The Machame route, also known as the "Whiskey" route, is the most popular and beautiful route to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore, this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate.
The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. The climb begins in the lush rainforest and follows a path that offers occasional views of Mt Meru, Shira Ridge as well the main summit of Mt Kilimanjaro – Kibo. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu.
Descent is made via the Mweka route. The six-day variation combines days four and five, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga. The Machame route contains more steep passages and higher altitudes than the Marangu and the Rongai route and is slightly more demanding.
6 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE KILIMANJARO CLIMBING TOUR-2024
-
TOUR OVERVIEW
MACHAME ROUTE CLIMB KILIMANJARO -
DAY 0: ARRIVAL AT ARUSHA/KILIMANJARO AIRPORT – MOSHI
MACHAME ROUTE CLIMB KILIMANJAROUpon arrival at Arusha /Kilimanjaro Airport you will meet your Migration Seekers Expedition guide who will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi Tanzania (for budget hotels we recommend KILIMANJARO WHITE HOUSE HOTEL). Settle into your accommodation, relax and get used to the African atmosphere. Ready to start your 6 DAYS KILIMANJARO HIKING TOUR VIA MACHAME ROUTE the next day.
-
DAY 1: MOSHI – MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP
MACHAME ROUTE CLIMB KILIMANJAROAfter breakfast you will be picked up at the lodge and taken to the Kilimanjaro entrance gate. While your guide is busy with the registration forms, you can be preparing yourself for the climb and once this is all done, your Kilimanjaro adventure will begin. In no time you will be deep within the magnificent mountain rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana, lichen and moss that carpets the ground and drapes from the trees.
You will hear and with a little luck, even spot the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops. After 5 to 6 hours, you will reach Machame Camp which is situated just above the tree line. Here, at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro, you will have your first dinner followed by an overnight stay in tents.
• Elevation (ft):5,400 - 9,400ft
• Altitude (m):1,790m - 3010m
• Distance covered: 11km
• Time to be used: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Machame camp
-
DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA 2 CAMP
MACHAME ROUTE CLIMB KILIMANJAROAfter an early morning start, the path steepens. The landscape changes into heath and moorland and the open landscape allows you to see the impressive mountain range. Today’s stage is shorter than the previous day and you will arrive at the New Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. The camp has a breath-taking view of the mountain and during sunset, the evening sun lights the rock face and glacier of Kibo.
• Altitude: 3,010 m to 3,845m
• Distance Covered: 5km
• Time to be used: 4 - 6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Habitant: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
• Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
-
DAY 3: SHIRA 2 CAMP – LAVA TOWER - BARRANCO CAMP
MACHAME ROUTE CLIMB KILIMANJAROToday you will climb about 800 m but you will be camping at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatize as a height of over 4,500 m will be reached over the next two days.
The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower. 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.
The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to an afro-alpine desert. The route passes through the sweeping Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours, you will arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain – the Barranco Camp.
• Altitude: 3,845 m to 3,845m to 3,960m
• Distance Covered: 10 km
• Time to be used: 6-8 hours.
• Habitat: Semi Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Barranco camp
-
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP - BARAFU CAMP
MACHAME ROUTE CLIMB KILIMANJAROToday’s stretch starts with the climb of the Barranco Wall. We leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. Safety is paramount and your guides will assist you wherever necessary. Following the ridge as it traverses up and down, you can enjoy the splendid views of the south glacier of Kibo. In the Karanga Valley you will have lunch, followed by a 2 to 3 hours climb to Barafu Camp.
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. Once at the camp, you can relax, have dinner and call it an early night.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Karanga camp to Barafu Camp
• Altitude: 3,960 m to 4,640 m
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331ft
• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331ft
• Distance Covered: 5km
Hiking time 4-5hrs
• Time to be used: 4- 5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunc
h & Dinner • Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Barafu camp
-
DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP – UHURU PEAK – MWEKA CAMP
MACHAME ROUTE CLIMB KILIMANJAROAfter a cup of hot tea and a light snack, the climb begins at around midnight from Kosovo camp. 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 portion of 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 the 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.
•Kosovo Camp to Uhuru Peak
•Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
•Elevation: 16,076 ft to 19,341 ft
•Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
•Distance: 5 km/3 miles
•Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Altitude: 4,863 m to 5,895 m •Altitude: 5,895 m to 3,080 m
•Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
•Habitat: Arctic
•Habitat: Rain Forest
>Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
>Accommodation: Mweka Camp
-
DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP - MWEKA GATE - BACK TO MOSHI
MACHAME ROUTE CLIMB KILIMANJAROThe final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to relax, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement
Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
• Altitude: 3,080 m to 1,630m
• Distance Covered: 9.3km km down
• Time to be used: 2 - 3 hrs.
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
_THE END OF TREK_
Booking Form
Start to book your tour
Package Inclusions
Package Exclusions
Booking Form
Start to book your tour