Machame Route
Route Notes:
- Difficulty: Medium
- Scenery: Excellent
- Traffic: High
Trek Inclusions:
Accommodation
Transfer
Meals
Known as the Whisky Route, this is one of the most scenic and therefore popular routes on the mountain and offers adventurous climbers stunning scenic outlooks. With paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to late sunsets at Shira Plateau to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall.
It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. Because it can be done over longer periods and the incline is more manageable it has a much higher success rate of summit.
Trekking Itinerary
Day 1:
Machame Hut Camp
A short drive brings us to the Machame trailhead (~5,380’). After the climbers and crew have checked in with the park rangers, we will hike up through the montane forests, winding up the mossy jungle, making our way to Machame Hut camp.
- Hiking: 5-7 hours
- Overnight Altitude: ~9,350′
Day 2:
Shira Plateau
After breakfast, our hike continues through the forest. We will take our time, soaking in the scenery as we make our way through the moorlands. We will be treated to spectacular views of Kibo peak.
- Hiking: 4-6 hours
- Overnight Altitude: ~12,500′
Day 3:
Barranco Camp
Today is a long day but lots of acclimatization as you climb high, sleep low. We will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (~15,190’) for lunch, before descending to the Barranco valley. For those who have energy, and if time and weather permit, there’s the possibility to scramble up the Lava Tower itself. The scenery is amazing today, passing through different zones of the mountain.
- Hiking: 6-8 hours
- Overnight Altitude: ~13,044′
Day 4:
Karanga Camp
Today you’ll continue to acclimatize and let your body adjust to these higher altitudes, in preparation for your upcoming summit push. Climb the steep Barranco Wall and then go up and down several ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga camp. There will likely be time for an acclimatization hike in the afternoon.
- Hiking: 4-5 hours
- Overnight Altitude: ~13,106′
Day 5:
Barafu Camp
Today you’ll continue your circuit and arrive at your final camp before the summit (Barafu camp). Some ups and downs along ridges and valleys along the way. You’ll have an early supper, sleep for a few hours, and then arise at about 11:00 PM to start tomorrow’s summit ascent.
- Hiking: 3-4 hours
- Overnight Altitude: ~15,331′
Day 6:
Summit and Mweka Camp
Start hiking at around midnight, using your headlamps to lead the way slowly up to Stella Point and then the summit. Due to the altitude, you will hike slowly, and will need to dress warmly for the cold. After celebrating with photos at the summit, descend down to Mweka camp.
- Hiking: 6-7 hours ascent to the summit, then 6-9 hours of descent
- Summit: ~19,341′
- Overnight Altitude: ~10,500′
Day 7:
Mweka Park Gate (~5,000’) to Arusha
We make the final descent through the rain forest to Mweka Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner.
- Hiking: 3-5 hours
Inquire about this Trek
Cost Covers:
- Airport Transfers (we pick up you on arrival day, and we take you back after the climb)
- Transfers from Hotel to Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel
- Quality Sleeping tents shared by 2 clients
- Mess tents, Crew tents, Table, Chairs, eating utensils, cooking equipment.
- Clean, purified drinking water
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Kilimanjaro entrance fees/conservation fees
- Kilimanjaro Camping fees
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Sleeping Mats
Cost does not Cover;
- International and local airfare
- Local transportation before and after the climb.
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
- Personal expenses example: Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Tips for the support team
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
- Optional tours not mentioned in this itinerary