7-Day Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

From Arusha drive to the Machame route gate, this route is often called the “Whiskey Route”. From the Machame Park gate is a gentle climb up through the original montane forest, carpeted with unique -busy Lizzie- flowers, begonias, and ferns. First camp amongst the giant heather at 3,000m. Ascent of 1,200m and 5 to 6 hours walking. Overnight at camp. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Shira Cave at 3,840m. You will find Herds of eland up here & occasional lions and there are fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera which can be viewed during a half hour optional walk in the afternoon. Ascent 840m and 4 to 5 hours walking. Overnight at camp. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

From Shira, climb towards the main peak Kibo, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and under the imposing western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for mid-way camp at 3,950m. 6 to 7 hours walking and only 110m total ascent but having climbed much higher and dropped back down assists acclimatization. Overnight at camp. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Up the steep Barranco wall with some sections of very easy scrambling and drop down again to the Karanga Valley where you take a break for lunch. After lunch hike on to Barafu Hut 4600m, having hiked a total of 7 to 8 hours and ascended 650m. You have fantastic views across Mawenzi peak from the camp after having completed a long day of hiking which now requires you to adequately relax in preparation for the challenging summit hike early the following morning. Overnight at camp. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

A bracing 1 am start to climb the steep frozen scree. This is unavoidable on any route but we aim to go past Gillman’s Point to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise another 40 minutes and you are at the highest point on the continent (Kibo:5900m), usually in the warm sunshine. Return on the Mweka descent route. Ascent of 1,300m and about 7 hours trek to the summit; 2,600m descent and 6 to 7 hours trek to the Mweka campsite (3400m) above Mweka gate. This is a long hard day but you feel absolutely ecstatic when you have done it. Overnight at mwaka camp. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

After breakfast, proceed back down into the forest, a beautiful walk again offering good bird watching opportunities, there are some good view points en route to the valley below. Continue down to the gate, for champagne brunch. Here you will meet one of our vehicles, heading back to Warriors Inn for a well-deserved shower and rest. Or Kilimanjaro airport.