Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route
About 6 Days Machame Route
Also known as the Whisky Route, the Machame Route offers excellent acclimatisation because three of the campsites are at the same altitude which is a big benefit to the body as you ‘climb high, sleep low’ which is good mountaineering practise. The route is approximately 62 km/ 37 miles from gate to gate, and the starting altitude at Machame Gate is 1640 metres.
Machame gives climbers the thrill of a mountain challenge and currently accounts for about 50% of all visitors. It is a camping route and suited to people with plenty of hiking and camping experience, The seven day version is what we recommend and has a very high success rate of about 85%; the most common reasons for descending are tiredness, stomach upset from local food bought in Moshi, and altitude sickness.
This route is physically tough, requiring good fitness and determination especially on the summit night which begins at midnight with a summit at about 8am. It’s entirely possible for beginners to complete the challenge with fitness training and the help of qualified guides.
ITINERARY:
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Arrival:
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro international airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
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DAY 1: Hotel - Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
The drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 1.5hours from Arusha and 30minutes from Moshi. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We 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. -
DAY 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
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. -
DAY 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
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. -
DAY 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, 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. -
DAY 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
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. -
DAY 6: Mweka Camp to Moshi / Arusha
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
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). A vehicle will pick you at Mweka gate and drive you back to hotel in Moshi / Arusha.
PRICE INCLUDES
Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.2 nights of accommodation in Moshi.
Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate.
Park entry fees.
Camping fees.
Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees.
18% VAT on tour fees & services.
4 Season mountain tents.
Double layered Sleeping Mats.
Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters. 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain.
Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
Hot water for washing.
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO).
Government taxes.
Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter. Emergency first-aid kit.
PRICE EXCLUDES
Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.Travel insurance.
Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 170 for the entire trek(Can be shared up to 3 people).
Flights.
Laundry (Available at hotel).
Personal items and toiletries.
Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain).
Price:
- GROUP SIZE
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PRICE
- Solo Trekker
- $ 2000
- 2 - 4People
- $ 1750
- 5 - 7 People
- $ 1650
- 8 - 10 People
- $ 1500
- 10++
- $ 1450
