira Campsite (3,750 m / 12,303 ft)
- Stretch: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Climatic Habitat: Moorland
- Shelter: Shira Campsite
After breakfast, hikers leave the rainforest glades and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge.
Day 3: Shira Camp (3,750 m / 12,303 ft) to Lava Tower to Barranco Valley (3,900 m / 12,795 ft)
- Stretch: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Climatic Habitat: Semi-desert
- Shelter: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) to Karanga Camp (3,995 m / 13,107 ft)
- Stretch: 6 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Climatic Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Shelter: Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp (3,995 m / 13,107 ft) to Barafu Camp (4,673 m / 15,331 ft)
- Stretch: 4 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Climatic Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Shelter: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,673 m / 15,331 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (3,100 m / 10,171 ft)
- Stretch: 4.3 km ascent to Stella Point, 5 km Barafu to Uhuru Peak
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent
- Climatic Habitat: Arctic
Early in the morning (from midnight to 2 a.m.), hikers and the team will continue their hike towards the summit between the Rebmann and Reitzel glaciers. The group will travel in a northwesterly direction and climb up a steep scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek! At Stella Point, hikers will take a short break and be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise.
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100 m / 10,171 ft) to Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,380 ft)
- Stretch: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Climatic Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. It can get wet and muddy at lower elevations. Gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. Shorts and t-shirts are probably the most comfortable to wear (keep rain gear handy).
This package includes:
- All fees and taxes included
- 24-hour call service
- Day 1 lunch and dinner
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Days 2 to 6
- Climbing crew (professional guides & tour operator)
- Environment fees
- Crew wages
Book via WhatsApp or Email
This package does not include:
- Tipping the crew
- Visa
- Flights