Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Machame Route on Kilimanjaro
The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s famous for its scenic views, diverse ecosystems, and relatively moderate difficulty. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of what to expect during your Machame Route trek.
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (3,000m)
After meeting your team and guides at Machame Gate, your adventure begins! The trek starts in the lush rainforest zone, where you’ll walk for about 5-7 hours, covering around 11 kilometers. The first day can be challenging due to the humid conditions, but the dense forest and the sounds of wildlife make it an exciting start.
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Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters
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Distance: 11 km
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Estimated Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,850m)
The second day takes you to the Shira Plateau, offering spectacular panoramic views. You’ll hike for 5-6 hours, and the trail will slowly ascend from the forest into moorland. The first signs of altitude will start to become apparent, but the gradual ascent helps with acclimatization.
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Elevation Gain: 850 meters
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Distance: 5 km
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Estimated Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower (4,630m) and Barranco Camp (3,950m)
This is a crucial acclimatization day, where you’ll hike to Lava Tower (4,630m) before descending to Barranco Camp. The “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
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Elevation Gain: 780 meters to Lava Tower
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Distance: 10 km
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Estimated Trekking Time: 7-8 hours
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
The fourth day features the famous Barranco Wall, a rocky ascent that is physically demanding but offers thrilling views of the summit. After conquering the wall, you’ll continue your trek to Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest and prepare for the final ascent.
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Elevation Gain: 450 meters
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Distance: 5 km
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Estimated Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m)
Day 5 takes you to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The path takes you through alpine desert terrain, and by the time you reach Barafu, you’ll be at a high altitude, so it’s important to drink plenty of water and eat well to prepare for the final push.
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Elevation Gain: 638 meters
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Distance: 4 km
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Estimated Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
This is the big day! You’ll begin your ascent in the early hours (midnight or 1 am) and reach the summit (Uhuru Peak) by sunrise. The trek to the summit is strenuous, but reaching the peak is an unforgettable experience. After taking in the views and celebrating your success, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
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Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters
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Distance: 13 km
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Estimated Trekking Time: 11-14 hours
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
On the final day, you’ll trek down to Mweka Gate, where your Kilimanjaro adventure concludes. The descent is relatively easy, taking about 3-4 hours.
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Elevation Loss: 1,500 meters
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Distance: 10 km
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Estimated Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Climbing Kilimanjaro is an incredible challenge, and the Machame Route offers some of the most stunning views along the way. To book your trek with Kiriwe Travel or learn more about this route, contact them at [email protected].
