7 Days Machame Route
Overview
This is a beautiful 6 nights/7 days mountain route following the Machame and Barranco Valleys known as WHISKEY before making a direct ascent to the Kibo Summit. This route traverses under the massive southern glaciers of the mountain offering stunning views of the Southern Ice Fields.
The final ascent is up and down the same trail so it has the great advantage of allowing everyone to climb as high as they can before descending with a guide. The trek winds through beautiful scenery, which changes quite dramatically every day. The route is done in six days and is physically challenging for most people. Due to the high altitude and short amount of rest before the overnight summit attempt, the last two days (the trek from Barranco to Barafu and then the overnight trek to the summit) requires mental and physical toughness. There are no huts on this route; the accommodation is in mountain tents and dining is in our mess tent. Our option cuts down on the frills, but still offers the great benefit of a private toilet(s),
*NOTE: 8KG PER PERSON ALLOWED FOR PERSONAL LUGGAGE
Start Plan your trip now
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Kilimanjaro airport
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will transfer you to the hotel. Settle in and take time to relax and to get used to the African atmosphere. It is possible to book an extra day of rest prior to start of the climb, to give you ample time to acclimatise and recover from the flight. This extra day increases your chances of reaching the summit.
Day 2 Machame Camp – 9,000 ft
After driving from the Lodge to the Machame Park Gate, we begin our climb by hiking for about seven hours through the Montane Forest to camp on the forest edge. It is a long day’s hike so African History Expeditions recommends it for those who are physically fit. Lunch will be had along the trail and snacks provided by our crew. Your Trip Leader will stop at regular intervals to ensure that the group is well hydrated and coping with the first day’s hike.
This is your first day at this altitude, so it is recommended that you follow the instructions below from now on:
1. Drink as much water as possible
2. Take a Diamox tablet if you experience symptoms of altitude sickness
Day 3 Shira Hut – 11,800 ft
Today you will start with another nice climb that is a little steeper, but quickly rewards you with a stunning view. Keep in mind the increase of altitude and more importantly, walk at the right pace. Our experienced guides will assist you with that. The first part of the hike leads to a small circular cliff known as the picnic rock. Here you can enjoy stunning views of Kibo (a peak of Kilimanjaro) and Shira (one of the other volcanic peaks). From the picnic rock you hike on to Shira Camp via a beautiful route. Here you will have lunch and afterwards you can take an acclimatization walk towards the Lava Tower (to an altitude of 4120 meters and a distance of 2 km).
Note: The acclimatization walk is an easy hike with a slight rise in altitude. This will accelerate the acclimatization process. The acclimatization hikes are very important, as they increase your chances to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro and reduce the chance of altitude sickness.
Day 4 Barranco Camp – 13,000 ft
The route for day three ascends to 14,000 feet, then dips down below Lava Tower to camp in the Great Baranco Valley. From this camp the views of the Great Breach Wall are better than anywhere else on the mountain.
Day 5 Barafu Camp – 15,500 ft
We climb out of the Baranco Valley and traverse under the glaciers of the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro with spectacular views of the mountain’s Southern Glaciers. After descending into Karanga Valley, we make a final 1600 foot ascent to Barafu Camp
Day 6 Summit and Mweka Camp – 19,320 ft, 10,500 ft
Our 4000 foot ascent to the summit from Barafu Camp will start at around 1:00 AM. This will allow us to be near the crater rim at sunrise and on top of Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak) a few hours later. After taking in the view from the top of Africa, we will begin the long descent back to Barafu Hut and on down to Mweka Hut.
Day 7 Descend and to Arusha
Day 8: Millennium Camp (3820 m/ 12,532 ft) – Mweka Gate (1650 m/ 5,413 ft)



Trip Include
- Professional, English speaking guide
- Personal porter $ Cook
- Kilimanjaro Trekking Tour according to the travel plan description
- Transfers to and from the Kilimanjaro Airport
- Return transfer from Hotel to the National Park Gate
- Overnight stays in mountain huts
- All national park fees
- Porter
- Oxygen
- fair wages to guides/Assistant guides & porters
- camping equipment guide
- Pre & post climb accommodation.
Trip EXclude
- Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc
- Travel insurance