Machame Route
6 Days
5 Nights
Overview
adventurous trekkers/climbers
Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame route “Whiskey route” is one of the best routes to climb, both in terms of acclimatization and cost. The route is considered more difficult route, and is better route for adventurous trekkers/climbers and those with some hiking experience. It is more Popular Route for climbing Kilimanjaro than all. The route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route. In a certain section this Climbing Kilimanjaro route is steeper than the Marangu and Rongai routes and physically more attractive, great for acclimatization with lots of walk high.
Day to day Itinerary
Day 1
Machame gate to Machame Camp
Drive from Arusha/Moshi to Machame Gate. The journey passes through the Machame Village located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Then reach the park gate and walk through the rain forest up to a ridge. At lower elevation points the route trail can be muddy and slippery. Then we continue a very short distance until we reach the Machame Camp for Dinner and overnight.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km
Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Dinner and Breakfast
Day 2
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast we leave Machame camp and continue with ascending path, then passing through the valley along a steep rocky ridge. We proceed ascending more to the west side until we arrive at Shira camp.
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km
Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Early in the morning we leave Shira Camp, then we continue to the east up to a ridge, crossing the junction towards Kibo’s Peak. As we continue, we take the South East direction to the Lava Tower. Then we continue with our Journey down to Barranco Camp. This day is very important for acclimatization and will help you ready for the summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
We leave Barranco Camp after breakfast and continue on a steep ridge up to the Barranco Wall, passing through the Karanga Valley to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. Then we continue up to the Barafu Camp. When reaching the Barafu Camp you have the chance to see the views of the summit from many different angles. Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft Distance: 9km Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We leave Barranco Camp after breakfast and continue on a steep ridge up to the Barranco Wall, passing through the Karanga Valley to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. Then we continue up to the Barafu Camp. When reaching the Barafu Camp you have the chance to see the views of the summit from many different angles. Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft Distance: 9km Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight) we take our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We take the northwest direction and ascend until we reach the Stella Point on the crater rim. Reaching at this point is the most challenging portion of the Climbing Kilimanjaro. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise. Quick hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the roof of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Then after arriving at Mweka Camp, enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast we continue our descending down to Mweka gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Extreme Wilderness Adventure vehicles will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours Habitat: Forest Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast we continue our descending down to Mweka gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Extreme Wilderness Adventure vehicles will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours Habitat: Forest Meals: Breakfast
