7 day climbing machame route Overview:
The Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," is a popular and scenic path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a diverse trekking experience over seven days. The journey begins at Machame Gate, ascending through lush rainforest to Machame Camp. The trail continues to Shira Camp on the second day, transitioning into moorland. Day three involves a challenging hike to Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp. The fourth day features a scramble up the Barranco Wall and a shorter hike to Karanga Camp. On the fifth day, trekkers reach Barafu Camp, the base for the final summit push. The most arduous part of the trek occurs on day six, with a midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro's highest point, followed by a long descent to Mweka Camp. The final day involves a descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate, concluding the trek. This route provides stunning views, varied ecosystems, and an excellent opportunity for acclimatization, making it a favorite among climbers seeking to conquer Africa's highest peak.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) to 3,000 meters (9,843 feet)
Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Begin your journey at Machame Gate, where you'll complete registration and meet your guides and porters. The trek starts through dense rainforest, characterized by towering trees, hanging moss, and diverse wildlife. The trail can be muddy and slippery, but the gradual ascent provides a manageable introduction to the climb. You'll camp at Machame Camp, nestled in a clearing with stunning views.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) to 3,840 meters (12,598 feet)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Leaving the rainforest, the trail steepens as you ascend a rocky ridge. The landscape transitions to heather and moorland, offering expansive views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. The vegetation thins out, and the air becomes cooler and crisper. You’ll camp at Shira Camp, situated on a high plateau with panoramic vistas.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,840 meters (12,598 feet) to 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) to 3,960 meters (12,992 feet)
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
This is a key acclimatization day. You’ll trek to Lava Tower, a massive volcanic rock formation at 4,630 meters. This ascent provides critical acclimatization as you experience higher altitudes before descending to Barranco Camp. The descent to Barranco Camp helps your body adapt to the altitude, following the "climb high, sleep low" principle. Barranco Camp is set in a valley below the Great Barranco Wall, providing a dramatic backdrop.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,960 meters (12,992 feet) to 4,035 meters (13,238 feet)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Begin the day with a challenging scramble up the Great Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb. The trail continues through valleys and ridges, providing breathtaking views of the southern ice fields of Kibo. The shorter hiking distance and time allow for additional acclimatization and rest. Karanga Camp, your next stop, is perched on a ridge with splendid views.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035 meters (13,238 feet) to 4,640 meters (15,223 feet)
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
From Karanga Camp, the trail ascends steadily to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The landscape becomes more barren and rocky, reflecting the harsh alpine desert environment. The shorter distance and moderate hiking time allow you to conserve energy for the summit push. Barafu Camp is set on a narrow, wind-swept ridge, offering striking views of the summit and Mawenzi Peak.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,640 meters (15,223 feet) to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) to 3,080 meters (10,105 feet)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles) ascent, 12 km (7.5 miles) descent
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Arctic to moorland
Your summit attempt begins around midnight. The climb to Uhuru Peak is long and strenuous, passing through scree and snowfields. The goal is to reach the summit at sunrise, experiencing breathtaking views from the highest point in Africa. After a brief celebration and photos at Uhuru Peak, you’ll descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest. Continue descending to Mweka Camp, set in a lush forest, for a well-deserved rest.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,080 meters (10,105 feet) to 1,640 meters (5,381 feet)
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
On your final day, descend through the verdant rainforest to Mweka Gate. This descent is relatively quick and gentle compared to previous days. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your guides and porters. Transfer back to your hotel, where you can relax and celebrate your achievement.
