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Machame Route, 7 Days

Trek to discover; make a safari to experience

Itinerary Overview

Tour Schedule

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Itinerary Overview

Nicknamed the “Whiskey” route because the route is popularized as somewhat difficult and more expensive than Marangu route.

On an overall comparison of the routes to scale Kilimanjaro, this is one of the best routes to take, both in terms of acclimatization and cost.

The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.

The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity there are increased numbers of trekkers, it loses some of its splendour. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.

In certain sections this route is steeper than the Marangu and Rongai routes and physically more demanding but is easier overall.

Great for acclimatization with lots of walk high, sleep low opportunities.

Challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones.

Good opportunity to split pre-summit day climb to leave climbers rested before summiting.

Very popular trail.

Itinerary Detail

Day 00: Arrival Day

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.

Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi/ Arusha hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

DAY 1

•Machame Gate to Machame Camp
•Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
•Distance: 11 km
•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
The drive from arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We now 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
•Distance: 5 km
•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
•Habitat: Moorland
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
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
•Habitat: Semi Desert
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
•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
•Distance: 5 km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

DAY 5

•Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
•Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
•Distance: 4 km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, 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 6

•Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to
10,000ft)
•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
•Habitat: Arctic
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 portionof 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 7

•Mweka Camp to arusha
•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
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). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in arusha ,

Trekking Pricing Terms

Please check what included and excluded in the price

Price Includes the following:

  1. Airport transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport,
  2. Hotel in Moshi on B/B if applicable
  3. Transport to and from Hotel to Kilimanjaro route entry gate,
  4. All park fees,
  5. Salaries of guides/porters/cook
  6. All meals on the mountain,
  7. Clean safe drinking water,
  8. Accommodation equipment
  9. Government tax,
  10. Certificate of climbing,
  11. First aid,
  12. Oxygen bottle,
  13. Park rescues fees

Price Excludes the following:

  1. International Flight to Tanzania,
  2. Entry VISA,
  3. Climbing gears (available for rent),
  4. Tips to guides, porters, and
  5. Items of a personal nature.

For your preparations, we also attach a list of personal hiking gears to prepare, and also you may rent on arrival.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: We have emergency helicopter rescue operated by a private company, and We advise climbers/visitors to buy insurance which includes High mountains. (world nomads, IMG, passport card- examples of insurance)

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