If Marangu is the “Coca Cola” route, then the Machame Route is the “Whiskey” route. It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain.
Of the seven main routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the Machame route is by far the most popular choice. About 50% of all climbers, choose the Machame route for good reason. The climbing is challenging, but not overwhelming. The scenery on the Machame route is absolutely amazing and by climbing to high altitude during the day and sleeping at a lower altitude at night, this route prepares climbers for proper acclimatization. It is also one of the cheaper routes due to its easy access from Moshi and the shorter itinerary of either 6 or 7 days.
The Machame route is better known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough, but a rewarding climb. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accommodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers that chose the Machame hike will find steeper trails, for longer distances, and will be sleeping in tents. Overall the Machame route is an excellent choice for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours via Machame route
MACHAME ROUTE (7 Days - Itinerary)
Day 0 | Pre-trek Briefing
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an our representative, and transfer
to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms,
hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with
our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Note: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Day 1
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45
minutes, or 1.5 hours from Arusha. 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.
Day 2
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.
Day 3
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.
Day 4
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
Day 5
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, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Day 6
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.
Day 7
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).
Kili Explorer Tanzanias vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha
.
MACHAME ROUTE
