6 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route
Duration
Tour Type
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Overview
The Machame route, also called the Whiskey route, is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro.
Despite being a tough climb compared to the Marangu route, the Machame route has one of the highest summit success rates given the route's topography, which allows climbers to “trek high & sleep low” hence making it a more favorable route for acclimatization.
Unlike the Marangu Route which is a gradual ascent, the Machame route has steeper trails and climbers walk longer distances. This route offers some of the most spectacular scenery while on the mountain.
The Machame route starts on the mountain's southwest side and proceeds steeply north, traversing the Shira plateau and eventually joining the Shira and Lemosho routes at the Shira camp.
Tour Plan
After breakfast, you will be picked up at the lodge and taken to the entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. While your guide is busy with the registration forms, you can watch the mountain team prepare for the climb and once this is done, your Kilimanjaro adventure will begin. In no time you will be deep within the magnificent mountain rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana, lichen, and moss that carpets the ground and drapes from the trees. You will hear and with a little luck, even spot the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops. After 5 to 6 hours, you will reach today’s destination – the Machame Camp, which is just above the tree line. Here, at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro, you will have your first dinner followed by an overnight stay in tents.
- Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
- Start: Machame Gate (1,790 m)
- Finish: Machame Camp (3,010 m)
- Walking time: 5-7h
After an early morning start, the path steepens. The landscape changes into heath and moorland and the open landscape allows you to see the impressive mountain range. Today’s stage is shorter than the previous day and you will arrive at the New Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. The camp has a breath-taking view of the mountain and during sunset, the evening sun lights the rock face and glacier of Kibo.
- Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
- Start: Machame Camp (3,010 m)
- Finish: New Shira Camp (3,845 m)
- Walking time: 4-6h
Today you will climb about 800 m but you will be camping at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatize as a height of over 4,500 m will be reached over the next two days. The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower. The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to an afro-alpine desert. The route passes through the sweeping Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant Senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours, you will arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain – the Barranco Camp.
- Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
- Start: New Shira Camp (3,845 m)
- Finish: Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
- Walking time: 6-7h
Today’s stretch starts with the climb of the Barranco Wall. Safety is paramount and your guides will assist you wherever necessary. Following the ridge as it traverses up and down, you can enjoy the splendid views of the south glacier of Kibo. In the Karanga Valley you will have lunch, followed by a 2 to 3 hours climb to Barafu Camp. Once at the camp, you can relax, have dinner and call it an early night.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
- Start: Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
- Finish: Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
- Walking time: 5-7h
After a cup of hot tea and a light snack, the climb begins at around midnight. By torchlight, you will climb the screes of Kibo. After 5 to 7 hours of ascending in the dark, you will arrive at Stella Point (5,730 m), the crater rim of Mt Kilimanjaro. Another 1 to 2 hours climb along the crater ridge will lead you to Uhuru Peak. Here you will see Kilimanjaro in all its glory, enjoying the 360° view over the landscape below as the sun rises. You are now standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The simple descent runs almost along the same route and shortly before midday, you should arrive at Barafu Camp, where the porters and the cook will be waiting for you. After a warm meal and a well-deserved break of approximately 1 to 2 hours, you will be on your way down to Mweka Camp where supper and a well-earned rest await you.
- Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
- Start: Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Finish: - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,080 m).
- Walking time: 10-14h
The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back to the lodge and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to relax, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement at our main office in Moshi town.
- Breakfast; Dinner
- Start: Mweka Camp (3,080 m)
- Finish: Mweka Gate (1,630 m)
- Walking time: 2-3h
Included/Exclude
- Professional, English-speaking guide/ Germany guide on request with extra cost.
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Pre and Post night stays in hotels and mountain tents.
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)
- Private mountain Chemical Toilet Available at a request and an extra cost.
- Mountain Camp Shower Available Warm water Shower on request and at extra cost.)
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water
- All national park fees
- All mentioned transfer
- Sleeping bag
- Personal Trekking equipment
- Flights
- Laundry services.
- Alcohol
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
