6-Day Kilimanjaro Adventure: Machame Route Climb Image

6-Day Kilimanjaro Adventure: Machame Route Climb

Duration: 6 day's

Description:

The Machame Route on Kilimanjaro is a seven-day camping route that allows for excellent altitude acclimatization and offers diverse scenery throughout the climb. Often referred to as the “Whiskey Route”, it is now used by approximately 35% of climbers on the mountain. The route begins on the southwest side of the mountain and traverses around to the southeast side, allowing climbers to sleep at the same altitude for three consecutive nights, which significantly aids acclimatization and increases the chances of a successful summit.

Tour Itineraries

  • Day 1

    In the morning, our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Arusha and drive to Machame Gate, a journey of about 1.5 hours. Along the way, you will pass through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, experiencing the scenic beauty of the surrounding farmlands and local life. Upon arrival at the park gate, you will complete registration formalities and meet your guides. The trek begins as you walk through the dense rainforest, following a winding trail up a ridge. Along the way, enjoy the lush vegetation, the sounds of birds, and the cool mountain air. After a few hours of hiking, you will reach Machame Camp, where you will set up camp, relax, unwind, and enjoy your first night on the mountain, preparing for the next day’s adventure.

  • Day 2

    After breakfast at Machame Camp, you will leave the lush glades of the rainforest and begin an ascending hike along a steep, rocky ridge. The scenery gradually changes as you leave behind the dense trees and enter the Shira Plateau, characterized by heather, open moorlands, and wide panoramic views. Along the way, you will cross a large river gorge, experiencing the vastness and unique vegetation of Kilimanjaro’s higher slopes. The day concludes at Shira 2 Camp, where you will rest, enjoy your meal, and prepare for the next stage of your ascent.

  • Day 3

    After breakfast at Shira 2 Camp, you will continue east along a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower, an impressive 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. From the Lava Tower, the trail descends through the unique Senecio Forest, a strange but beautiful landscape filled with giant lobelias and unusual vegetation, until you reach Barranco Camp at 13,000 ft. Although the day starts and ends at similar altitudes, spending time higher up along the route is excellent for acclimatization, helping your body adjust to the thinner air before the higher climbs ahead.

  • Day 4

    After breakfast at Barranco Camp, you will descend into a ravine to reach the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then you will climb the non-technical but steep 900 ft cliff, enjoying incredible views from the top. From there, the trail crosses a series of hills and valleys before a sharp descent into Karanga Valley. One final steep climb brings you to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day, designed to help your body acclimatize before the more challenging climbs ahead.

  • Day 5

    After breakfast at Karanga Camp, you will leave the camp and follow the trail to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. Continue the ascent through the rocky section until you reach Barafu Hut. At Barafu Camp, you will have completed the Southern Circuit, offering spectacular views of the summit from multiple angles. From here, you can see the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Settle into camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner as you prepare for the summit day ahead.

  • Day 6

    In the early hours of the morning (around midnight), you will begin the final push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek, with extreme cold and strong winds at this altitude. You will ascend in the darkness, taking frequent short breaks to conserve energy. As you approach Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. From Stella Point, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Here, you can take photos, enjoy the view, and celebrate your achievement. After a short stay at the summit, begin your descent to Mweka Camp, where you will rest, have a meal, and prepare for the final day’s descent.From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, 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. another hour Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi. Accommodation: Iliboru Safari Lodge.

  • Day 7

    After a well-deserved breakfast, you will complete the final descent to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your certificate of achievement for summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. You will then transfer back to Arusha town, with the option to do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and gifts. Depending on your flight schedule, you will drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), arriving at least 2 hours before departure. Celebrate your incredible achievement as one of the few who have stood on the roof of Africa, with memories and photos to last a lifetime!