Machame Trekk Route
Tour Overview
Machame Trekk Route
The Machame route is the most popular route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the route of choice for many people because it provides impressive views and a variety of habitats. About 50% of all climbers, and most seasoned climbers, choose the Machame route for their trip. It is also one of the cheaper routes due to its easy access and shorter itinerary.
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 accommodations 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 (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is most often tackled over seven days (six nights), for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The success rate is significantly higher when using the seven day route.
Arrival & Briefing
If you have requested for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in a pre-trek briefing, check your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
6 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE ITINERARY
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey pass through the Machame village which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
Depart at 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. 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
After breakfast 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
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
From the Shira Plateau 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” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. 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
- Hiking Time: Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elevation 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elevation 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. 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
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), 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 continue 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
After breakfast descend down to the Mweka 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).
Ndosa Travel vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.
- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
What the best time to go?
The best time to do the 6-day Machame Route (Mount Kilimanjaro) is during the dry seasons, when weather and trail conditions are most favorable.
Best Months (Highly Recommended)
January – mid March
- Warm temperatures
- Clear skies
- Less crowded than peak season
- Good summit success rate
Best for:Quiet climbs, scenic views, experienced trekkers
June – October
- Cool, dry weather
- Very stable conditions
- Best visibility
- Peak season (more climbers, especially July–September)
Inclusions
- Transfers to and from the gate
- Experienced, mountain guides
- Park fees
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Hut fees
- Rescue fees
- Sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Mess tents with table and chairs
- Camping / Hut fees (where required)
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Exclusions
- Tanzania Visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional)
- Transfers (available as an optional)
- Personal equipment list for Mount Kilimanjaro. Trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for renting)
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Drinks
Machame Trekk Route
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