Day 1 Machame Route 7 Days – Machame Gate (1490m) to Machame Camp (2980m)

Kilimanjaro National Park - Hiking Duration: 7 hours
Distance: Around 18 kilometers
Habitat: Montane Forest
Participants will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and transported to Machame Village. From there, they will either drive 3 kilometers or walk to Machame Gate (1490m). The ascent into the rainforest begins here. Expect rain, mud, and fog, and keep an eye out for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! A lunch break is scheduled halfway up the trail, and Machame Camp (2980m) will be reached by late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who ascend the mountain quickly, will arrive at camp ahead of the group to set up tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks. After freshening up, a hot dinner will be served. Overnight temperatures may drop to freezing, so be prepared!

Machame Route 7 Days – Machame Camp (2980m) to Shira Camp (3840m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking Duration: 6 hours
Distance: Around 9 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland
After an early breakfast, the ascent continues, leaving the rainforest and entering the heathland moorland vegetation. Participants will cross several streams and traverse a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau, leading to Shira Camp (3840m). This campsite is located next to a stream and offers a stunning view of the Western Breach and its glaciers to the East. As on the first night, tents will be set up before arrival, and porters will prepare drinking and washing water. Evening snacks and dinner will be prepared by the chef. Prepare for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.

Machame Route 7 Days – Shira (3840m) to Lava Tower (4630m) to Barranco Camp (3950m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking Duration: 7 hours
Distance: Around 15 kilometers
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Following an early breakfast, the journey continues from the moorland into the semi-desert and rocky landscape. After 5 hours of walking east, participants will encounter the Lava Tower (4630m). Packed lunches are served at the Tower, and hikers have the option to climb the massive Lava Tower, weather permitting. At this stage, it is common for hikers to experience altitude effects, including headaches and shortness of breath. After lunch, the descent from Lava Tower (4630m) to Barranco Campsite (3950m) begins. The 680m descent provides a significant advantage for acclimatization. The descent to camp takes about 2 hours and is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall (“Breakfast Wall”). Drinking and washing water and dinner will be served as participants enjoy the sunset.

Machame Route 7 Days – Barranco Camp (3950m) to Karanga Camp (3950m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: Around 5 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After an early breakfast, it’s time to conquer the Great Barranco Wall! Although it may appear intimidating at first, hikers often find this Class 2 hike easier than expected. At the top of the Wall, participants will have a view of Heim Glacier and will be above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down through the Karanga Valley. This is an ideal day for acclimatization.

Machame Route 7 Days – Karanga Camp (3959m) to Barafu Hut (4600m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking Duration: 2-3 hours
Distance: Around 4 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, participants will leave Karanga Camp (3959m). The trail intersects with the Mweka Route, which is used for descent on the final two days. After an hour of hiking, Barafu Hut is reached. This is the last water stop for porters as there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp (4550m). “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili, and this camp is situated on a rocky, exposed ridge. Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks, so it’s important for hikers to familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served so participants can rest before the summit attempt the same night. The guide will provide a detailed briefing on how to prepare for summit night. Aim to sleep by 19:00!

Machame Route 7 Days – Summit Attempt

Mount Kilimanjaro - Barafu Camp (4600m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Mweka (3100m)
Hiking Duration: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka
The guide will wake participants around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. The summit attempt begins shortly after. In about 6 hours, Stella Point (5685m) on the crater rim is reached. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, the ascent continues for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime achievement! A short time will be spent at the summit for photographs and tea before descending to Barafu. After eating, the descent continues to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail leads through scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rainforest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is located in the upper rainforest, so fog and rain are expected. Dinner, washing, and a restful night at camp follow.

Machame Route 7 Days – Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1980m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking Duration: 3 hours
Distance: Around 15 kilometers
Habitat: Forest
After a well-deserved breakfast, the staff will host a lively celebration with dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that participants will present tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, the descent to Mweka Gate takes about three hours. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Those who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates, while those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, participants will descend into Mweka Village for 1 hour (3 kilometers). A hot lunch will be served before driving back to Arusha for long-awaited showers and further celebrations.

• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast

• visa fees

The Machame route is potentially the most breathtaking path up Mt Kilimanjaro. Moreover, it’s our top performing and preferred trekking path on Mt. Kilimanjaro. All your gear and supplies are carried by porters, and a cook is present to prepare all your meals while on the mountain. Unlike the Marangu route which offers hut accommodations, the Machame route strictly uses tents. Thus, this makes Machame (also known as the “Whiskey route”) more fitting for the somewhat more daring trekker, rewarding them with unbeatable scenic beauty not found on the Marangu route. This includes late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the foggy unveiling of Kibo at the magnificent Barranco Wall.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.