Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Kilimanjaro Machame Route
At a Glance
  • Duration7 Days
  • Difficulty Level Serious
  • Max Altitude 5900 Meter
  • Group Size 1-10 Pax
  • Starts Moshi
  • Ends Moshi

A "Whisky Route" is also known as the Machame Route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro undoubtedly an incredible audacious second voguish route that allows you to capture alluring Shira sunsets, the great Barranco Wall, Lava Tower and sparkling views of Mount Meru. Machame Route of 7 days, an exhilarating journey bestows the experience for the whole life the strenuous walks, sleeping in tents below the sparkling stars, delicious food, crossing 6 ecological zones from lush rainforest to the harsh, beautiful arctic zone, and later on, granting the awe-inspiring sights of amazingly beautiful highest peaks all around. A bit longer and hardest than Marangu Route but the achievement will be at the top of the world surely!!

The most scenic route on the mountain, Machame Route begins in the southwest area of the mountain at Machame Gate. The route takes seven days minimum to complete, and takes a descent down to Mweka, on the southeast side of the mountain. Because of the ascent in the west and descent down the north, Machame offers great vistas of Kilimanjaro. Additionally, Machame visits stunning places such as Shira Plateau, Barranco, and Lava Tower. Never miss any chances to get relished this trip that has to offer and grab a better chance to enjoy the moments at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Machame is ideal for those who want a more difficult climb, and are confident in their ability to hike over extended periods of time on sometimes steep terrain. Climbers using Machame place a premium on varied scenery but also accept heavy traffic.

If you are looking for Machame Route in November, April, or May, the path may be abraded by rain making the climb more difficult. The 7-day program, on the other hand, offers success rates of 85% due to gradual acclimatization and will suit anyone aspiring to climb Kilimanjaro.

Itinerary

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    Today the adventurous journey takes place after an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Moshi and driven to the Machame gate. At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your waiting lounge register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the lookout for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! About halfway up the trail, you will have a lunch break and you will reach the Machame Camp (2980) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chefs who move very fast up the mountain will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served followed by overnight. Overnight at Machame Camp.

      Although today is a shorter stretch than yesterday you will still have an early start which will allow you to reach today’s destination around mid-afternoon. The landscape changes dramatically from the green mountain rainforest to moor and heathland. You will have a beautiful view of the mountain range from your campsite which is situated at the Shira Plateau. The glacier of Kibo also lights up as the sun sets for the evening. Overnight at Shira Camp.

        Enjoy an early morning breakfast and get ready for today's adventure. Leave behind the moorland environment and enter the semi-desert and rocky landscape. After 5 hours of walking east, you will stand right behind the Lava Tower (4630m). Packed lunches are served at the Tower and hikers have the option of climbing the massive Lava Tower weather permitting. At the time of the hike, it is normal for hikers to start feeling the effects of the altitude including headaches and shortness of breath. Take a rest for fewer times then after lunch, you will descend from Lava Tower (4630m) to the Barranco Campsite (3950m). The 6800m descent gives hikers a huge advantage to allow their bodies to adjust to the conditions of high altitude. The descent to camp takes around 2 hours to reach. It is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall (“Breakfast Wall”). Marvel at the views of the Great Breach Wall is just magical from this camp, probably better than anywhere else on the mountain. Overnight at Barranco Camp.

          The day commenced with you scrambling up the almost vertical Barranco wall! If you have extra time before breakfast, take a moment to step out and watch as others begin to ascend the wall. The hikers look like tiny colorful ants as they ascend the cliff. Don’t worry, the Barranco wall is a manageable climb, taking about 90 minutes to 2 hours. Most people get to the top and think, ‘That wasn’t nearly as scary as it looked!’. It is steep, but anyone can do it. Upon reaching the top of the Barranco wall, soothe in the spectacular sights; this is a great opportunity to capture pictures with the summit of Kilimanjaro in full view! From the top of the Barranco wall, you will venture through a few valleys until you make one more climb to Karanga camp. This day is meant for acclimatization and therefore your time spent hiking is shorter than most days. Use the afternoon time to rest, relax, and enjoy a provided snack in your tent! Bunch up this night, temperatures may reach well below freezing and you may awaken to frost on the ground. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

            Leave behind Karanga camp and reach a junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. Continue up a rocky section to Barafu Camp and be sure to check out the scenery of Mount Meru in the distance. People often enjoy hiking Mount Meru as well! Mount Kilimanjaro has three specific peaks or volcanic cones named “Kibo”, “Mawenzi”, and “Shira”. Both Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from Barafu camp, ask your guide to point them out to you! Then, your guides will instruct you to attempt to take a nap this afternoon. Earplugs are very helpful to wear as you nap because Barafu camp can be very busy and crowded. You will awaken from your nap to eat dinner, get your summit gear ready (hand warmers, warm clothes, water, snacks), and then you will go back to sleep until your guides wake you for your summit attempt. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

              Your guide will wake you up early morning for hot tea and biscuits. The challenging day comes today to attempt a lifetime adventurous summit. The route heads northwest and you will ascend over stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. In about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685m), located on the crater rim. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. Surely, you will be amazed by the magnificent sights which will make a memory in your head lifetime. On reaching Camp,  take a rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rainforest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is located in the upper rainforest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp.

                Enjoy your last breakfast in this adventurous place then, resume 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, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Don't forget to tip your guides and porters.
                Hope we are able to provide you with better quality services with better experiences!! Looking forward to meeting you again!

                Cost Details

                Cost Includes
                • Private Transfer from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport
                • Hut or camping fees
                • All park fees
                • Salary for the crew (guide, Porter & Cook)
                • Rescue fee
                • Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner & mineral water)
                • Two-night accommodation (one night before climb and one night after Climb) B/B Tent, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipments eating utensils.
                • Oxygen cylinder and Oxy-meter.
                • All government tax (VAT)
                • Helicopter evacuation service
                Cost Excludes
                • Tip for the crew (guide, porters & cook
                • Some equipment is available for rent
                • Lunch and dinner at the hotel
                • Extra personal needs (cigarette & alcoholic drinks)
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