Machame Route 7 days climb
The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro.
Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Usoke Explorers offers Machame as a 7 day group climb or as a 6 to 8 day private climb.
The 7 day Machame route is the standard itinerary and is described in detail below.
The 6 day Machame variation cuts one day off the standard itinerary by combining days 4 and 5, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga.
The 8 day Machame “daytime summit” route shortens the summit day by beginning the summit bid in the daytime and returning and staying at Barafu Camp (instead of going to Mweka Camp). This variation eliminates the midnight summit attempt, which is typically very cold and windy, but uses an additional day to complete the descent.
How Long is the Machame Route?
The distance of the Machame route is approximately 62 km or 37 miles. The total elevation gain ranges from approximately 16,000 to 17,000 feet.
How Many Days Does it Take to Climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route?
The Machame route has a few variations and can be completed in 6 to 8 days.
How Hard is it to Climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route?
The Machame route is considered a challenging route due to its distance and elevation gain. The up and down nature of the trail is strenuous. However, it does have a decent acclimatization schedule, which makes it a moderately difficult route.
What is the Success Rate of Climbing Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route?
The success rate depends on the number of days you spend on the mountain. For all operators combined, it is estimated that 6 day Machame climbs have a success rate of about 50% and 7 day Machame climbs have a success rate of around 70%. Our 6 day Machame route has a success rate of approximately 70-75% and our 7 and 8 day Machame route has a success rate of approximately 85-90%.
How Much Does it Cost to Climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route?
The cost of the Machame route will depend on the number of days.
Overview
This 6 Days Machame Route Climb takes you along a physically demanding route through a variety of landscapes on Mount Kilimanjaro, the hiker is steeper and daily sections are longer than other routes, but it offers a good acclimatization profile.
Machame Route is the most popular on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Highlights of Machame Route – 6 Days Climb
- Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
- Day 2: Arusha – Machame Gate (1790m) – Machame Camp (3010m)
- Day 3: Machame Camp (3010m) – New Shira Camp (3845m)
- Day 4: New Shira Camp (3845m) – Lava Tower (4640m) – Barranco Camp (3960m)
- Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)
- Day 6: Barafu Camp (4640m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)
- Day 7: Mweka Camp (3080m) – Mweka Gate (1630m) – Arusha
- Day 8: Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
Distance approx. 35km; driving time approx. 45 minutes
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a driver-guide and transfer you to the Meru View Lodge in Usa River on the outskirts of Arusha. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, you can either relax at the lodge for explore Arusha City.
In the evening you will attend a briefing in preparation of the upcoming trek.
Dinner and overnight at Meru View Lodge.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Altitude ↑1220m; walking time approx. 5-6 hours
After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel and transfer to the entrance gate of the Kilimanjaro National Park. As your guides register you, you can watch the mountain team prepare for the climb and once this is all done, your Kilimanjaro Climb adventure will begin. In no time, you will be deep within the magnificent mountain rainforest with ancient treks, primeval ferns, liana, lichen and moss that carpets the ground and drapes from the trees.
Along the way, you will hear and with a little luck even spot the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops. After 5 to 6 hours of trekking, you will reach today’s destination – the Machame Camp which is situated just above the tree line. Here, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, you will have your first dinner followed by an overnight stay in tents.
Overnight at Machame Camp
Meal Plan: Brakfast Lunch and Dinner
Altitude ↑835m; walking time approx. 4-6 hours
After an early morning start, the path steepens. The landscape changes into heath and moorland and the open landscape allows you to see the incredibly impressive mountain range. Today’s trek is shorter than the previous day and you will arrive at the New Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. The camp boasts a breathtaking view of the mountain and during sunset, the evening sun lights the rock face and glacier of Kibo.
Overnight at New Shira Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Altitude ↑795m|↓680m; walking time approx. 6-7 hours
Today you will climb about 800 meters, but you will be camping at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatize as a height of over 4500 meters will be reached over the next two days. The trek begins with along ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower.
The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to an afro-alpine desert. This route passes through the sweeping Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours, you will arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain – the Barranco Camp.
Overnight at Barranco Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Altitude ↑680m; walking time approx. 5-6 hours
Today’s trek starts with the climb of the Barranco Wall. Safety is very paramount, and your guides will assist you wherever necessary. Following the ridge as it traverses up and down, you can enjoy the splendid views of the south glacier of Kibo. You will have lunch in the Karanga Valley, followed by a 2 to 3 hours climb to Barafu Camp. Once at the camp, you can relax, have dinner and have an early overnight.
Overnight at Barafu Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Altitude ↑1255m|↓2815m; walking time approx. 10-14 hours
Today’s climb begins at midnight, after a cup of hot tea and a light snack you will climb the screes of Kibo with a help of a torch light. After 5 to 7 hours of ascending in the dark, you will arrive at Stella Point (5739m), the crater rim of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Another 1 to 2 hours climb along the crater ridge will lead you to Uhuru Peak. Here you will see Kilimanjaro all in its glory enjoying the 360 degree view over the landscape below as the sun rises. You are now standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The simple descent runs almost along the same route and shortly before midday, you should arrive at Barafu Camp where the porters and cook will be waiting for you. After a warm meal and a well-deserved break of approximately 1 hour to 2 hours, you will make your way down to Mweka Camp where you will have supper and dinner.
Overnight at Mweka Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Altitude ↓1450m; walking time approx. 2-3 hours
Today is the final leg of your Mount Kilimanjaro Adventure, beginning after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting from you. He will take you back to the Meru View Lodge and after a hot shower, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement.
Overnight at Meru View Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home or to your next destination.
End of your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
