7-DAYS | 6 NIGHTS KILIMANJARO CLIMBING VIA MACHAME ROUTE

Machame route is considered the most popular path and also famously known as the whiskey route. The route can be finished in a minimum of six days but it is recommended to be done in seven days for better altitude acclimatization.

Compared to marangu route which is also popularly known as coca –cola route the machame path can be bit challenging and its best for hikers who are more adventurous and have high altitude experience and a good hiking record. Regard less of that with the right mindset, preparation and a good team; summit can be reached with just about anybody.

The path is easy to access from the town of Moshi, and almost 50% of all climbers prefer the route. Each day on the path presents different eco system to experience which is one of the main reasons it is so popular.

The hike begins in the Kilimanjaro fertile montane rainforest. The place receives much precipitation, so trekking poles will be needed as the trail is usually slippery. The path keeps heading towards shira plateau, then climbs to the volcanic plug, lava tower and thereafter dropping and circling below the south ice field. The circular path from Barranco to Karanga to Barafu is also known as the Southern circuit. The challenging approach to the summit is done from east going through endless switchbacks until the Stella point, and finally a flat path to Uhuru Peak. Descent is made via mweka trail.

DAY 1

Moshi - Machame Gate - Machame Camp (Kilimanjaro climbing)

You will begin your drive from Moshi to machame gate; the drive will only take about 50 minutes. The journey will take you through the beautiful village of machame located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

After arrival at the gate you will proceed to the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. The path might be muddy and slippery so it is advised that you use gaiters and trekking poles.

Distance covered: 10.6km

Hiking time: 6 hours

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Elevation: 5,380ft -9,350ft

DAY 2

Machame Camp to Shira Camp(KILIMANJARO CLIMBING)

Depart from glades of rain forest and proceed on an ascending path, crossing the little valley trekking along a step rocky ridge, covered with heather till the ridge ends. The route will now diverge to west onto a river gorge. You will have your dinner and overnight rest at shira campsite.

Elevation (ft.): 9,400ft to 12,500ft

Distance Covered: 5.4km

Time to be used: 4-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 3

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp(KILIMANJARO CLIMBING)

After breakfaSt we will leave the shira plateau and proceeding eastwards up a ridge, passing the intersection towards the peak of kibo. As we keep moving, our direction changes to the south east towards lava tower. Immediately after the tower we reach the second intersection which leads us to the arrow glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We then head down the barranco hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. We will retire here and spend overnight. The day ends up at almost the same elevation as when we started which is best for acclimatization.

Elevation (ft.): 12,500ft to 13,000ft

Distance Covered: 10.8km

Time to be used: 8 - 10hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4

Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp (KILIMANJARO CLIMBING)

We start this day by descending to the base of the intimidating barranco wall. Afterwards we hike the non – technical yet steep cliff. From the top of barranco we go across a sequence of hill and valleys until we descend into karanga valley. The day is short to improve acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,044ft – 13, 106ft

Distance: 5km

Hiking time: 4 -5 hours

Habitat: alpine desert

DAY 5

Karanga Camp- Barafu Camp(KILIMANJARO CLIMBING)

We depart from karanga and reach the intersection which connects with mweka trail. We then proceed to barafu hut. This will be the completion of southern route which offers a spectacular view of the summit from different angles. Here we will rest and enjoy a tasteful early dinner as we prepare for the summit on the next day. The two peaks of kibo and mawenzi are clearly visible here.

Elevation: 13,106ft -15,331ft

Distance: 4km

Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours

Habitat: alpine desert

DAY 6

BARAFU CAMP (15,331ft) -UHURU PEAK (19,341ft) - MWEKA CAMP (10,065ft) (KILIMANJARO CLIMBING)

On this day we will push our way to the summit our trek will begin around midnight, this can a bit more physically and mentally challenging compared to the other parts of the trek.

After reaching Stella Point (18,600ft), we will take a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, snow may be encountered all the way on our 1-hour ascent to the summit. Your time at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa will be brief. Take as many pictures as you want, enjoy your accomplishment and then start heading back to Stella Point.

From the summit, we will immediately start our descent straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. . The trail is rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are useful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. We will later enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and take a well-earned rest.

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

DAY 7

MWEKA CAMP (10,065ft) -MOSHI (KILIMANJARO CLIMBING)

Following a well-earned breakfast, we will have a celebration with all the team and afterwards will have a three hours walk to mweka gate. Upon arrival at the gate you will receive your gold certificate for reaching the summit and there after head to mweka village where we will meet our driver who will take you back to your hotel for a long rest.

Distance Covered: 9.1km

Time to be used: 3hrs

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch