Overview
Known as the “Whiskey” route, the Machame route is now the most popular route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. Transportation is by minivan, accommodation is budget camping, meals are included as specified in the day-by-day section, and the tour departs from Arusha. The itinerary covers 7 days on Mount Kilimanjaro with overnight camping at Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, and Mweka Camp before descending to Mweka Village and returning to hotel in Arusha. Optional upgrades at extra cost are available for Tulia Hotel, Venus Hotel, or Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.
Itinerary
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate and trek to Machame Camp.
Start this 7 Days Machame Route by a drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation: Budget camping. Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
Trek from Machame Camp to Shira campsite.
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation: Budget camping. Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
Continue east toward Lava Tower and descend to Barranco Hut.
From the Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we walk, our direction changes to the southeast towards Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after, we come to the second junction which brings us near Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 ft. We now continue down to Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,044 ft. Although we end the day at the same elevation as we started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help prepare for summit day. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation: Budget camping. Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
Climb Barranco Wall and continue to Karanga Valley campsite.
Our first challenge is a climb and scramble over the volcanic rock of the 1,200 ft Barranco Wall. On reaching the top, we have a well earned lunch break and enjoy fantastic views of Barafu and Mount Meru. We continue across the ridges and valleys to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation: Budget camping. Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
Continue up to Barafu Hut and prepare for summit day.
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to Barafu Hut. At this point, we have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this site. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation: Budget camping. Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
Summit attempt via Stella Point and descent to Mweka Hut.
Very early in the morning (midnight), we put on many layers of clothing and begin our climb to the summit. We head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), we stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. From Stella Point, we have just one more hour before reaching the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation: Budget camping. Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
Descend to Mweka Park Gate, receive certificates, and drive back to Arusha.
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Arusha for hot shower. Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour). Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
Useful Information
- Visa fees are mentioned among personal items excluded from the price.
- Transportation: Minivan. Accommodation: Budget Camping. Maximum Altitude: 5,895 metres. Departure from: Arusha. Best season: Feb, Mar, Apr & May. Tour type: Eco-Tour, Hiking. Meals: All meals during the trek. Language: English, Spanish, French, Chinese. Fitness level: Easy to Moderate. Group Size: 2-15. Minimum Age: 10. Maximum Age: 65. Optional upgrades at extra cost available for Tulia Hotel, Venus Hotel or Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. Price shown: From $1,870 / Adult and From $1,670 / Child.