Compare 7-day Machame route itineraries & realize an 85% summit guarantee on this 7-day Kilimanjaro Hiking program. This especially applies if you’re under 30 years of age and have no experience hiking at high altitudes.
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Hiking Difficulty:
Medium
Trekking Distance:
62km/37mi
Itinerary Duration:
7 Days
Summit Success Rate:
85%
Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route 7-Day Itinerary, otherwise known as the Whiskey Route, is relatively straightforward and can be reflected in the route’s popularity. Though there’s very little criticism regarding this route, there’s one simple drawback: the trail welcomes a high number of trekkers during peak season. This may occasionally interfere with your hike however, there’s a simple workaround. To avoid heaps of crowds you’ll have to leave camp early in order to beat everyone to the trails.
If this is your first-time hiking at high elevations (above 3,000m/9,900ft), you should know that the most effective way to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is to properly acclimatize during your hike. Long and gradual Kilimanjaro routes like the 7-day Machame route are perfect for acclimatization systems to be utilized. See, on Kilimanjaro, there are 2 systems that prevent altitude sickness:
- The first method, Pole Pole (Slow-Slow in English), requires you to be on the mountain long enough for your body to acclimate to various altitudes.
- The second method, Trek-High & Sleep-Low, calls for trails to have gradual inclines in order for you to trek to high elevations and sleep at lower altitudes. This method conditions your body to anticipate elevation changes while helping you adjust during your sleep.
Unless you find yourself between the ages of 12 and 29, you should seriously consider trekking Lemosho route’s 8-day variation. This will give you ample time to adjust to elevation changes and will make for a much better hiking experience. The 8-day Lemosho program, unlike the 7-day Machame hike, performs extremely well with hikers that are under 40 years of age.
Highlights From This Long Distance Trail
Best Time To Hike The Whiskey Route
Dietary Food Menus Served On Mount Kilimanjaro
All of your meals on Kilimanjaro are freshly cooked by excellent chefs and served according to your dietary preference.
Meet Your Tanzanian Tour Guide
Oscar (Cheni Via)
Cheni is technical and has extensive knowledge of Mount Kilimanjaro. He is one of our best lead guides and is well trained to handle emergencies on the mountain.
Safety Trekking Materials & Hiking Equipment
High-Altitude Kits
Medication & Sanitary Treatments
Wraps, Splints & Wound Coverings
Tools & Supplies
Evacuation Protocols On This Walking Tour
Transportation & Meeting Points Before The Trek
Departure Time For The Machame Trail
10:00 AM
Kilimanjaro National Park Fees
| Kilimanjaro National Park fees | |
| Conservation Fees | $70/Per Day |
| Camping Fees | $50/Per Night |
| Rescue Fees | $20/Per Hiker |
| Guide and Porter Entrance Fees | $2/Per Supporting Crew |
| Tourism Value Added Tax (VAT) | 18% |
| Retail Value Added Tax (VAT) | 18% |
| Total | $1,144.56 |
Compare Machame Route’s 7-Day Prices & Tour Packages
Open Group Treks
Save Costs Hiking Machame Route’s 7 Day Tour With Kilimanjaro Group. Escorted tour includes:
$2,737
Private Treks
Get Kilimanjaro Privacy & Flexibility Hiking This 7 Day Machame Private Tour. Escorted tour includes:
$3,050
Package Tours Exclude
How To Book A Package Tour
Payment Process For Package Tours
Paying For Group Treks
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7-Day Hiking Schedule
DAY 1 — ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
All trekkers will have to arrange their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and apply for their own visas through the online immigration portal. Visa guidelines are also available on the official immigration website.
Note, if you’re arriving from a country subject to yellow fever, you will be required to show proof of vaccination. A 72-hour PCR test is required for entry.
A transfer will be arranged to drop off you and your luggage at the hotel to relieve stress from your travels. The briefing will take place in the evening, before dinner, or early morning.
Pick-Up At Kilimanjaro International Airport
Airport pickups are from Kilimanjaro International Airport however, if you’d like to avoid the long commute, then there’s an alternative pickup from Arusha Airport.
Car Transfer From Kilimanjaro International Airport
According to the number of people within a party, you’ll either be picked up by a Toyota Altezza sedan, Toyota Alphard van or Toyota Coaster bus.
Drop-Off At Hotel Gate
Depending on vacancy, you’ll either be staying at Venus Premiere Hotel or Crest Safari Lodge.
HIKING FROM MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP
The drive from Arusha town to the Machame Gate is approximately 2-hours and 45-minutes. The long commute goes through the Machame village, which is located at the bottom slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. At the Machame Gate, while the porters manage formal tasks and weigh their load, you’ll get time to enjoy a deliciously packed lunchbox and a grace period to stretch before the hike. Depending on the number of people, at the Machame gate, this process could take up to 1-hour and 45-minutes.
After registrations you’ll leave the Machame Gate and start your trek up the mountain, towards a dense East African montane forest. The tropical savanna climate in this ecoregion is more humid than the surrounding lowlands and has less distinct wet and dry seasons. Average annual rainfall varies between 1,200 and 2,000 mm. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to come across Abbott’s Starlings, Abbott’s Duikers, and Eastern Tree Hyraxes.
Once you arrive at the Machame camp, you’ll find camping tents set up and dinner waiting for you. You’ll also be able to change, clean and unpack your belongings, before going to bed. However since you’ll get to camp very late, there won’t be room for acclimatization or relaxation.
Elevation Gain On The Mountain: 5,380ft-9,350ft
The elevation gained during this day is 1,210m (3,970ft) over a distance of 11km (7mi).
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
To be able to properly acclimatize during this massive elevation gain, you’ll need to employ the Pole-Pole (slow-slow) system. That means the hike could last up to 4-hours.
Hiking Distance: 7 mi/11 km
The first interval of this trek, from the Machame Gate to Machame Camp is 11km (7mi).
Since you’ll get to camp late on this day, there will be less recovery time after the hike. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids in order to help with adjustment.
Habitat: East African Montane Forests
A tropical savanna climate is to be expected at East African montane forests. Temperatures can fall below 10° C (50 F), in the coldest months, and rise above 30° C (86 F), in the warm season.
The ecoregion consists of montane forests, grasslands and savannas, before transitioning to the East African montane moorlands, on the highest peaks.
DAY 3 — HIKING FROM MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP
At sunrise you’ll be served a nice, healthy breakfast, while your support team packs for the day. Since afternoon temperatures are dry and hot, make sure to wear a hat brimmed cap, a pair of sunglasses and apply reasonable sunscreen. These items are often overlooked, in the cold temperatures of the morning, so it’s best you have them packed in your backpack at all times. Treated water will be provided, every morning before leaving campsites, so if you require warm water during the trek, have it requested in advance, so you may have it ready by the start of your hike.
Once the group is all set and done, the hike will begin toward a steep rocky ridge that leads onto heath and East African montane moorlands. Due to a cold semi-arid climate, vegetation becomes sparse and the region is dominated by Tussock grasses and Helichrysum shrubs. In addition, you’ll be able to spot various geological features such as glacial troughs and pyroducts.
A nice picnic lunch will be served on the trail, before continuing up the valley, onto the Shira Plateau. Once there, you’ll be able to have breathtaking views of the Western Breach and glaciers of Mount Kilimanjaro’s Kibo peak. To finish off the hike, you’ll need to cross a large river gorge, to get to Shira Camp, in time for dinner and an overnight stay. Eventhough the days are warm and dry, expect temperatures to drop by night.
Elevation Gain On The Mountain: 9,350ft-12,500ft
The elevation gained during this day is 960m (3,150ft) over a distance of 8km (5mi).
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
The second day of your trek is a bit longer, than the previous day, because lunch will be served on the trail. 4-6 hours is to be expected overall.
Hiking Distance: 5 mi/8 km
The second day of your trek, from Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp is 8km (5mi).
Eventhough the day’s hike is long, your arrival at Shira Camp will be early so that means you’ll get plenty of room for physical recovery after the hike.
Habitat: Heath & East African Montane Moorlands
Cold semi-arid climates can be expected, once you enter the East African montane moorlands. Semi-arid climates tend to support short, thorny or scrubby vegetation and are usually dominated by either grasses or shrubs, as they usually cannot support forests.
Cold semi-arid climates tend to feature major temperature swings between day and night, sometimes by as much as 20 °C (36 °F) or more.
DAY 4 — HIKING FROM SHIRA 2 CAMP TO LAVA TOWER
After a heavy breakfast and preparation, the hike will leave the Shira Plateau and continue up a ridge, onto the Alpine tundra. This day is specifically reserved for acclimatization at 4,630m (15,190ft), so you may find it easier to adjust up to the summit at Uhuru Peak. This process is commonly known as trek-high and sleep-low. The journey will start east, passing the junction toward Kibo Peak, before changing direction southeast, in order to get to “Shark’s Tooth” at Lava Tower.
Elevation Gain On The Mountain: 12,500 ft-15,190ft
The elevation gained during this day is 820m (2,690ft) over a distance of 7km (4mi).
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
For proper acclimatization, the Pole-Pole system will apply to the first 4-5 hour interval of the hike to Lava Tower.
Hiking Distance: 4 miles/7 km
This trek, from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower is 7km (4mi) in distance. Due to the lengthy nature of the climb, you’ll have a short 2-hour break once you get to Lava Tower.
Habitat: East African Alpine Tundra
At the Apline Tundra, you’ll come across Kilimanjaro’s alpine climate. Temperatures within this region range between 1.5 °C and 3 °C (34.7 °F and 37.4 °F).
DESCENDING FROM LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP
Once at Lava Tower, while your body’s acclimating to the altitude, you’ll be served a deliciously packed lunch for the day. This adjustment session should last no more than 2-hours so, to pass the time, you could either socialize or bring an audiobook. Although it’s forbidden to climb Lava Tower nowadays, you can certainly capture memorable pictures of the molten structure.
Shortly after your acclimatization session, you’ll come to a second junction that leads to Arrow Glacier. As you descend down the Barranco Valley, you’ll be flooded with a sea of Dendrosenecio Kilimanjaris and Lobelia Deckeniis. This is by far the prettiest section of the entire trail because, not only will you get to witness unique plants during the hike, you’ll also get to have fantastic views of the great Barranco Wall from the Shira campgrounds.
Elevation Loss On The Mountain: 15,190ft-13,044ft
The elevation lost during this day is 654m (2,186ft) over a distance of 3km (2mi).
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
The descend down Lava Tower will take approximately 2-3 hours. Make sure to use trekking poles for extra balance and support.
Hiking Distance: 2 mi/3 km
This hike down, from Lava Tower to Barranco Camp, is 3km (2mi) in distance.
Descents are often stressful on the knees and quads, so it’s best to take the hike down slowly.
Habitat: East African Alpine Tundra
It’s difficult to find vegetation growing in this area. Plants that are commonly found within the alpine climate are Tussock grasses and non-flowering Lichens that cleave to rocks.
DAY 5 — SCRAMBLING FROM BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
Today’s hike to Karanga campgrounds is slow but short. You’ll wake up to a filling breakfast, in front of stunning views of the Barranco Valley. You’ll then begin the day by descending down a ravine and toward the base of the Barranco Wall. Though the Barranco Wall is not a technical ascent, basic scrambling skills are required to traverse the section. As you break through, you’ll maneuver up a steep 900ft cliff and into the Karanga Valley. Here, you’ll cross a series of hills and valleys as you sharply descend down to the Karanga camping pitch for dinner. Sunsets at Karanga campsites are spectacular, particularly views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields above the area. When the day is done, you’ll have an overnight stay at Karanga Camp.
Elevation Gain On The Mountain: 13,044ft-13,106ft
The elevation gained during this day is 19m (102ft) over a distance of 5km (3mi).
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
The sixth day of your trek is short but slow. That’s because there’s scrambling required at the Barranco Wall. 4-5 hours is to be expected overall.
Hiking Distance: 3 mi/5 km
Today’s part of the trek, from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp is 5km (3mi) in distance.
In addition to scrambling, the trail passes through a series of hills and valleys to get to Karanga Camp.
Habitat: East African Alpine Tundra
Alpine vegetation generally occurs in a mosaic of small patches with widely differing environmental conditions.
Vegetation types vary from cushion and rosette plants on the ridges and in the rock crannies; to herbaceous and grassy vegetation along the slopes; dwarf shrubs with grasses and forbs below the melting snowdrifts; and sedges, grasses, low shrubs, and mosses in the bogs and along the brooks.
DAY 6 — HIKING FROM KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
After an early breakfast, you’ll leave Karanga Valley toward Barafu Camp. This is another short day, on the Machame trail, before attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit at Uhuru Peak. Barafu Camp is one of three base camps on Mount Kilimanjaro, which is known for strong tade winds and closeup views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This is a strong indication that you’ve made it past the southern circuit and your summit climb is around the corner. Unlike previous days, dinner will be served early so you can get plenty of sleep. Summit hikes are demanding so you would want to get enough rest, before the final stretches of the trek.
Elevation Gain On The Mountain: 13,106ft-15,331ft
The elevation gained during this day is 678m (2,225ft) over a distance of 4km (2mi).
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
For proper acclimatization, the Pole-Pole system will apply to the 4-5 hour hike to Barafu Camp. The hike would need to be slower than usual, as you approach Mount Kilimanjaro’s base camp.
Hiking Distance: 2 mi/4 km
Today’s part of the trek, from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp is 4km (2mi) in distance.
This is one the shortes hikes, out of the overall trek, which shouldn’t stress the body before summit night.
Habitat: East African Alpine Tundra
A creature that is commonly found in the Alpine climate is the White-Necked Raven. These birds often linger around campsites in order to feed on human food. So if you plan on bringing snacks, make sure they’re out of site.
HIKING FROM BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK (SUMMIT)
Around midnight, you’ll begin your push toward the summit at Uhuru Peak. This means you’ll be leaving the Apline Tundra and entering the much colder Arctic Tundra. The ice cap climate is significantly more colder in the Artic Tundra than the alpine climate. Make sure to have your 3 layers of clothing, a headlamp, wool socks and mittens gloves for the hike.
The trek will continue through Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, northwest from Barafu Camp. Even with the full moon, the trail is pitch dark, with rays of headlamps on the horizon. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek, due to heavy scree, trade winds and extrem cold weather. The hike will last an approximate 8-hours until Stella Point, on the crater rim. At that point, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful sunrise at dawn. From Stella Point, the hike should only last another 1-hour to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, Uhuru Peak.
Elevation Gain On The Mountain: 15,331ft-19,341ft
The elevation gained during summit night is 1,222m (4,010ft) over a distance of 5km (3mi).
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
The final stretches of your trek are long and strenuous. You’ll hike in darkness for 7-8 hours, so make sure to bring an audiobook for the occasion.
Hiking Distance: 3 mi/5 km
This trek, from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak is 5km (3mi) in distance.
Due to the altitude environment and darkness of the night, it’s important to hike very slowly in order to avoid any health risks.
Habitat: East African Arctic Tundra
An ice cap climate is a polar climate found in the arctic tundra, where no mean monthly temperature exceeds 0 °C (32 °F).
The arctic tundra is characterized by a lack of warm summers and very cold winters, which results in treeless tundra, glaciers, or a permanent or semi-permanent layer of ice. Every month you can expect a polar climate to have an average temperature of less than 10 °C (50 °F).
DESCENDING FROM UHURU PEAK (SUMMIT) TO MWEKA CAMP
Once you get to the summit at Uhuru Peak, you’ll spend no more than 1-hour to take pictures with your tour guides and summit signboard. This so you don’t risk altitude sickness at the summit. Shortly after, you’ll descend to Barafu campsite for lunch, before you go further down to Mweka Hut for an overnight stay. Since you’ll be traveling from the Artic Tundra to the East African Montane forests, you’ll find yourself removing layers of clothing along the way. Trekking poles will keep you balanced and centered, while a pair of gaiters will protect your legs from loose gravel. Today will mark the final dinner and sleep you’ll get on the mountain.
Elevation Loss On The Mountain: 19,34ft-10,065ft
The elevation lost during this day is 2,827m (9,276ft) over a distance of 12km (7mi).
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
The descent down Uhuru Peak will take approximately 4-6 hours. Make sure to use trekking poles for extra balance and support.
Hiking Distance: 7 mi/12 km
This hike down, from Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp, is 12km (7mi) in distance.
Descents are often stressful on the knees and quads, so it’s best to take the hike down slowly.
Habitat: East African Montane Forests
The tropical savanna climate is more humid, than the surrounding lowlands, and has less distinct wet and dry seasons. Average annual rainfall varies between 1,200 and 2,000 mm.
DAY 8 — DESCENDING FROM MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
After breakfast, you’ll descend from Mweka Camp down to Mweka Gate for 3-4 hours. At lower elevations of the East African montane forests, it can be wet and muddy so gaiters and trekking poles will come in handy. The tropical savanna climate can have you wearing t-shirts and shorts but, in case the weather takes a turn, it’s important to have rain gear and warm clothing nearby.
Your last day on the mountain will be awarded with a certificate at Mweka Gate by the Kilimanjaro National Park. Make sure the certificate issued has a QR code in front of the document, which approves its validity by the Tanzania National Parks Authority. These documents are awarded after you’ve completed the summit register, at the park’s office.
Once at Mweka Gate, a van or bus will pickup you and your belongings for a transfer to your hotel accommodation at Arusha Town. The commute will descend down Mweka Village, onto Moshi town and headed towards Arusha region. The overall trip should take approximately 3-4 hours.
Elevation Loss On The Mountain: 10,065ft-5,380ft
The elevation lost during this day is 1,428m (4,685ft) over a distance of 10km (6mi).
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
The descent down Mweka Trail will take approximately 3-4 hours. Make sure to use trekking poles for extra balance and support.
Hiking Distance: 6 mi/10 km
The final stretch down, from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, is 10km (6mi) in distance.
If you can’t make it all the way down, you can request a rescue ambulance to transfer you to the trailhead.
Habitat: East African Montane Forests
If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to come across Abbott’s Starlings, Abbott’s Duikers, and Eastern Tree Hyraxes.
DAY 9 — DEPARTURE TO KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/NEXT TOUR
If you have booked a Serengeti Safari or Zanzibar Beach Vacation package with us, you’ll be transferred to the next chapter of your journey. If you have not booked an additional trip with XPATS International, you’ll be transferred to the airport.
Pick-Up From Hotel Gate
Depending on your stay, you’ll either be picked up from Venus Premiere Hotel or Crest Safari Lodge.
Car Transfer To Your Next Travel Itinerary
According to your destination, a Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Altezza sedan, Toyota Alphard van or Toyota Coaster bus will pickup you and your belongings from the hotel.
Next Adventure
If you haven’t booked a Serengeti safari with us or a Zanzibar package tour, you’ll be transfered to the airport 1-3 hours before check-in time.
Lodging Included In This Package Tour
Overnight Stays At The Hotel Before & After Your Hike
Camping Tents At The Mountain’s Campsites
Trekking Map Of The Machame Route On Kilimanjaro
Chat With Past Kilimanjaro Clients & Get First-Hand Tips & Experiences
Get first-hand experiences from hikers that recently trekked this Machame program with XPATS International.
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