Machame Route 7 Days
Overview of 7-Days Machame Route
- Machame park gate
- Machame hut campsite
- Shira cave campsite
- Baranco camp
- Karanga camp
- Barafu camp
- Uhuru peak
- Mweka park gate
Duration
7 Days
Max People
10 People
Start
Machame Park Gate
End
Mweka Gate
Age
12 - 80+
Physical Rating
Challenging
Itinerary
Upon arrival, you will be picked up from Kilimanjaro Airport and transferred to Arusha Planet lodge in Arusha, a journey of approximately 50 minutes. This lodge features comfortable beds, a beautiful garden, a swimming pool, and excellent meals. Our mountain guides will meet you at the lodge for a pre-trek briefing, during which they will check your gear and discuss other logistics for your upcoming adventure.
In the morning, our team will pick you up at the lodge and transfer you to Machame Park Gate, which takes about 2 hours. Upon arrival and after registration, you will begin your slow ascent through the dense rainforest to Machame Hut Campsite. Along the way, keep an eye out for black-and-white Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a variety of beautiful birds. The stunning scenery, characterized by lush greenery and towering trees, makes this route truly unique. The trek will take approximately 5-6 hours.
In the morning, after breakfast with packed picnic lunches, we will continue our journey to Shira Cave Campsite. The day promises clear skies as we walk through the heather and moorland zone. Today’s trail is a bit steep, allowing for stunning views of both Shira Peak and Kibo. You’ll also catch a perfect glimpse of Mount Meru in Arusha. The walk will take approximately 4-5 hours.
In the morning, after breakfast with packed picnic lunches, we will continue our trek along the eastern side facing Kibo Peak. The day will be cool as we cross into the alpine desert. We will enjoy a picnic lunch at Lava Tower, situated at 4,600 meters. After lunch, we will descend to Baranco Camp. Today’s trek will take approximately 6-7 hours.
In the morning, after breakfast, we will continue our ascent along a steep ridge up the adventurous Baranco Wall to Karanga Camp. This day offers an impressive view of visitors and porters navigating the challenging terrain while carrying their loads. Some areas will require climbing, but after conquering the Baranco Wall, you’ll reach the top and have the opportunity to relax and take photos of Kibo Peak, with its beautiful glaciers gracing the southern side.
We will continue trekking along an up-and-down trail to Karanga Camp. This walk will take approximately 3-4 hours, and upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a hot lunch at Karanga Camp. After lunch, take some time to relax for about an hour. Later, you’ll embark on a short acclimatization walk for about an hour before returning to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay at Karanga Camp.
In the morning, after breakfast with packed picnic lunches, we will continue our journey to Barafu Camp, traversing the stunning alpine desert. The trek to Barafu Camp will take approximately 2-3 hours, offering you the chance to enjoy the unique landscape and prepare for the next stage of your adventure.
At midnight, after enjoying refreshing tea and cookies, we will begin our ascent to the summit. This day can be challenging as you strive to make your dream of reaching the summit a reality. The trek to Uhuru Peak, standing at 5,895 meters, will take approximately 6-7 hours. Once at the summit, you’ll have about 20 minutes to take photos and savor the breathtaking views.
After your time at the summit, we will begin our descent to Mweka Camp via Barafu Camp. The walk down to Barafu Camp will take about 3 hours, where we will take a short break to relax for about an hour and enjoy breakfast. Following breakfast, we will continue our descent for another 3-4 hours until we reach Mweka Camp.
Mweka campsite 3,100m
All meals included
The morning after breakfast descends to Mweka Park gate under a beautiful rainforest for about 3-4 hours. After checking out the Park, meet Van and transfer to Arusha City for 2 hours. Overnight at Arusha Planet Lodge. Please note. day 8, our driver will pick you up at the lodge and transfer you to the Airport for your home flight or other destination.
Route Map
Inclusion
- Oxygen tank
- Rescue fees
- Park fees and VAT
- Portable Private toilet
- Porters, Chef, Guides
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Roundtrip park gates transfer
- Tents, Table, Seats, Mattress
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and food utensils
- 2 nights at hotel in town bed and breakfast (Upon Arrival & Departure)
Exclusion
- Tips
- Visa
- Soft and alcoholic beverages
- Local and international flights
- Other meals at hotel in the town
- Personal gears such as sleeping bag, boots and clothes
- Personal items such as souvenirs and travel insurance
7 Days Machame Route
A: The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is a popular and scenic route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and glaciers.
A: The standard Machame Route trek takes six or seven days. The seven-day option includes an extra acclimatization day, increasing the chances of successful summiting.
A: The Machame Route is considered moderately difficult. It involves steep ascents and descents, and altitude acclimatization is crucial. However, with proper preparation and pacing, most people in good physical condition can complete it.
A: Trekkers on the Machame Route sleep in mountain tents at designated campsites along the trail. The campsites have basic facilities, including toilets and washing areas.
A: The best times are during the dry seasons:
- January to mid-March
- June to October
These months offer clearer skies and more stable weather conditions.
A: Essential gear includes:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Layered clothing for varying temperatures
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures
- Headlamp
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Trekking poles (optional)
Your tour operator will provide a detailed packing list.
A: Yes, it’s mandatory to have a licensed guide and porters for the Machame Route. They carry your gear, set up camp, and provide essential support and guidance throughout the trek.
A: The primary risk is altitude sickness, which can range from mild discomfort to severe illness. Proper acclimatization and listening to your body are key to managing it. Other risks include cold weather injuries, sunburn, and falls.
A: You’ll need to obtain a climbing permit, conservation fees, and camping fees. Your tour operator will typically handle these arrangements.
8 Days Lemosho Route FAQ for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
The iconic mountain which considered as the roof of Africa attracts more than 30,000 trekkers every year not only because of its height but also because of the panoramic view of the mountain. While Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not for the faint-hearted, but for many trekking enthusiasts, this is a dream to climb Kilimanjaro to touch the snow-capped summit.
Dry season from June to October and December to march has good scenery, good view and high percent of summit successful rate.
According to us. Lemosho is the best ascending Route while Machame route being the second and Rongai route being the third best route.
Kilimanjaro international Airport is the Kilimanjaro and safari gateway. You will be taken from there to Arusha City one or Moshi town one hour for overnight. The following day drive to Kilimanjaro mountain park gates.
You need layered clothing as it is chilling cold up on the summit and all gears from Kilimanjaro Climb Gear List .
