The Machame route is considered a difficult, steep, and challenging route. It is also referred to as the “Whiskey route.” It is more appealing to adventure-seeking hikers who also look for better scenery, which is not on offer on Marangu. It is better suited for more adventurous people with some high-altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.
With higher success rate and the fact that the route can be completed in 6 days reflect its popularity. Machame approaches Kilimanjaro from the south-west side of the mountain and ascends to Shira Camp through the dense rainforest before heading south towards Barranco via Lava Tower. From Barranco, you climb the Great Barranco Wall and head to Karanga camp before continuing to Barafu camp. The final part of the ascend will be via Stella Point and the descend is through the Mweka route.
Even though Kilimanjaro can be summed up in 6 days through the Machame route, a total of 7 days should be set aside for trekking. This additional day makes a huge difference and improves acclimatization and subsequently the success rate. This also allows two easier days before you tackle long summit nights later on in the tour.
Accommodation on the Machame route is in tents only, as opposed to huts on the Marangu route. All your supplies, gear, equipment, and luggage will be carried by the porters, and meals will be prepared by chefs on the mountain.
Start in the morning from the lodge in Moshi; you will make a way to the Machame gate on the south west side of Mt. Kilimanjaro (the drive takes 45 minutes). Arrive at the gate then complete all the park entry formalities and start your Kilimanjaro ascent. Rain at this zone is a strong possibility which leaves the trail muddy, soggy, and slippery. About midway, you’ll be served with a welcome lunch and reach Machame camping area in the late afternoon.
The porters and assistants will arrive at the campsite much before you and have erected the tents by you arrive. Water for washing and drinking will be prepared in the evening. Later in the evening dinner will be served before you retire to your tent for overnight. Night temperature at the campsite will drop below freezing point!
After breakfast, you’ll start climbing for an hour or so to the top of the forest and then two hours on a gentler slope in moorland zone. After reach the half way, you will continue up to Shira Plateau through a rocky ridge.
You’ll be able to see the Western Breach and its stunning glaciers as you head in an easterly direction. You’re now standing on the west of Kibo and will reach Shira Cave Campsite located at 3840m/12,590ft shortly. Boiling water, lunch and dinner will be prepared by chefs at the campsite. During night hours, the temperature drops below freezing point and hence is colder than previous night.
The route then takes an east turn and enters a semi-desert and rocky environment which surrounds the Lava Tower at an altitude of 4600 meters. Walking for approximately 4 hours will get you there. Enjoy lunch at Lava Tower, before descend down to Barranco Camp.
This is by far the toughest day on the mountain and it around this point where some climbers report experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness like irritability, headaches, and breathlessness.
The Barranco camp is located just below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall inside the valley, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner.
On this day, after spending a night at the Great Barranco Wall which offers imposing sights, you’ll hike past this obstacle-looking structure which turns out to be an easy task to accomplish than what you might have previously thought. Just below the Heim Glacier you admire the gorgeous landscape of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The route than take its turn through the Karanga Valley intercepting ridges and valleys along the way. It then finally joins in with the Mweka route. This is the preferred route for most tourists down from the summit, so bear it in mind. From the ridge, you’ll take a left turn and trek for another hour or so before reaching Barafu Camp.
You will start early, around 11 pm or midnight. Ascend to the Stella Point which is located at the rim of Kilimanjaro’s crater. From there, you can see the sun rise over the peak of Mawenzi, and after a short break, you’ll ascend further to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Descending from the peak will lead you to Barafu camp for a short rest, after the meal and some rest, and then continue down to Mweka camp to sleep overnight.
Depends with how you will be feeling, you will sleep at Millennium camp instead, so less descent today, but means more descent tomorrow.
The final ascend of your amazing Kilimanjaro trekking adventure begins after your last breakfast on the mountain followed by a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 3 to 4 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your transferring driver will be waiting for you to drive back to the Hotel accommodation in Moshi and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement.
$1,700/p
Moshi, Kilimanjaro
+255 782 866 398
+255 782 866 398
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