Machame Route Climb Kilimanjaro along the Machame Route
The Machame Route, offen referred to as 'The Whiskey Route', is one the most popular routes for climbing Kilimanjaro. It is particularly known for its scenic variation, its challenging and steep sections, and well-established infrastructure.
Accommodation is in tents throughout the trip.
DAY 1: From Machame Gate to Machame Camp
The trek begins through the lush rainforest. The trail winds its way up through a dense canopy of trees, providing shade and a cool atmosphere. You will encounter various flora and fauna along the way, including different species of monkeys, birds, and plants. The path gradually ascends in a zigzag manner to aid acclimatization. Lunch will be served during the hike through the rainforest.
DAY 2: From Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp
The trail continues to ascend through a different vegetation zone known as the moorland. The landscape changes as you leave the rainforest behind and enter an area characterized by heather and other hardy plant species. As you gain altitude, the views become increasingly stunning. On clear days, you may even catch glimpses of the surrounding peaks and the vast expanse of the plains below. Lunch will be served upon arrival at Shira Cave Camp.
DAY 3: From Shira Cave Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
The trail ascends gradually through the alpine desert and rocky terrain. Upon reaching the Lava Tower at an altitide of 4600 meters / 15100 feet, you can take a break to rest, enjoy your lunch, and acclimatize to the higher altitude. The place offers a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the glaciers and the Western Breach - a gap formed by lava flow on the western outer rim of Uhuru Peak. After the acclimatization stop, the trail descends steeply. You will navigate through a rocky path, until you reach the Barranco Valley.
DAY 4: From Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The hike will begin with a challenging section known as the Barranco Wall - an almost vertical ascent and imposing obstacle of 257 meters / 843 feet - involving scrambling over rocks and navigating through steep sections. As you ascend, you will however be rewarded with spectacular views of the rugged cliffs and the vastness of the mountain below. Once you have successfully conquered the wall, the trail descends into the beautiful Karanga Valley characterized by lush vegetation and offering a stunning natural setting. After a short break, the trail ascends again, gradually gaining elevation as you make your way towards the campsite. The path takes you through rocky terrain and alpine desert landscapes. Lunch will be served upon arrival at Karanga Camp.
DAY 5: From Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
The trail continues to ascend as you leave the Karanga Valley behind. The terrain becomes more rugged and barren as you reach higher elevations. During this section of the climb, you will hike through the alpine desert environment characterized by rocky terrain, scree slopes, and sparse vegetation. The landscape offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Lunch will be served upon arrival at Barafu Camp. Before you go to sleep, you will receive a summit briefing from your guide, outlining the plan for the summit push.
DAY 6: From Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak - and from Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
The trek begins in darkness as you start the challenging ascent towards the iconic Uhuru Peak around midnight. The trail is steep, and you will navigate through scree slopes, possibly snow, and rocky terrain. After 6-7 hours of climbing, and as the first rays of sunlight pierce through the darkness, you will reach Stella Point, situated at an elevation of 5756 meters / 18885 feet, while the world unfolds before your eyes. This is a significant milestone and marks the edge of the crater rim. From here, you will continue along the rim, pushing towards Uhuru Peak. The path is less steep from this point, although the high altitude and low temperatures can still present challenges.
Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, after covering the distance along the Machame route. Enjoy the breathtaking views and take memorable photos to commemorate your achievement. After celebrating your accomplishment, you will begin the descent back to Barafu Camp, retracing the same path you took during the ascent.
After a brief rest at Barafu Camp with a chance to rest, eat, and rehydrate, you will continue to descent to either Millennium Camp or Mweka Camp. The trail takes you through various vegetation zones, starting with the alpine desert and gradually transitioning into the rainforest as you descend. At the campsite, you will spend the final night on the mountain, celebrating your successful summit of Kilimanjaro along the Machame route.
DAY 7: From Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On the last day of the trek, you will have a final descent to Mweka Gate, passing trough the rainforest.
Explore Mount Meru, and the other routes for climbing Kilimanjaro, Lemosho, Umbwe, Rongai, Marangu, and Northern Circuit, as well - or take a look at the overview of which mountain route to choose.
MACHAME ROUTE OVERVIEW
The Machame Route can be completed in 6 or 7 days. If you choose to do the climb in 6 days, you will hike directly from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp.
SUMMIT SUCCES RATE: 90
ACCLIMATIZATION: Very good
DIFFICULTY: Challenging
On the morning of day 1, you will check out of the hotel and be picked up by us. We will of course take care of storing your belongings while you are on the mountain. Together, we drive to the Machame Gate, which takes about 1 hour from Moshi. After registering at the gate, you are ready to start climbing Kilimanjaro along the Machame route.
DAY 1:
From Machame Gate at 1800 m / 5900 ft to Machame Camp at 2835 m / 9300 ft - 11 km. Hiking duration: 5-6 hours
DAY 2:
From Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp at 3750 m / 12300 ft - 5 km. Hiking duration: 5-6 hours
DAY 3:
From Shira Cave Camp via Lava Tower at 4600 m / 15100 ft to Barranco Camp at 3900 m / 12800 ft - 10 km. Hiking duration: 6-7 hours
DAY 4:
From Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp at 3995 m / 13100 ft - 6 km. Hiking duration: 3-5 hours
DAY 5:
From Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp at 4673 m / 15330 ft - 4 km. Hiking duration: 3-4 hours
DAY 6 - 'SUMMIT NIGHT':
From Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak at 5895 m / 19341 ft - and to Mweka Camp at 3100 m / 10171 ft - 23 km. Hiking duration: 16-17 hours
DAY 7:
From Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate at 1640 m / 5381 ft - 10 km. Hiking duration: 2-3 hours
Km in total 69
Upon arrival at the gate, you will be rewarded with your certificate, issued by Kilimanjaro National Park, stating your successful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro along the Machame route.
Lunch will be served in a village between Mweka Gate where the Machame route ends and Moshi. Back in our office, you will get back your belongings before we take you to your hotel or the airport.
The Machame Route is for You who
seek a challenging trekking experience
are comfortable with long, steep ascents and descents
do not mind trekking alongside other climbers
What is the Best Time of Year to Trek the Machame Route?
The best time to trek the Machame route is during the dry seasons, typically from June to October, and from December to February.
What Kind of Training or Preparation is Recommended for the Machame Route?
Training involving cardio, strength, and endurance exercises is recommended to prepare for the Machame route due to its challenging terrain and altitude.
More Information
Do you want to climb Kilimanjaro along the Machame route? Go to our FAQ section for information about booking, prices, briefings, equipment checks, safety, acclimatization and much more.
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