Many say this is the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro, your efforts will be rewarded with a unique scenic splendour that is not seen on the other commonly traversed routes. This route is often referred to as the “Whiskey route" is better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker. Unlike the Marangu route, in which you sleep in huts, you will sleep in tents on this route the Machame. However all your equipment and supplied will be carried up the mountain by our friendly porters and delicious meals will be made for you each day.
Most climbers choose to use 6 days to climb (although an additional acclimatisation day can be included on request). Acclimatisation is the key to success with this mountain and on this route we climb high to the lava tower (4,630m) on day three and then come back down by nearly 700m to overnight, this helps you to acclimatise even better.
Machame Route MAP
Day 1 - Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport
Pick up at Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to the hotel by private car.
Day 2 - MACHAME GATE (3020M) to MACHAME CAMP (2850M)
HIKING TIME: APPROX 5-6 HOURS
DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 11 KILOMETRES
HABITAT: MOUNTAIN FOREST
After breakfast your guides will come to collect you and you will drive to Machame village/gate. After registering at the gate you will begin by entering the rain forest. Living up to its name, there is a strong possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy and slippery experience.
You will have a welcome packed lunch stop about half way and will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon. The crew will set everything out at your campsite and all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
Day 3 - MACHAME CAMP (3020M) to SHIRA CAMP (3750M)
HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 4-5 HOURS
DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 5 KILOMETERS
HABITAT: MOORLAND
After an early breakfast you will climb for an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you will continue up a rocky ridge onto the stunning Shira plateau, due west of Kibo, from which you will be able to see the breathtaking glaciers. After a short hike you will reach the Shira campsite at 3,840m. The climbing crew will provide you with a tasty meal and you will then have plenty of time to sit back and relax.
Day 4 - SHIRA (AT 3750M) to LAVA TOWER (AT 4.600M) to BARRANCO CAMP (AT 3.940M)
HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATLEY 6-8 HOURS
DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 10 KILOMETRES
HABITAT: SEMI-DESERT
The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower. After lunch you will climb a rocky scree path to the Lava Tower (4630m). This five hour walk will probably be your hardest day so far and some climbers may begin to feel the altitude. However our experienced team will coach you through the symptoms and provide you with all the advice and support you need.
After lunch you descend again by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area, whilst it may seem illogical to be going down at this point, you will quickly appreciate its true acclimatisation benefit. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner.
Day 5 - BARRANCO CAMP (3.980M) to KARANGA CAMP (3995M)
HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATLY 4-5 HOURS
DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 6 KILOMETRES
HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT
Your day begins by tackling the awesome obstacle of the Great Barranco Wall. Whilst initially an imposing site, its climb is invariably easier than anticipated. You will quickly appreciate how beautiful the mighty Kilimanjaro is when you reach the bottom of the Heim Glacier. You will then head down to the Karanga Valley. This is a short walking day, but we recommend doing a short acclimatisation hike to the scree below the glaciers in the afternoon.
Day 6 - KARANGA CAMP (3995M) to BARAFU CAMP (4.673M)
HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATLY 2-3 HOURS
DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 4 KILOMETRES
HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT
This next day is similarly a short hike (approx. 3-4hrs). You will make your way over the ridges and valleys, and join up with the Mweka route. After another hour or so, you reach Barafu (Swahili for Ice) Hut. This camp gives you a real experience of the icy elements. The camp is exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony ridge. You will appreciate your warm and cosy sleeping bags on this night! The summit is now only a further 1,345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. The team will help you to prepare your equipment and clothing for your summit attempt. You will go to bed at about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep.
Day 7 - BARAFU CAMP (4673M) to UHURU PEAK (5.895M) to MWEKA (3.083M)
HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 6-7 HOURS TO REACH UHURU PEAK AND ANOTHER 5-6 HOURS TO DESCEND TO MWEKA
DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 6 KILOMETRES ASCENT – AND A FURTHER 11 KILOMETRES DESCENT
HABITAT: STONE SCREE AND ICE-CAPPED SUMMIT
At about 23h30 you will be awoken to some tea and biscuits and will make a move into the night. You will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Many climbers find this 6-hour walk to Stella point the most mentally and physically challenging aspect of the climb. At Stella Point (5,685m) your efforts will be rewarded with a short rest and the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and achievement you will remember for the rest of your life.
The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear, before heading down to Mweka hut (3,100m). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. Here you will rest and feel proud of your achievement.
Day 8 - MWEKA CAMP (3.083M) to MWEKA GATE (1.649M)
HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS
DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 10 KILOMETRES
HABITAT: FOREST
After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 3-hour and scenic hike back to the Park gate where you will receive your certificates; those climbers who reached Stella Point (5,685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates. You will be picked up and brought back to lodge for a warm welcome, a cold celebratory drink and a hearty meal.
Day 9 - Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast transfer to Kilimanjaro airport by private car.
PRICES
- Contat our office for a quotation