7-Days Machame Route
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Overview
The Machame route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is a well-established trail up Kilimanjaro, renowned for its popularity. We usually arrange numerous expeditions along this path each year, beginning amidst lush tropical forests. This route offers both 6- and 7-day options, with the latter providing superior acclimatization conditions and a higher summit success rate. Machame 7 is particularly recommended for novice climbers, boasting breathtaking vistas and traversing all five of Kilimanjaro’s distinct climatic zones. Along the way, trekkers will conquer the iconic Barranco Wall and encounter the otherworldly Dendrosenecio kilimanjari plants, found exclusively on the mountain.
Schedule Details
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you'll be greeted by a representative from Machokodo Tanzania Tours and transferred to your hotel. The hotel offers everything you need for a comfortable stay, including superb rooms, friendly staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. Later in the evening, our managers will hold a briefing to ensure you're well-prepared for the climb.
For private tour packages, shared airport transfers are included for your group, but extra charges may apply for individual transfers. To avoid additional costs, it's recommended to coordinate your group's arrival and departure times.
Day 2: Climbing from Machame gate to Machame Camp
In the morning, a guide and a team of mountain support staff will arrive at the hotel to meet you and conduct a brief briefing session. Following this, you'll travel by vehicle to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, known as Machame Gate. Once there, you'll complete the necessary formalities of obtaining climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service before commencing the trek to Machame Camp. The trekking route traverses through the rainforest, where tropical showers are common, so it's advisable to pack spare clothes and a raincoat.
The route from the drop-off point to the first high-altitude camp, Shira 2, involves a moderate gain in altitude and is not overly physically demanding, allowing for proper acclimatization. Upon arrival at the camp, our professional mountain crew will have already set up tents and started preparing dinner.
Please note: This will be your first day at this altitude, so it's important to follow these instructions:
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Drink at least 4 liters of bottled water daily, in small, frequent intervals
- Consider using high-altitude aid medicine to alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Our managers will provide more details along with your itinerary, but we recommend consulting your doctor beforehand regarding any allergies or health concerns.
At night, you may experience discomfort due to acclimatization to the high altitude. Reduced oxygen intake during sleep may lead to symptoms such as headaches. Pay attention to your body and inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 11 kmDay 3: Trekking from Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast, you'll commence your trek towards the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp. As you ascend, you'll transition from the rainforest, revealing breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau for the first time. While the trek itself isn't overly challenging, you may notice the effects of altitude changes, so it's essential to listen to your body and maintain an appropriate pace. Upon reaching the camp, you'll enjoy lunch and some relaxation before embarking on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp, ascending 400 meters (1,312 feet) in altitude. Upon returning to Shira Camp, a hot dinner will be served.
Please note: The acclimatization hike is a gentle trek designed to facilitate acclimatization. It's crucial to take these hikes seriously, as they enhance your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours Hiking Distance: 5 kmDay 4: Trekking from Shira Camp to the Lava Tower and then descending to Barranco Camp
Following breakfast, you'll depart from Shira Camp and make your way towards a significant point on the route: Lava Tower (4,600 meters / 15,088 feet). This portion of the trail involves numerous ascents and descents, culminating at a campsite situated above 4,600 meters (15,088 feet). While some sections of the trek may pose challenges and discomfort, spending at least 1–2 hours at Lava Tower is essential for effective acclimatization to the altitude. As a result, our groups typically enjoy lunch at this location.
After lunch, you'll descend to Barranco Camp, where you'll encounter the renowned Barranco Wall. This feature is striking due to its sheer size and steepness, but don't fret—the ascent the following day is straightforward, with a simple hiking trail that poses no intimidation.
Trekking time: 6-8 hoursDistance: 11 kmDay 5: Trekking from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Today, we'll start early after a good breakfast. We'll climb Barranco Wall, so it's best to leave camp early to avoid crowds. It's not too hard, and it should take about an hour. After we're up, we can rest and take pictures with Kibo volcano in the background.
Then, we'll tackle a tougher hike to Karanga Camp, with lots of ups and downs. But don't worry, our guides know just the right pace for us. Once we're there, we'll have a nice, warm lunch. After a break, we'll head up to Barafu Camp for dinner. It's important to rest up for the big summit push tonight.
Trekking time: 8-10 hoursDistance: 11 kmDay 6: Climbing to Uhuru Peak and descent to Millennium Camp
Your team will set out from Barafu Camp during the night to begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,336 feet). While technically straightforward, the climb is made challenging by the high altitude, which can make even regular physical exertion feel strenuous. To ensure your safety and well-being, each pair of climbers will be accompanied by a personal guide throughout the ascent to monitor their physical and mental state. Upon successfully reaching Uhuru Peak, you have the option to descend to the nearest glacier before returning to Barafu Camp. Here, you'll have a 2-hour rest period before continuing your descent to Millennium Camp.
Please note: It's important to remember that the majority of accidents, including most broken limbs, occur during the descent. Pay close attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of toenail damage.
Trekking time: 8-12 hoursDistance: 15 kmDay 7: Descending from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Millennium Camp is located within a lush tropical rainforest. As you wake up, you'll sense relief from the decreased altitude and the gratification of summiting. Following a hearty breakfast, you'll make your way towards the park's exit at Mweka Gate. Upon completing your descent, the entire group will gather to celebrate your achievement, inviting you to share your thoughts on the climb in the guestbook. Finally, we'll present you with commemorative certificates at our office before arranging your transfer back to the hotel.
Trekking time: 4-5 hoursDistance: 12 kmDay 8: Departure
Relax at the hotel and then later transfer to the airport.
Please note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. If you have an evening flight and require a late check-out, you can extend your stay at the hotel for an additional fee.
