Machame Route, 7 Days
ITINERARY DESCRIPTION
Machame is, understandably, the most popular path to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit these days. This path provides spectacular vistas, a decent difficulty, and enough of time to acclimate, making it a wonderful choice for anyone with some spare time.
Because the Machame path is commonly viewed as being more difficult than the Marangu route, which is known as the “Coca-Cola” route, it has been dubbed the “Whiskey Route.” On the other hand, unlike that path, camping is permitted on Machame, therefore hikers will be sleeping in tents all the way to the top.
The Machame Route passes through a number of well-known Mount Kilimanjaro sights, including the famous Lava Tower and Shira Plateau. The trail winds up and down a number of valleys and hills, making the climb a little more difficult but rewarding hikers with some of the greatest mountain vistas.
As a result, the Machame path is usually regarded as the most spectacular of all the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, offering distinct and diverse landscapes to pass through each day. The path begins on the mountain’s south side, goes beneath the Southern Ice Field, and ends at Barafu Camp, where it approaches the summit.
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Machame Route, 7 Days
Itinerary by Day
Itinerary for the Machame Route
The itinerary below details the Kilimanjaro climb through the Machame route, which takes 6 nights and 7 days. To cut the route below down to six days, skip the night in the Karanga Valley and hike from the Barranco Huts to the Barafu Huts in one day.
- Climbing time: 6 nights/7 days
Machame Hut Camp, Day 1
We arrive at the Machame trailhead (5,380′) after a brief drive. We will go up through the montane woods, twisting through the mossy jungle, and arriving at Machame Hut camp after the climbers and staff have checked in with the park officials.
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
9,350′ Overnight Altitude
Shira Plateau, Day 2
Our journey continues through the forest after breakfast. We’ll take it slowly and enjoy the landscape as we go over the moorlands. Spectacular views of Kibo summit will be available to us.
Hiking time is 4-6 hours.
12,500′ Overnight Altitude
Barranco Camp, Day 3
Today will be a long day, but there will be plenty of opportunities for acclimatization as you ascend high and sleep low. Before descending to the Barranco valley, we’ll do an acclimatization climb to Lava Tower (15,190′) for lunch. There’s also the option of scrambling up the Lava Tower itself for those with the energy and if time and weather permit. Today’s view is breathtaking as we drive through several mountain zones.
Hiking time: 6 to 8 hours
13,044′ Overnight Altitude
Karanga Camp, Day 4
In preparation for your impending summit push, you’ll continue to acclimate and allow your body to adjust to these higher elevations today. Before arriving at Karanga camp, climb the high Barranco Wall and then traverse various slopes and valleys. In the afternoon, there will most likely be time for an acclimatization trek.
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
13,106′ Overnight Altitude
Barafu Camp, Day 5
You’ll finish your circuit today and reach your final camp before the peak (Barafu camp). Along the route, there are some ups and downs along mountains and valleys. You’ll have a light dinner, sleep for a few hours, and then awaken about 11:00 p.m. to begin the summit trek the next day.
3–4 hours of hiking
15,331′ Overnight Altitude
Day 6: Mweka Camp and the Summit
Begin hiking at midnight, using your headlights to guide you up to Stella Point and eventually to the top. You will hike slowly due to the height, and you will need to dress appropriately for the cold. After taking shots at the peak, make your way down to Mweka camp.
Hiking time: 6-7 hours to the peak, then 6-9 hours down down
19341′ is the highest point on the mountain.
10,500′ Overnight Altitude
Day 7: Arusha to Mweka Park Gate (5,000′)
We make the last descent to Mweka Gate via the rain forest. Before departing Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, we’ll have lunch and say our goodbyes to our mountain team. Return to Arusha for a relaxing shower and a celebration meal.
Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours