7 Days
Machame Route
Overview
Known as the “Whiskey” route, Machame is a popular route to the mountain. Highly recommended for scenic value, with medium success rate. Great for acclimatization with lots of walk high, sleep low opportunities. Challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones. Very popular trail, therefore can be busy. Fully catered camping only
Accommodation:
Camp
Type of Safari:
Mountain Trekking
Arrival Location:
Kilimanjaro Airport
Departure Location:
Kilimanjaro Airport
Best Period:
June – October
Itinerary at glance
| Day | Location | Accommodation | Meal Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Machame Hut Camp | Camping | BLD |
| 2 | Shira Camp | Camping | BLD |
| 3 | Barranco Camp | Camping | BLD |
| 4 | Karanga Valley Camp | Camping | BLD |
| 5 | Barafu Hut Camp | Camping | BLD |
| 6 | Summit Day and Mweka Hut | Camping | BLD |
| 7 | Arusha | BBLD |
BB:
Bed & Breakfast
BBLD:
Bed and breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AI:
All inclusive
TRSF:
Transfer
CRT:
Crater Tour
LEI:
Leisure
A:
Morning game drive
P:
Afternoon game drive
Day by Day
Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.
Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.
Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. 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.
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to Arusha.
Preparation Checklists
Travel Documents
- Valid passport and visa
- Airline ticket
- International health card with immunizations (Yellow fever)
Guides and Porters
Guides and Porters
Once on the Mountain, your well-equipped guides and porters, will rank second only to your mental determination, in terms of important factors contributing to a successful summit attempt.
While on the Mountain
Go Slowly
Go slowly – “Pole Pole” as they say in Swahili! This is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery.
- Price includes
- 2 nights’ hotel Arusha of Moshi (before & after climb)
- Group transport to and from Moshi to the trail head
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees and Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only
- Four season, 3-person mountain tents, double occupancy
- Sleeping pad, foam, 1.5 inches thick
- Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
- Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
- Breakfast at hotel
- Price Not includes
- Airfare/Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Lunch or dinner at hotel
- Beverages at hotel
- Personal gear and equipment
- Tips
Got a Question?
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
- +254 724 731 331
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