Overviews

Summary

Machame, nicknamed the ‘Whiskey’ route, is by far the most popular route and probably the most beautiful

Overview

Machame, nicknamed the ‘Whiskey’ route as it is a tougher route than the Marangu route, is by far the most popular route and probably the most beautiful route to start your ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Located on the southern side of the mountain in lush, fertile rainforest, you will head towards Shira Plateau and then circle along the southern circuit halfway around Kilimanjaro; from here you will have great views from all angles.

Although this is considered one of the better routes for acclimatization, as you will have a steady altitude increase every day, it is also one of the more challenging choices, due to hiking steeper routes for longer distances.

It is recommended that this route is done in no less than 6days / 5nights but for better altitude acclimatization it is often done in 7days/6nights.  You will approach the summmit east and make your descent along the mweka trail. Due to hiking high and sleeeping low, the Machame route has one of the highest summit success rates of all the Kilimanjaro routes.

Overview

Machame, nicknamed the ‘Whiskey’ route, is by far the most popular route and probably the most beautiful

Machame, nicknamed the ‘Whiskey’ route as it is a tougher route than the Marangu route, is by far the most popular route and probably the most beautiful route to start your ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Located on the southern side of the mountain in lush, fertile rainforest, you will head towards Shira Plateau and then circle along the southern circuit halfway around Kilimanjaro; from here you will have great views from all angles.

Although this is considered one of the better routes for acclimatization, as you will have a steady altitude increase every day, it is also one of the more challenging choices, due to hiking steeper routes for longer distances.

It is recommended that this route is done in no less than 6days / 5nights but for better altitude acclimatization it is often done in 7days/6nights.  You will approach the summmit east and make your descent along the mweka trail. Due to hiking high and sleeeping low, the Machame route has one of the highest summit success rates of all the Kilimanjaro routes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Camp (1,100m) to Machame Camp (3,100m)

Trekking Time: 5-7hrs / Distance: 9km / Altitude Gain: 1,300m Your climb starts steadily, following the trail to the west of Makoa stream into dense, ever-changing rainforest. The trail is sometimes muddy and slippery. Approaching Machame Camp (3,100m) the path emerges onto alpine moorland with beautiful views of the Western Breach.

Day 2: Machame Camp (3,100m) to Shira Camp (3,840m)

Trekking Time: 5 – 7hrs / Distance: 9km / Altitude Gain: 740m. You will climb out of the forest and up a steep boulder ridge leading to the Shira Plateau. From here you will be able to take in the stunning views Kilimanjaro has to offer, including Mount Meru in the west with its breath-taking sunsets. We camp at Shira Camp, where you will have an excursion of the area hiking at higher altitudes to assist in your acclimatization.

Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840) to Barranco Camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower

Trekking Time: 6-7hrs / Distance: 11km / Altitude Gain: 110m. The trail to Barranco Camp, taking 6 – 7 hours, is extremely beautiful and starts with a gentle incline towards Kibo. We will gradually descend to Barranco Camp with its great views of the icy Western Breach and the Barranco Wall, better known as the ‘Breakfast Wall’. This is an acclimatization day following the ‘walking high, sleeping low’ rule of mountaineering.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Barafu Camp (4,700)

Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Distance: 9km / Altitude Gain: 750m. The day starts with a not too technical trek up Barranco Wall (200m High) which, although steep, only requires hand-and-feet climbing for a few stretches. The top of the ‘Breakfast Wall’ has attractive vistas of Kibo and the surrounding landscape. This is just a short day of trekking to help with acclimatization.

Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5,895m) (Midnight start), descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Distance: 5km / Altitude Gain: 1,195m. This is the most exhausting day of your climb with an overall trekking time of approximately 16 hours. This section of your climb is the coldest with temperatures ranging from -5°C to -10°C. On the southern rim of Kibo, you will have spectacular views as the sun rises. Just a further hour’s climb will bring you to Uhuru Peak.You will be surrounded by awe-inspiring ice cliffs and magnificent views of Mawenzi peak and beyond.

: Summit (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Trekking Time: 5 – 6hrs / Distance 9km / Altitude loss: 2,795 This is not a difficult route, taking just 4 – 5 hours. The trail takes you down a rocky scree path (remember to go ‘pole pole’ – Kiswahili for slowly) through moorland and then into beautiful forest habitat. We will share our last meal on Mount Kilimanjaro and you will have a very well deserved sleep.

Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m)

Trekking Time: 4 – 5hrs / Distance: 10km / Altitude Loss: 1,300m. You will start your day with breakfast and then singing and celebrations with your porters before descending 1,300m to Mweka Gate. On arrival at Mweka Gate you will receive your Gold Summit Certificate, a token for you to take home to remember one of the biggest adventures you have experienced. 

TERMS

Important Note:

*This route can also be done over a 7 day period. We will always endeavour to get you to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, however the longer the climb the more chances you have of a successful summit. Just let us know what your preference is and we’ll be happy to provide you with a specified itinerary.