Affordable 7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route
Mount Kilimanjaro
$1750 / adult
Child: $1330
Tour Details
The Machame Route, often referred to as the "Whiskey" route, offers an exciting and affordable 7-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its stunning views and diverse ecosystems, this route is perfect for budget-conscious hikers looking for a more challenging climb with a higher chance of summit success due to its longer duration and excellent acclimatization opportunities. The Machame Route provides a mix of steep ascents and scenic landscapes, including lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrain as you near the summit. Along the way, you'll stay in camps with shared facilities, offering basic amenities such as dining tents, washrooms, and toilets. While the trek is more demanding, the extra days on this route provide climbers with ample time to adjust to the altitude, ensuring a more comfortable and successful ascent. With packages ranging from $1,400 to $1,700, the Machame Route is an affordable choice for those seeking adventure without exceeding their budget. Meals are provided throughout the trek, and climbers will need to bring their own sleeping bags. This route is an excellent option for those who are ready for a challenging climb and want to experience the diverse beauty of Kilimanjaro in a cost-effective way. Why Choose the 7 Days Machame Route? High Success Rate: The 7-day version allows for better acclimatization, improving your chances of reaching the summit. Stunning Scenery: Traverse rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts before reaching the snowy summit. Adventurous Experience: Known as the Whiskey Route for its challenging nature, it's a favorite among thrill-seekers. Diverse Terrain: Experience Kilimanjaro's unique ecosystems, from lush forests to volcanic plains
Highlights
Day 1: Machame Gate → Machame Camp
Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira 2 Camp
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Activities
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate → Machame Camp
The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. 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 2: Machame Camp → Shira 2 Camp
We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower - a 300 ft 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 4: Barranco Camp -Karanga Camp
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 more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization..
Day 5: Karanga camp - Barafu Camp
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 6: Barafu camp - Uhuru Peak
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 7: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate
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. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi
What's Included
Included
Guide
Park Fees
Tax
Meals according to the itinerary
Gate transfer
Crew wages
Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
Environment fees
During the climb you will spleep in Tents
Brekafasts
Lunches
Dinners
Drinking Water
Porters
Cook
Not included
- •
Flights
- •
Items of a personal nature
- •
Laundry Services
- •
Tips to mountain crew
Travel Information
Departure point: Moshi, Tanzania
Pickup: Kilimanjaro International Airport
Drop-off: Moshi, Tanzania
Best season: June to October, December to February
Transport: Private transfers
Accommodation: Basic huts with mattresses and pillows
Meals: Full board
Age range: 16-65
Languages: English, Swahili
Booking policy
A deposit of 30% is required to secure your Booking
Cancellation policy
Cancellation made 30 days before departure will receive full refund Cancellation made 15-29 days before departure will incur 50% Cancellation fee: no refund for cancellation made less than 15 days before departure
Location
Mount Kilimanjaro
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