7-Days Kilimanjaro Climbing – Machame Route – Dena Tanzania Tours & Safaris

Overview

Machame Route, popularly known as "the Whiskey Route" is the second most sought-after way of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. This path gives access to an array of views, scenery, and experiences.

So, if you enter Machame Gate from the southern slope of Mt Kilimanjaro, you will walk the wonderful path which starts from the tropical forest and follows through all the climate zones, culminating in the arctic desert before reaching the summit area.

The camps along the trek are favorably located for an easy and gradual transition of acclimatization. On the 3rd day Machame Route converges with Lemosho and Umbwe at Barranco camp.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01 :

Machame Gate (1800m) to Machame Camp (2835m)

You shall be collected from the hotel at about 8 a.m. after breakfast, and taken to Machame gate. On the way there, you will see the coffee and banana plantations grown by the Chagga people. When you get to Machame gate, you will register and do some of the other park formalities before you start climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at the Machame gate. Your first day's hike is through a tropical rain forest to Machame camp (2835 m). On the way, you shall take a picnic lunch. Camp overnight at Machame.

Distance covered: 11 km
Approximate time taken: 7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 02 :

Machame Camp (2835m) to Shira Cave Camp (3750m)

Around 8:00 am, buckling up for hiking. One should climb for about one hour till getting to the top of the forest and then 1 hour on a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. A short lunch (a snack) and a brief rest, before proceeding up a rocky ridge, Shira plateau. At this point, one can see an eastern direction, the stunning glacier of the western breach. Overnight at Shira Campsite (3750m).

Distance covered: 5 km
Approximate time taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Day 03 :

Shira Cave Camp (3750m) to Barranco camp (3900m)

This trek will take us into the alpine desert to Lava Tower (4600 m), from where we will descend to Baranco Camp (3900 m). The descent to Barranco Camp takes about 3 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful pictures of the Western Breach and Barranco wall. This campsite is situated in a valley below the Barranco wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while waiting for dinner. Overnight at Barranco Camp (3900 m).

Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 04 :

Barranco Camp (3900m) to Karanga Camp (4000m)

In this day, after breakfast, you will be leaving the campsite to walk up the Barranco wall (4200m) where it ends in the fort of the Hein glacier. Get to Karanga Camp (4000m) after 4 hours of trek.

Distance covered: 6 km
Approximate time taken: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 05 :

Karanga Camp (4000m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

You will shortly set off for Barafu Camp (4640 m), after breakfast, along a route with scenic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Upon reaching the campsite, we will have lunch and a long break preparing for the prolonged night and day ahead. Dinner will be early and we will try to sleep early as we will be up about midnight preparing to go climbing to the summit.

Distance covered: 4 km
Approximate time taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 06 :

Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) then down to Mweka Camp (3100m)

Now we start our scree climb for 4 to 5 hours, gaining incredible height over a very short distance. Spectacular views. Reach the crater rim at Stella point (5756 m) when the first light rays of the sun hit us. One hour from Stella point will take us to Uhuru peak (5895 m), where you take some pictures for a few minutes before we begin descending to Barafu Camp for lunch and some rest, then walk to Mweka Camp (3100 m) for dinner and overnight.

Distance covered: 20 km
Approximate time taken: 14 hours
Habitat: Glacier/Moorland/Rainforest

Day 07 :

Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)

Hike through the three-hour Mweka montane forest until you get to Mweka Gate, where you fulfill the necessary park formalities and pick up your certificates. You can hang them up with pride. The vehicle will be ready to take you back to your warm shower at Moshi. Itâ€™s time to celebrate.

Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

What is included in this trek package?

All applicable park entry fees as per the program.
Government taxes VAT & local levies.
Service of highly experienced guide(s), porters, & cook.
Camping equipment like a mountain tent, mattress, chairs, etc. (Except for the Marangu Route).
Transport from the hotel to the park gate, as well as from the park gate to the hotel.
Meals on a full-board basis (unless listed as an upgrade) during the trek, as indicated in the program.
Unlimited drinking water (As specified in the day-by-day section).
Accommodation Type: Camping or hut in Marangu Route.
Rescue fees, Emergency oxygen, Pulse oximeter, and First aid kit.
Guides and porters' accommodations, meals, and their entry fees on the mountain.
Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority.

What is excluded in this trek package?

International flights (From/to home) and domestic flights.
2-night accommodation in Arusha Before and after the trek.
Pick up and drop off at the airport.
Tips (Tipping guideline: Guide $10-$20pp per day, Cooker & Porters $5-$10pp per day).
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, Visa entry fees upon arrival at the airport or online $50-$100 per
person per entry depending on nationality, etc.).
Any extra orders at meals are not included. Set menu meals are part of the package.
Government-imposed increase in taxes or park fees.
Medical/luggage Insurance.
Portable flush toilet
Sleeping bag