7 Days Machame Route Climb Kilimanjaro Overview

The Machame route on Kilimanjaro is known as the whisky route and camping route. On the 7 days Machame route, We climb to the Shira Plateau, then traverse the mountain beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Icefield, before summiting from Barafu camp. 7 Days Machame route is recommended because it provides an additional acclimatization day and shortens some of the daily hikes.

Itinerary

Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi

Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by one of our friendly drivers who will transfer you to the Meru View Lodge in Usa River. Should you arrive early you can explore the small town of Arusha, which is only a short taxi ride away, or you can just relax at the lodge and get ready for the days ahead. You will also meet with one of our operations staff who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment.

Dinner

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Day 1 Moshi – Machame Gate (1790 m) – Machame Camp (3020 m)

You will be picked up after breakfast and make your way to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate for the start of your climb. Once you have arrived your guide will get started with the formalities (entrance forms) while you observe all the different teams and mountain crew getting ready for their expedition. It’s always a fascinating experience for clients to watch them load all the different items for the trip. As soon as everything is prepared your adventure will begin. The destination for today will be the Machame Camp which you should reach in about 5 – 6 hours. On route you will experience a wonderful rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana & lichen to mention but a few. Another favorite to look out for on this day is the black and white thumbless colobus monkeys. Once you arrive at your campsite for the night you have time to relax before enjoying a well deserve dinner prepared by our own cook.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 2 Machame Camp (3020 m) – Shira Camp (3845 m)

Although today is a shorter stretch than yesterday you will still have an early start which will allow you to reach today’s destination around mid-afternoon. The landscape changes dramatically from the green mountain rainforest into moor and heathland. You will have a beautiful view of the mountain range from your campsite which is situated at the Shira Plateau. The glacier of Kibo also lights up as the sun sets for the evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 3 Shira Camp (3845 m) – Lava Tower Hut (4640 m) – Barranco Camp (3960 m)

Today is a good day for the body to acclimatize for the days to follow. You will climb roughly 700 m but will sleep on a level not much higher than the night before. We will start at Shira Plateau and make our way up to Lava Tower at around 4640 m, after a rest we will continue through the Barranco Valley until we reach our destination for the day the beautiful Barranco Camp. Today’s trek will be approximately 6 – 7 hours, during which time you will experience the alpine desert as well as the Barranco Valley with its small lobelia plants and giant senecio’s. You will sit down for a well-deserved dinner before it’s time to rest in preparation for the next day.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 4 Barranco Camp (3960 m) – Karanga Camp (4035 m)

Just after breakfast we concur the famous Barranco Wall. You might need your hands once in a while for better grip, but with that being said, there are no climbing passages, and as safety is very important please listen to our guides who will ensure you get to the top safely. There will be a lot of ascents and descents today followed by a walk along the mountain ridge. This will reward you will a great view of the glacier of Kibo. Walking time today will be 3 – 4 hours with the Kibo summit all the time on your left accompanying you to your camp for the night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 5 Karanga Camp (4035 m) – Barafu Camp (4640 m)

Barafu Camp is our destination for today and will be reach after 3-4 hours. Most of this time you will be walking through the moon-like alpine dessert. After a satisfying dinner you will have an early night and a good rest. The highlight of your trip is now only some hours away.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 6 Barafu Camp (4640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3080 m)

The climb will start at midnight. You will be woken up just before that to have some tea and biscuits. Around 5 – 7 hours later you will reach Stella Point which is the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. After another 1 – 2 hours you will reach Uhuru Peak at a height of 5895 m. This is truly a magnificent sight standing on top of Africa’s Highest Mountain watching the sunrise. This view will be one to remember and will make every minute of the last couple of days trekking worth your while. You will descent along the same way back to Barafu Camp which you will reach after 1 – 2 hours. The rest of the mountain team will be there waiting for you with some well deserve snacks and refreshments. You will rest for an hour or two before making your way to Mweka Camp where you will spend your last night on the mountain.

Breakfast, Dinner

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Day 7 Mweka Camp (3080 m) – Mweka Gate (1630 m) – Moshi

After breakfast, you will have a traditional farewell ceremony from all your mountain crew. After a short 2 – 3 hours walk through the rainforest our driver will be waiting for you at the Mweka gate. You will then be transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower, a cold drink, a debrief, and the awarding of your certificate of achievement. The rest of the day is yours to relax and to reflect back on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Breakfast, Dinner

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Moshi – Kilimanjaro Airport

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro Airport or can head out on safari with us.

Breakfast

Price includes:

• Trekking tour according to the itinerary
• Accommodation in tents and hotels as indicated in the itinerary
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Personal porter
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Drinking water
• Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
• Camping equipment – tents, sleeping mattress and camping furniture
• Portable toilet and toilet tent
• National park fees
• Rescue fees

Price excludes:

• Flights (international and domestic)
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Beverages other than water (alcohol and soft drinks)
• Visa, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance
• Sleeping bag (can be rented, please ask us at the time of the booking)