MACHAME ROUTE

The Machame route, also known as the Whisky Route is one of the most scenic and recommended routes on Kilimanjaro. This popular route with paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. Because it can be done over longer period sand the incline is more manageable it has a much higher success rate of summit.

0 Day ; Pre -Trekking Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha,Pre-trek briefing at your Arusha hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

1 Day; Machame Gate - Machame Camp

Drive from Arusha to Mt Kilimanjaro National Park, passing by the village of Machame to Machame Gate, We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

Elevation; 1,640 m - 2,835 m
Habitat; Rain Forest
Distance; 11 km
Hiking Time; 5-7 hours

2 Day;Machame Camp - Shira 2 Camp

"After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.

Elevation; 2,835 m - 3,850 m
Habitat; Low-alpine zone
Distance; 5 km
Hiking Time; 4-6 hours

3 Day; Shira 2 Camp -Lava Tower- Barranco Camp

Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4600m) for lunch break. Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.

Elevation; 3,850 m - 4,600 m - 3,900 m
Habitat; Low-alpine zone / High-alpine zone
Distance; 11 km
Hiking Time; 5-7 hours

4 Day; Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Elevation; 3,900 m - 4,000 m
Habitat; High-alpine zone
Distance; 12 km
Hiking Time; 6-7 hours

5 Day; Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp

"We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Elevation; 4,000 m - 4,673m
Habitat; Alpine Desert
Distance; 6 km
Hiking Time; 3 hours

6 Day; Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp

"Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and . This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.

Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp."

Elevation; 4,673 m - 5,895 m - 3,100 m
Habitat; Glacial zone and the all preceding zones
Distance; 4.5km up - 11km down
Hiking Time; 6-8 hours up - 5-8 hours

7 Day;Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate

After breakfast, we continue to climb down to Mweka Gate where we sign the Official Kilimanjaro National Park Register, have a cold drink, and get presented our official Kilimanjaro Certificate by our Head Guide.

We then head to our bus and head back to Hotel in Arusha, Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations.This drive takes approximately 2 hrs. ."