Known as the “Whiskey” route, the Machame route is now the most popular route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.
The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to the heavy crowds, it loses some of its spendor.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Nairobi – JKIA Airport or Nairobi hotel | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTURE TIME | Early Morning | ||||||||||||
| RETURN TIME | Late afternoon | ||||||||||||
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Day 1: Arusha – Machame Gate to Machame Hut (Full Board)
From Arusha drive for 2hrs to Machame route passing Machame Village. The climb starts from machame gate (1830m), we walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rain forest, you will arrive to the first Machame Hut, situated at 3000m above sea level If is a clear day we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. Machame Gate to Machame Hut (3,000 m): 6-7 hours walking.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (Full Board)
A shorter day climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic site, and continue up a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo peak can be seen from Shira Camp. Machame Hut to Shira Camp (3,840m): 4-6 hours walking.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Valley (Full Board)
Today we walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and after hot lunch the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.). Shira Camp to Barranco valley (3,900 m.): 5-7 hours walking.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (Full Board)
A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, finally we have a steep climb up to Karanga Camp Barranco Camp to Karanga camp (4,000 m): 4-5 hours walking.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (Full Board)
A steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp. The two peaks Kibo and Mawenzi can been seen from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at the Camp, The remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk. Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m.): 3-4 hours walking.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (Full Board)
Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m. We will rest there for few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to main peak (5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment we descend to Barafu is amazingly fast, and we stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach Mweka Camp. Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (3100 m): 13-15 hours walking.
Day 7: Descent – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha (Full Board)
A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka gate successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch we drive back to Arusha Hotel. Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours walking.
Day 8: Depart Arusha
Depart from Arusha Hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or other destinations in Tanzania or Kenya.
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