Kilimanjaro Trekking
Kilimanjaro Machame Route – 7 Days
Destinations
Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro
Duration
10 Days
Max Altitude
5,895m
Price
$6,850 to $7,050 per person
The Machame Route, nicknamed the "Whiskey" route, is the most popular way to climb Kilimanjaro, and for good reason. It climbs from the southern rainforest through every climate zone of the mountain, with a classic "walk high, sleep low" profile via the Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall. Seven days on the mountain give good acclimatisation and a strong chance of reaching the summit.
At a Glance
- Days in country: 10 days: 3 transition days in Arusha (before and after the hike) and 7 days on Kilimanjaro
- Lodging: Arusha: Premium or Premium Plus. On Kilimanjaro: North Face all-season mountaineering tents, one person in a 2-person tent and two people in a 3-person tent
- Price per person: $6,850 to $7,050 per trekker (includes crew tip)
- Summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) via Stella Point, from Kosovo high camp
Why Choose the Machame Route
- Varied scenery through all five climate zones
- Good acclimatisation via the Lava Tower
- The Barranco Wall, one of the most memorable sections of the climb
- Five crew per trekker, private toilet and shower
Trek Route
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Machame Camp 2,835 m 11 km 5–7 hrs hiking
<p>Drive from Arusha to Machame Gate, register and set off through dense rainforest on a steady, well-made trail to the first camp at the edge of the forest.</p>Shira Cave Camp 3,750 m 5 km 4–6 hrs hiking
<p>Leave the forest behind and climb a rocky ridge through giant heather onto the Shira Plateau, with views of Kibo and, across the clouds, Mount Meru.</p>Barranco Camp 4,630 m / 3,960 m 10 km 6–8 hrs hiking
<p>A key acclimatisation day: climb to the Lava Tower for lunch, then descend into the Barranco Valley, where giant groundsels grow beneath the Breach Wall.</p>Karanga Camp 3,995 m 5 km 4–5 hrs hiking
<p>Scramble up the Barranco Wall, then cross the ridges and valleys of the southern circuit to Karanga Camp, with the glaciers of Kibo close above.</p>Kosovo Camp 4,800 m 5 km 4–5 hrs hiking
<p>Climb through alpine desert past Barafu to Kosovo Camp, the highest base camp, which shortens summit night. An early dinner and rest before the summit attempt.</p>Mweka Camp 5,895 m / 3,100 m 5 km up, 12 km down 12–14 hrs hiking
<p>Wake around midnight and climb by headlamp from Kosovo Camp up the scree slopes to Stella Point on the crater rim, reaching it as the sun rises over Mawenzi. From there it is about an hour along the rim, past the glaciers, to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After photos at the summit, descend to Mweka Camp in the forest for a well-earned dinner and rest.</p>Arusha 1,640 m 10 km 3–4 hrs hiking
<p>A final walk down through the rainforest, often with colobus monkeys in the trees, to Mweka Gate. Collect your summit certificate, say goodbye to the crew and drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebration dinner.</p>Included
- ✓Airport transfers and all ground transportation, including coach, bus, taxi and mini van
- ✓In-country airfare as detailed in the tour
- ✓Toyota Land Cruiser with extended cab and pop-up top for game viewing, with fuel, licensing and maintenance
- ✓Up to 4-5 people per Land Cruiser
- ✓National Park daily fees for travelers, cruiser and staff
- ✓Lodging (double occupancy) with breakfasts, lunches and dinners
- ✓Bottled water during transportation
- ✓Additional tours as detailed in the tour: side tours, hiking tours, cultural immersion experiences and town tours
- ✓Driver, guide, park ranger, baggage porter and maid staff salaries and tips
- ✓Preparation booklet and optional Zoom group meetings to prepare each traveler
- ✓Mount Kilimanjaro hike with daily National Park fees for clients and crew
- ✓Crew of 5 per trekker (instead of 3), including crew salaries, payroll taxes, VAT and crew tip
- ✓Personal chef, all meals on the mountain, boiled or filtered water
- ✓North Face 4-season tents, sleeping pads and pillows, all camping equipment for the crew
- ✓Private mobile toilet and private mobile shower
- ✓$100 permit to summit from Kosovo, the highest base camp
- ✓Safety gear: first aid kit, oximeter and emergency oxygen
Not Included
- ✕Round trip airfare to and from Tanzania
- ✕Tanzanian visa ($100, purchased on arrival)
- ✕Travel, flight and emergency evacuation insurances
- ✕Over-the-counter medications, prescriptions and vaccinations (Tanzania requires none to enter)
- ✕Mountain gear for Kilimanjaro or items specific to other tours
- ✕Souvenirs
- ✕Meals at airports
- ✕Alcoholic beverages, unless mentioned in the tour
- ✕Spa treatments and laundry service
Fitness Requirements
- •Good general health and fitness; no technical climbing experience is needed
- •Able to hike 5 to 7 hours a day for several days in a row
- •Training hikes with a loaded daypack in the months before the climb
- •A medical check-up before travelling to high altitude
What to Bring
- •Broken-in waterproof hiking boots
- •Warm layers, a down jacket and waterproof shell for summit night
- •Warm hat, gloves and a buff or neck gaiter
- •Sleeping bag rated to -10°C
- •Headlamp with spare batteries
- •Trekking poles
- •Sunglasses, sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- •Reusable water bottles or a hydration bladder (3 litres)
- •Personal medication and a small first aid kit
Camps & Lodges
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