Page: Machame Route 7 Days
Overview
The scenic “Whiskey Route,” the Machame Route, offers the most diverse landscapes and spectacular views on the 6-7 day ascent up Mount Kilimanjaro. Unlike the quicker Marangu path, this trail provides a more complete experience through lush rainforest, heath, moorland, and otherworldly alpine desert.
Day By Day Itinerary
Our climb kicks off at the Machame Gate registration point before entering the verdant rainforest. The humid air teems with colorful birds and Colobus monkeys as we make our way up to Machame Camp at 9,850 ft. After helping pitch the first of many wilderness camps, we turn in early here in preparation for tomorrow’s more intensive hike.
Today’s section climbs steadily out of the jungle up to the Shira Plateau with sweeping views opening up behind us. The landscape shifts to heath and moorlands marked by giant senecio plants near Shira Camp at 12,500 ft. After settling into another rustic camp, the rest of the afternoon is free to rest or explore the surrounding Shira Cathedral rock formations.
We tackle the Via Cordone trail to Lava Tower (15,190 ft.) today for our first taste of alpine terrain. Scrambling up rocky paths, we gain incredible perspective over the plains and Shira Needles below. After continuing on to Barranco Camp (13,000 ft.), situated dramatically on a steep gorge, we end today with an early dinner and sunset over the clouds.
After a challenging morning climb up the Barranco Wall rock face, we level out on easier trails again towards Karanga Camp (13,500 ft.). This shorter trek day helps with acclimatization as we cross the expansive, desert-like landscape inside the region dubbed “Cradle of the Clouds.” Brief rain showers often roll through, so waterproof layers are essential.
We head straight up the rocky ridgelines toward tomorrow’s final base camp - Barafu Camp (15,300 ft). Just shy of the peak, the thin air and cold nighttime temperatures here feel drastically different from the humid forests we started in just days ago. An early dinner preps us for an equally early wake up in anticipation of our pre-dawn push for the summit.
Rising well before sunrise, we warm up with tea and snacks before our midnight departure for Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft). We climb slowly through the frigid darkness, eventually reaching the glacier-covered summit just in time for daybreak. After celebrating with emotional hugs and photos, we carefully descend to Mweka Camp (10,000 ft) for some welcome food and rest.
On our final walking day, we continue descending through the lush forest on tired but accomplished legs. The scenic Mweka Trail leads us right back to Kilimanjaro National Park’s Mweka Gate, where we finish signing out before transferring to our local hotel for hard-earned showers, dinner and celebrations with our new friends!
End of tour
- Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
- You’ll be dropped off at the airport.
Why Adva Travel
The Machame route presents diverse challenges over 6-7 days, so experienced guides are key to success. Adva Travel’s guides complete rigorous training on health protocols, gear, route-finding and fitness readiness. Their small group sizes also increase summit chances. Adva supplies top-quality camping meals and equipment carried by their crew of dedicated porters. By partnering with local villages, they invest in the region’s future too. Climbers who want a comprehensive trek paired with ethical values will appreciate Adva Travel.
