7 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE
7 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE
7 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE
The Machame route, also known as the Whiskey; route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Therefore, this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience. Descent is made via the Mweka route. Accommodation is in tents.
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes
through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we
leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until
we reach the Machame Camp.
Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky
ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large
river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft
tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but
beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at
the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then
we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall
we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more
steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up
to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit,
which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and
enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are
viewable from this position.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the
most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this
elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while
taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the
most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we
arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut
camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the
knees; trekking poles are helpful. 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.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates.
At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to
Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in
Arusha or Moshi town.
End of Trekk
Tipping
Tipping is an accepted part of life in Tanzania, and you will be expected to tip to reward the climbing crew appropriately to keep them motivated to work at their highest ability. You will be briefed on arrival as to when and how much is appropriate, however, depending on the size of your group you should budget on a personal contribution of around $100-$150 for your trek guides, cooks and porters who accompany you on the trek. This does not include the company group leader naturalist guide. Our naturalist guide receives $50 per client. He is the most highly trained person on the trek team.
Includes:
- Trained Kilimanjaro guides
- All relevant Kilimanjaro Park fees & rescue fees
- Emergency medical evacuation
- All accommodation as described in the itinerary
- Transfers as described in the itinerary
- Drinks on the hike (potable water, tea, coffee & hot chocolate)
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International flights
- Entry visas
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Alterations to this itinerary (i.e. if different accommodations and services are provided then the price will most likely vary up or down)
- Airport departure taxes (unless stated)
- Laundry
- Beverages in hotels (except those in your personal safari vehicle)
- Hospital bills and international evacuation in the event of an emergency
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What to bring.
Clothing:
✔ T-shirts (synthetic materials are best as cotton retains moisture)
✔ Waterproof thigh-length jacket (Goretex or similar)
✔ Gloves (waterproof warm outers + thin liners)
✔ Warm hat (or balaclava) that covers the ears
✔ Waterproof walking boots (well broken-in)
✔ Waterproof outer trousers with a warm mid-layer (fleece or down)
✔ Warm long-sleeved shirt
✔ Warm walking trousers (not jeans!)
✔ Thermal underwear
✔ Walking socks (several pairs)
✔ Walking shorts
✔ Trainers or soft shoes for relaxing
✔ Sun-hat
✔ Gaiters
What to bring.
Equipment:
- Glacier glasses (or good quality sunglasses preferably with side shields)
- Personal first aid kit & essential medications
- Wet wipes
- Warm sleeping bag (3/4-season)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Trekking poles (they are available locally)
- Small towel
- Head Torch/ Head Lamp and spare batteries
- Spare plastic bags
- Water bottle(s) (minimum 6.3 pint or 3 liters capacity)
- High factor sunscreen and chap stick
- High energy snacks, dried fruit, nuts, and sweets
- A small bottle of cordial or squash concentrate (to liven up the flat taste of boiled water) or electrolytes