The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route due to its reputation for being a difficult climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the Marangu Route, which has a gradual incline and hut accommodations, climbers on Machame hike steeper trails for longer distances while sleeping in tents. The Machame Route climb takes at least six days on the mountain. However, for a better altitude acclimatization schedule, it is usually tackled over seven days. The trek begins at Machame Gate, which is located at the mountain’s southern base, within its lush, fertile rain forest. The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
Hotel: Bed & Breakfast
One hour’s drive from Moshi is the Machame route’s gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our porter crew, and begin our climb! The first section of the trail climbs steadily and passes through lush rainforest. Because this path is less traveled, it can become overgrown in places and is frequently wet and muddy underfoot.
Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
Approx. time taken: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Our path ascends through the forest until we reach the steep ascent to the Shira Plateau, where we can enjoy rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, Mt Meru will be visible in the distance, rising high above Arusha town.
Distance covered: 5.4km / 3.4mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We climb Kilimanjaro’s southwest flank, passing beneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach before arriving at camp. We spent the day at altitude (up to 4600m), but we followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to help your body acclimate to altitude.
Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Our day begins with a descent into the Great Barranco, a massive ravine. We then climb the Great Barranco Wall, which separates us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a simple rock climb, but it’s long and exhausting. Passing beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we make our way to the Karanga valley, our final stop for fresh water before reaching the summit. The terrain has changed as we walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu camp.
Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
We begin around midnight and hike steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We’ll be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours, but we’ll gain incredible height in a short amount of time. The views are breathtaking. As the sun rises, we should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m). The crater’s spectacular ice cliffs surround us, and the views to the jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour of walking brings us to Uhuru Peak (5895m). We start our descent by returning to Stella Point, then descending on scree slopes and tracks back to Barafu Camp for breakfast before heading down to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Distance covered: 16.4km / 9.6mi
Approx. time taken: 13-15 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
A gentle hike takes us through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates to proudly display! We are then met by our vehicles and driven back to the hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a welcome shower before celebrating with cold drinks. Stay the night at your pre-arranged hotel.
Distance covered: 9.1km / 7.5miles
Approx. time taken: 3 hours
Hotel: Bed &Breakfast
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
On Kilimanjaro, temperatures can easily range from the high 20s (centigrade) during the day to -15c at night. To deal with such a wide temperature range, your clothing and equipment strategy should be based on combining many thin layers that you build up and take off as the weather dictates. Kilimanjaro National Park has a strict 15kg per porter limit for your main equipment bag, which includes your sleeping bag. This will be more than enough for your needs on the mountain. Before you leave the hotel to begin the climb, your bag will be weighed, and if it is overweight, you will be required to remove items and leave them at the hotel.
Head and Hands:
Upper body:
Lower body:
Other items:
Paper Work
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