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Machame Route, 7 Days Group Joining Itinerary

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Group size: 12 People
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Departure date: Every Friday

This 7 Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Group Join Climb is one of the most scenic and recommended routes on Kilimanjaro for those who are keen and determined to reach the summit successfully. The route pass through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. Because it can be done over longer periods and the incline is more manageable it has a much higher success rate to the summit compared to the rest of the other six routes.

Although the 6 – day option is available, we recommend the 7-day option for a better acclimatization transition and thus high success rate to the summit.

Kilimanjaro climbing - Machame Route 7 days Itinerary

Kilimanjaro climbing – Machame Route 7 days Itinerary, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.

Departure & Return Location

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) (Google Map)

Departure Time

8:30AM After breakfast

What to Expect

The hike is led by expert guides, with years of experience climbing this majestic mountain, and you will also be assisted by a friendly crew of mountaineers to ensure your Kilimanjaro experience is truly unforgettable.

The route winds through a spectacular array of landscapes, which include verdant Afromontane forests, a heath zone of yellow helichrysum (also known as golden eternal flowers) and purple lobelia plants, alpine forests and glacial valleys, making for exceptional photographic opportunities

Pamoja Kilimanjaro & Safaris team will make sure your dreams become reality

Full Itinerary Description

Arrival in TanzaniaTransfer from Airport to Moshi

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Moshi town. You will meet our Kilimanjaro trekking expert who will brief you on your upcoming Kilimanjaro trekking, then rest until the next day morning.

Day 1Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 1 hr. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.

Day 2Machame Camp to Shira Cave

Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath

This is a shortest day but steeper one. You will Wake up and get breakfast, start proceed your hiking for the second day where you will trek several uphill where there are several viewpoints from which you can see the plains and forests below and Kibo peak above and also mount Meru which is the second highest mountain in Tanzania, also as you gain high altitude you will notice changes in vegetations and the trees diminish in size, giving way to Kilimanjaro famous high altitude plants, Scenecio kilimanjari and Lobelia deckenii.

Day 3Shira Cave to Lava Tower down to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft down 13044ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Day 4Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Day 5Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

Day 6Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak descent to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft descent to 10065ft
Distance: 18 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 13-14 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 7Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka gate to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.