The Machame Route
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Introduction
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, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accomodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents.The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days on the mountain. However, it is most often tackled over seven days, for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, 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.
Day 0: Pre-trek 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 Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive atleast 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.
Day 1: Hotel to Machame Camp
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations 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.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast we leave the glades of 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.
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
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” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/6mi
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), 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 you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7 DEPARTURE
After a much-needed nights rest, we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged airport transfers with us or a safari / Zanzibar trip, we will collect you in the morning for your onward journey.
- Transport: 0.8 hour, 40 km
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 0: Pre-trek 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 Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive atleast 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.
Day 1: Arrival and Machame Gate to Machame Camp
- Elevation: 1,800 m (5,906 ft) to 3,000 m (9,843 ft)
- Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Duration: 5-6 hours
Arrive at the Machame Gate, where you’ll complete registration and paperwork. Start your trek through the lush rainforest and hike towards Machame Camp. The hike is relatively moderate, allowing you to begin acclimatizing to the altitude as you climb.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- Elevation: 3,000 m (9,843 ft) to 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
From Machame Camp, continue through the dense forest and head upwards into the moorland zone. The terrain begins to change as you ascend. By the time you reach Shira Camp, you’ll be surrounded by the open and expansive Shira Plateau, offering magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower, then Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 3,850 m (12,631 ft) to 4,630 m (15,190 ft) to 3,950 m (12,960 ft)
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Duration: 6-8 hours
On this day, you’ll ascend to Lava Tower (4,630 m) for acclimatization, which is an important part of the climb. After a short rest at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp at 3,950 m. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 3,950 m (12,960 ft) to 4,035 m (13,267 ft)
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
This day features the famous Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding climb. The wall is made up of rocky terrain, and once you’ve completed it, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views. From the top, the route continues to Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest for the night. This is a relatively short hike that allows you to acclimatize further.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 4,035 m (13,267 ft) to 4,640 m (15,223 ft)
- Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
Today’s trek is shorter, but you will be gaining significant altitude. The route moves through alpine desert terrain with fewer plants and more rocky areas as you ascend to Barafu Camp, which lies just below the summit. This will be your base camp before the final push to the summit, so be sure to rest and prepare for the challenging summit day.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and down to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,640 m (15,223 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) to 3,080 m (10,105 ft)
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles) to summit and 13 km (8.1 miles) down to Mweka Camp
- Duration: 12-14 hours (Summit Day)
The summit day begins very early, around midnight or 1:00 AM. You’ll ascend through the night towards Stella Point on the rim of the crater. From there, it’s a short final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. After celebrating your achievement, begin your descent to Barafu Camp for a brief rest. From Barafu, continue down to Mweka Camp to rest after your long, physically demanding day.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Elevation: 3,080 m (10,105 ft) to 1,640 m (5,381 ft)
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
On the final day of the trek, descend through the lush forest to the Mweka Gate where you will officially sign out and receive your summit certificate. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha to celebrate your achievement.
Included
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, East Africa. It is the highest peak in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
The highest peak is Uhuru Peak, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.
The best time is during the dry season, from late June to October and January to mid-March, for stable weather conditions.
It takes 5-9 days on average, depending on the route and pace.
The altitude is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) at its highest point.
Kilimanjaro offers several trekking routes to the summit, each with its unique challenges and scenic views. The most popular routes are:
- Marangu Route (also known as the “Coca-Cola Route”): Easiest, with hut accommodations.
- Machame Route (the “Whiskey Route”): Challenging but scenic.
- Lemosho Route: Longer, allowing for better acclimatization.
- Rongai Route: Quieter and more remote.
- Umbwe Route: The steepest and most direct, recommended for experienced trekkers.
Related Tours
The Rongai Route
- 6 to 7 Days
- Starting From USD 1700
The Lemosho Route
- 6 to 8 Days
- Starting From USD 1700
The Marangu Route
- 5 to 6 Days
- Starting From USD 1600
