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6 Days 5 nights
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English
The Machame route also referred to as “Whiskey Route” is one of the most popular route on Mt. Kilimanjaro trekking and a favorite route for tourist. 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. Despite the fast being tough route to climb compared to Marangu route, the Machame has one of the highest summit success rates given the topography of the route which allows climbers to “Climb high and sleep low” as it offer the acclimatization principle.
The route begins from the south, then heads east, traversing underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field before summiting. The minimum number of days required for this route is 6 days, although 7 days is recommended. The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to the heavy crowds, it loses some of its splendor.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer driver will be waiting for you. He will take you to the Hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. You might want to explore the town of Moshi (taxi required) or just relax at the lodge. In the evening you will be briefed by our team on site in preparation of the upcoming trekking tour.
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Moshi and driven to Machame gate. After completing your registration and formalities with the park authority, you enter the rainforest zone immediately and start your Kilimanjaro ascent. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest. Rain at this zone is a strong possibility which leaves the trail muddy, soggy, and slippery on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.
Distance: 11km
Habitat: Montane forest
Time: 5 to 6 hours
We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shiraz 2 Camp.
Distance: 11km
Habitat: Montane forest
Time: 5 to 6 hours
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower (4600m) tall volcanic rock formation. Through the Senecio Forest, we descend down to Barranco Camp to an altitudinal level of (3900m). Even if you start and end at the same altitude, it is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Distance: 12km
Habitat: Moorland
Time: 6 to 8 hours
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, 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. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Distance: 13km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Time: 6 to 8 hours
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At the Stella Point (5756m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak (5895m) the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From here, you will get to
experience Kilimanjaro and all its glory and enjoy a view over the landscape. After taking pictures and celebrations, you will descend down the same route to Mweka Camp.
Shortly before mid-day, you will arrive at Barafu Camp for your lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Distance: 20 km
Habitat: Alpine desert/ Arctic summit/Montane forest
Time: 14 to 16 hours
Our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Distance: 8km
Habitat: Montane forest
Time: 3 to 4 hours
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
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