7 Days: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame Route)
Overview
The Machame Route, also called the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. It is known for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes. The Machame Route typically starts and finishes at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate located on the southern side of the mountain. The route takes climbers through diverse landscapes, including rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, offering stunning views along the way. It follows a gradual ascent profile, allowing climbers to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. The Machame Route is considered to be a challenging route due to its steep sections and long hiking distances. Climbers need to be physically fit and mentally prepared to endure the physical demands of the climb. Altitude sickness is a potential risk, so climbers must follow proper acclimatization protocols, such as gradual ascent and taking rest days.
DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES
DAY 1: MOSHI TO MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP
After breakfast, drive to the Machame Gate (around 1-hour drive from Moshi) and complete registration formalities. Begin the hike through the rainforest, gradually ascending to the Machame Camp at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters (9,840 feet). Overnight at Machame Camp.
DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP
Leave Machame Camp after breakfast and continue ascending through the heath and moorland zone. Pass through the Shira Plateau and reach the Shira Camp at around 3,840 meters (12,600 feet) of altitude. Overnight at Shira Camp.
DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP
Start the day with a steady climb toward the Lava Tower at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet). Descend from the Lava Tower and continue to the Barranco Camp, located at approximately 3,950 meters (12,960 feet). Overnight at Barranco Camp.
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
Begin the day by tackling the Barranco Wall, a steep section that requires some scrambling. Traverse across ridges and valleys, enjoying fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes. Arrive at the Karanga Camp, situated at around 4,035 meters (13,200 feet). Overnight at Karanga Camp.
DAY 5: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
Ascend from Karanga Camp to the high camp, Barafu Camp, located at approximately 4,640 meters (15,220 feet). Rest and prepare for the summit push, as the summit attempt typically begins in the early hours of the next day. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP
Start the summit attempt around midnight, ascending through the steep scree slopes to Stella Point (5,685 meters/18,650 feet). Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Descend from the summit to the Mweka Camp, located at around 3,080 meters (10,070 feet). Overnight at Mweka Camp.
DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate. Complete the necessary check-out procedures and receive your summit certificates. Transfer back to Moshi for a celebratory dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.