7 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro – Machame Route
Machame route is considered the most scenic and relatively tough route to the top of the African Roof “The Mount Kilimanjaro”. When climbing Kilimanjaro through this route climber will pass through a variety of habitats and enjoy the beautiful few which they have never experienced before. Famously known as the whiskey route the Machame Route is steeper trail up Kilimanjaro and is generally done by climbers who are physically fit with some previous hiking experience.
The trekking distance for the Machame Route is estimated to be 62 km or 37 miles for the entire trail from starting point up to the summit and all the way down to Mweka gate. The approximately number of days require climbing Kilimanjaro through this route is 7 days although other climbers can do it for 6 days. In order to complete the entire climb for the route climbers have to trek for 6 – 7 hours daily and for the summit 12 – 15 hours from Kibo hut. To achieve the climb we recommend our climbers to go for 7 days trek rather than 6 days treks since the success rate for it 85% while for 6 days in 75%.
The accommodation we use for our clients who climbing Kilimanjaro through the machame route are dom tents. The meals are normally served outside the tents but if the weather is cloudy and colder the meals are also served inside the tents.
Kilimanjaro climbing – Machame Route Program
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi, Hotel transfer
Kilimanjaro climbing through Machame route starts by picking you up from the Kilimanjaro International Airport. From the airport we transfer you to the Hotel in Moshi, located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Today you will be briefed about the Mount Kilimanjaro climbing particularly the Machame route that you are going trek through.
Day 2: Machame Gate (1790m) – Machame Camp (3010m)
Today we will transfer you from the hotel in Moshi town to the area nearby the entrance gate which is the initial point for climbing Kilimanjaro. Here you finalize all the necessary requirements for your permission to proceed with the trekking. Climb through the thick rain forest for about 5 – 6 hours listening to the beautiful bird songs. Dinner and overnight at Machame Camp
Day 3: Machame Camp (3010m) – New Shira Camp (3845m)
After breakfast, continue with your mount Kilimanjaro climbing through the Machame Route by hiking up the steepening path through moors and heathlands. In this area the vegetation become a bit open which provides magnificent views over the surrounding landscapes and dramatic mountain range. Today the walk is shorter therefore we will reach the next camp in the mid-day. This camp is located at the Shira Plateau offering a spectacular view of Kilimanjaro Mountain.
Day 4: New Shira Camp (3845m) – Lava Tower Hut (4640m) – Barranco Camp (3960m)
Today we begin our Kilimanjaro climbing with a long trek from the Shira Plateau towards the Lava Tower Hut lying at 4640m. Ascend around 700m on day four camping at a slightly higher elevation than the night before. This gives your body time to acclimatize to the increasing altitude as we climb up Kilimanjaro to more than 4500m high over the next two days. The Machame route passes through Barranco Valley, an expansive area where giant senecio and lobelia plants grow. After 6 – 7 hours of hiking, arrive at the overnight Barranco Camp where you will served a well-deserved meal and a rest.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)
Today’s hike starts with the challenging climb of the “Barranco Wall” a stretch where you will be secured to ensure your safety when necessary. Following the ridge as it stretches above the south glacier of Kibo admiring the views. We stop for lunch in In the Karanga Valley and prepare for the 2 – 3 hrs trek to Barafu Camp (4640m). At camp there is time for you to relax and have dinner, resting before we embark on the next stretch of our climb up Kilimanjaro.
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4640m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)
Wake up in the midnight for breakfast and snack then start the most challenging part your Kilimanjaro climbing to the summit. We hike up the screes of Kibo by torchlight on this exhilarating stretch.
A 5 – 7 hour ascent through the night brings us to Stella Point, on the crater rim of Mount Kilimanjaro. After a further 1 – 2 hrs of climbing Kilimanjaro along the edge of the crater we reach the summit of Uhuru Peak at a mighty 5895m!
Having hiked to the summit of Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mt. Kilimanjaro, you will be standing at the top of Africa’s highest mountain!
Descend Kilimanjaro Machame route follow a simple route down Kilimanjaro descending along a similar path. Before midday we arrive back at Barafu Camp where the rest of the climbing team welcomes you with a warm meal upon your return. Following a much-deserved break of 1 – 2 hrs, we proceed to Mweka Camp at 3080m. In the evening we have dinner and enjoy a hard earned rest.
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3080m) – Mweka Gate (1630m) – Moshi
After breakfast and a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain guides we set off on the last leg of this unforgettable Kilimanjaro climbing adventure. A gentle 2 -3 hrs descent takes us through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate which is the last point for your Kilimanjaro climb through Machame route.
Our driver meets you at the gate and takes you back to the Keys Hotel in Moshi for some comfortable rest and relaxation. Relax at the hotel soothing your aching muscles in the swimming pool or taking a nap as you recollect your adventure to the “Roof of Africa”.
Day 8 Moshi – Additional Services
On day eight you have a hearty breakfast at the hotel, before continuing with your travels or taking a transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport. This brings your memorable Kilimanjaro climb via Machame to a close.
An additional day at Karanga Camp (4035m) can be added to this Machame Route Tour, giving you an extra day on Kilimanjaro. See the Full Pricing above for the cost of the 9-day hike, and please contact us for the detailed itinerary.
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Cost
Price: (Per person sharing)
Solo :2850 USD
2 Pax : 1950 USD
3 Pax :1850 USD
4 Pax : 1750 USD
6 Pax : 1650 USD
Price Includes:
2 Nights accommodation at Keys Hotek on BB
Private professional mountain guides
All Park fees
Rescue fees
All meals while on the Mountain
Arrival and Departure transfers
Government taxes, VAT and all relating service charges
Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
Summit Oxygen
Walking Sticks
Camping Gears
Price Excludes:
Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed above
Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
Tips and any items of personal nature.
Emergency Evacuation by Flying Doctor
The Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro
Normally March, April and May are the months with long rains and should be avoided.
November is usually short rains but it is not often rains all the days so Climbing is possible.
The best Months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are January, February and also August and September.
July can be colder and November to December can be wet.
January to February is the warmest months, almost clear of clouds each evening and morning.
The success rates with our guides are outstanding compared to the overall success rates for all climbers who attempt to reach the top.
Summit Success Rates: Stella Point (48%). Uhuru Peak (46%).