7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route

For those seeking a truly immersive and scenic ascent to Kilimanjaro’s peak, the Machame Route stands out as a premier choice. While this path presents hikers with extended and more challenging daily treks, it rewards them with some of the most spectacular panoramas the mountain has to offer, particularly along the Western Breach. Notably, the final push to the summit is generally a shorter undertaking by approximately one hour compared to the Marangu Route.

Throughout the trek, climbers will reside in provided tents, ensuring a comfortable camping experience. Participants should bring their personal sleeping bags and hiking mattresses. Meals are served either within a communal dining tent or amidst the natural beauty of the outdoors, contingent on weather and terrain. To enhance comfort, Kilibound Adventures offers shower amenities at select campsites along the route.

Typically spanning seven days, the Machame Route is designed to facilitate optimal acclimatization, thereby boosting the chances of a successful summit. This route is particularly well-suited for individuals possessing a solid level of physical fitness and prior hiking experience. The descent from the summit follows the Mweka Trail, with the concluding night’s rest taken at either Mweka Camp or Millennium Camp.

DAY 1: DRIVE TO KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK MACHAME GATE, HIKE TO MACHAME CAMP 

Drive from Moshi a nearest town where you will be picked to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

• Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
• Distance: 11km/7mi
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals:B LD

DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

• Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
• Distance: 5km/3mi
• Walking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Meals: BLD

DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP TO LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for a summit day.

• Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
• Distance: 10km/6mi
• Walking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert
• Meals: BLD

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. Then we climb this non-technical but steep, nearly about 900 ft cliff. From the top of Barranco Wall we will cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more stapes climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

• Elevation: 4000m/13,044ft to 4700m/13,106ft
• Distance: 5km/3mi
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: BLD

DAY 5: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Distance: 4 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

  DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT, DOWN TO MWEKA CAMP Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You ascend in a northwest 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 you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point of the continent of Africa, meaning top of the Kilimanjaro. From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

• Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
• Down to 3090m/10,150ft
• Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
• Meals: BLD

DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE, DRIVE TO MOSHI 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. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Your vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi and this will mark the end of Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route  with Kilibound Adventures.

• Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
• Distance: 10km/6mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: BLD

1.What is the Machame Route?
The Machame Route, sometimes called the “Whiskey Route,” is a well-loved and visually stunning trail to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s renowned for its combination of difficult climbs and rewarding views, taking hikers through various ecosystems, from lush rainforests to high-altitude landscapes.

2. How long does the trek on the Machame Route take?
Typically, the Machame Route takes between six and seven days to complete. To allow for better acclimatization and a higher chance of success, it’s advised to take the seven-day option.

3. Is the Machame Route difficult?
Yes, the Machame Route is considered a moderately challenging climb due to its steep inclines and significant elevation gain. It requires trekkers to be physically prepared, though the gradual climb helps with acclimatization, making it easier to adjust to the altitude compared to shorter routes.

4. What makes the Machame Route unique?

• It offers breathtaking scenery with diverse ecological zones.
• The “Barranco Wall,” a steep rock face, provides an exciting, non-technical challenge.
• The route has a high summit success rate due to the slower ascent, which allows for better acclimatization.
• The descent follows the Mweka Route, offering a different perspective of the mountain.

5. When is the best time to hike the Machame Route?
The ideal times for trekking are from January to March and June to October, as these months have more stable weather with less rain. Trekking during the rainy season (April, May, and November) can make the trails slippery and visibility poor.

6. What type of accommodations are available?
Throughout the Machame Route, trekkers will camp in tents, which are set up by the support team. Unlike the Marangu Route, which offers huts, the Machame Route is entirely camping-based.

7. What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
In the lower sections of the route, particularly in the rainforest, you may encounter animals like Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and various bird species. As you gain elevation, wildlife sightings become rarer due to the harsh environmental conditions.

8. How does altitude sickness affect trekkers on the Machame Route?
The Machame Route ascends rapidly, which can increase the risk of altitude sickness. Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea can occur, so it’s crucial to acclimatize properly. The seven-day itinerary helps reduce the risk, but staying hydrated and following the advice of the guides is essential.

9. What is the experience like on summit night?
Summit night is the most challenging part of the climb. Climbers start from Barafu Camp around midnight, aiming to reach the peak (Uhuru Peak) by sunrise. The climb is physically demanding due to the steep incline, freezing temperatures, and high altitude.

10. Who should consider the Machame Route?
This route is best for trekkers who are physically fit, adventurous, and looking for a more immersive experience. It’s not ideal for beginners due to its level of difficulty, and given its popularity, early booking is recommended.

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON ARUSHA HOTEL