Introduction
Machame Route is one of the most popular routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, approximately 50% of trekkers use the Machame Route to ascend Kilimanjaro. The route is very scenic, providing hikers with incredible views and varying landscapes. The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route (This is misconception), which is known as the Coca Cola route. You can complete climb Kilimanjaro via Machame route on a 6 or 7 day itinerary. Both options include a climb high, sleep low acclimatization day.
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,640 meters) to Machame Camp (2,835 meters)
- Distance: 11km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitant: Rainforest
The first day begins at Machame Gate (1,640 meters).Drive from the town of Moshi or Arusha to the gate, which takes approximately an hour .At the Gate you will meet your trekking crew – your guide, porters and cook. Here at the where you will complete entry formalities and the porters assemble gear for the trek. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail to the first hut which is located at an altitude of 3, 048 meters. 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. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy our dinner, and overnight.
Day 2: Machame Camp (2,835 meters) to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters)
- Distance: 5km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitant: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
After the early Breakfast, pack your gear and prepare for the trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters).You will be enter the low alpine zone which is characterized by moorlands and grasslands and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge. At the Shira Camp you see the views of Kibo in the North-West and Mount Meru in the East.
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then Barranco Camp (3,900 meters)
- Distance: 11km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitant: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
After the early Breakfast, we continue 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 4,876 meters. Then back down via the Southern Circuit to Barranco Camp (3,900 meters, Although you end the day at a very similar elevation to when you started from Shira Camp, it is arguably one of the most important days on your trek as it gives you a chance to climb high and sleep low which is important for proper acclimatization.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,900 meters) to Karanga Camp (3,960 meters) (and then Barafu Camp – 4,680 meters)
- Distance: 9.5km
- Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
- Habitant: High alpine zone
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, which requires scrambling skills to the top of the Karanga Valley l. We continue through the Karanga Valley (4200m) where our camp will be located. If you are on a six day trek you will stop for lunch at Karanga Camp and then continue on along the Southern Circuit until it joins the Mweka Trail up to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters.Trekkers on the seven day route spend the night at Karanga Camp before continuing on to Barafu. This additional day is beneficial in terms of acclimatisation.
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,680 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then Mweka Camp (3,100 meters)
- Distance: 4.5km / 3 miles ascent and then 11km / 7 mile descent
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours to the summit and then 5-8 hours to Mweka
- Habitant: Glacial zone and the all preceding zones
This is summit day; you will be awoken around 23:30 with hot tea and biscuits. The trek up Kibo is steep and slow. It takes about 6-8 hours to reach the top of the crater rim where you will see the sign for Stella Point (5,739 meters) and take some short rest with a cup of hot tea and chocolate. From here you still have another 156 meters of altitude to walk around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters).After reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro and taking amazing photos, you will then descent to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters)!
Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,100 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters)
- Distance: 9km
- Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
- Habitant: Rainforest
This will be the last final day of trekking on the Machame Route. After breakfast, you continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate.The trek is a pleasant one through the lower rain-forested slopes and down to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to hotel in Moshi or Arusha where will be presented with official certificates as a successful climber .It is customary to tip your trekking crew before being transported back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
