Climbing Kilimanjaro Machame route 7 days tour overview
The 7 days Kilimanjaro climbing Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, due to its shorter itinerary, the trail is considered difficult, steep, and challenging.
Therefore, this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking, or backpacking experience. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south; this route starts with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate.
The path leads hikers through the rain forest to the Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the “Southern Circuit” before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Departure / Return Location
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Departure Time
Please arrive at least 2 hours before flight.
Included
- Park fees
- Camp fees
- Rescue fees
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Portable toilet
- Accommodation in Arusha or Moshi
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Emergency oxygen
- Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Medical Kit and Oximeter
Not Included
- Both National and International flights
- Medical insurance
- Tips to mountain crew
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry Services
The best seven days Kilimanjaro climbing Machame route cost 2024
The average cost to climb Kilimanjaro is $1500 to $3000; the price varies from cheap, budget operators to large Western travel agents selling outsourced climbs at an inflated price. There are various, unavoidable fixed costs for any tour operator, and if a climb seems too cheap, you’ve got to ask yourself why.
The best 7 days kilimanjaro climbing itinerary
A full detailled 7 days Kilimanjaro climbing Machame route day by day itinerary:
Day 1: Machame Gate 1800 m to Machame Camp;
Day 2: Machame Hut 2835M to Shira Camp (3,750 M): 4-6 hours walking;
Day 3: Shira Camp 3750 M to Barranco Camp 3900M {VIA Lava Tower camp 4600M;
Day 4: Barranco Camp {3900m} to Karanga camp (3995 m);
Day 5: Karanga Camp 3995m to Barafu Camp (4,673 m.);
Day 6: Barafu Camp 4673m to Uhuru peak 5,895 m to Mweka Camp (3100 m);
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Day 01: Machame Gate 1800 m to Machame Camp
Elevation (ft): 1,800 m to 2835 m Distance: 11 kilometers Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Montane forest/rain forest habitat. Full Board at Machame Camp The climb starts from Machame Gate (1830 m), and we walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rain forest, you will arrive at the first Machame Camp, situated at 3000 m above sea level. If it is a clear day, we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit.
Day 02: Machame Hut 2835M to Shira Camp (3,750 M): 4-6 hours walking.
Elevation (ft): 2835 m to 3,750 m (5 km) distance Walking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Moorland Full-board Shira Cave Camp A shorter day involves climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Site and continuing up a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo Peak can be seen from Shira Camp.
Day 03:Shira Camp 3750 M to Barranco Camp 3900M {VIA Lava Tower camp 4600M
Elevation (ft): Shira Cave Camp 3,750 m to Baraco Camp 3,900 m Distance: 10 kilometers Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours Habitat: Moorland Accommodations: Barranco Camp Today we walk on a gentle ascent with panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, and after a hot lunch at the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m), we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,950 m).
Day 04:Barranco Camp {3900m} to Karanga camp (3995 m)
Elevation (ft): Barranco Camp 3,900 m; Karanga Camp 3995 m; 6 km distance Hiking Time: 3.5 to 4 hours Habitat: Moorland Accommodations: Karanga Camp A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. The trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, and finally we have a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.
Day 05:Karanga Camp 3995m to Barafu Camp (4,673 m.)
Elevation (ft): from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673 m). 4 km distance Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Accommodations: Barafu Hut Camp A steep climb out of Karanga and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp The two peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi, can be seen from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at the camp, the remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.
Day 06: Barafu Camp 4673m to Uhuru peak 5,895 m to Mweka Camp (3100 m)
Elevation (ft): Barafu Camp 4,673 m to Uhuru Peak 5,895 m (via Stella Point 5756 m) Distance: 4.3 km with an ascent to Stella Point Distance from Barafu to Uhuru Peak Ascent: 5 km. Hiking Time: 6-7 hours ascending and 7-8 hours descending Habitat: Alpine Desert Accommodations: Mweka Camp. Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness.
Day 07:Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation (ft): Mweka Camp 3,100 m to Mweka Gate 1,640 m Distance: 10 kilometers Hiking Time: 4–5 hours Habitat: montane forest Half Board A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch, we drive back to Moshi and your hotel.
