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Machame Route 6 Days – Kilimanjaro Hike

$1780
Duration
6 days
Max People
6
Reviews
4.63 /5
$1780

Description

Nicknamed the "Whiskey" route because the route is popularized as somewhat difficult and more expensive than the Marangu route. On an overall comparison of the routes to scale Kilimanjaro, this is one of the best routes to take, both in terms of acclimatization and cost. The Machame route is considered a difficult route and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.

The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity there are increased numbers of trekkers, it loses some of its splendour. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.

Highlights
  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro Int. Airport
  • Hike Mt. Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, East Africa
  • The highest mountain in Africa with an elevation of 19,341 feet (5,895 meters)
  • The largest free-standing mountain in the world and is one of the seven summits

Tour Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 Hotel to Machame Camp

Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/6mi
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Itinerary Map
Price Information

This price is per person, based on 2 people sharing. While this price reflects the suggested itinerary (including accommodation and excursions), this private trip is 100% tailor-made, and after you make your inquiry, a specialist can help you select the options best suited to your tastes and budget.

Departure Information

This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements

Includes
  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees
  • Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on a sharing basis)
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Excludes
  • Tanzania Visa
  • International and domestic flights
  • Hotel (available as an optional addon)
  • Transfers (available as an optional addon)
  • Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages
  • Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
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Best Time to Travel

Climbing Kilimanjaro isn’t an easy feat. Thus, knowing the best time to ascend the mountain is the best way to ensure reaching the peak.

So, when is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? The best time to climb the highest-standing mountain in the world is during Tanzania’s dry season. This means it would be best to scale from December to March or the middle of June to the end of October, which are the driest months in Tanzania.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a mighty challenge, but practically everyone can do it. In addition, if you’re a newbie to trekking, camping, living outdoors or high altitude, you might find the hike up Kilimanjaro quite challenging indeed. Thus, it’s essential to scale the mountain during the driest months in Tanzania and avoid climbing in April, May and November as these are the rainy seasons in the country.

Machame Route

The Kilimanjaro Machame route climbs is our second favourite route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Together with Lemosho, it is widely considered the most scenic with beautiful views and a rich variety of terrain. Therefore, it’s no coincidence that it is a very popular Kilimanjaro route, with the latest figures suggesting that just over 20,000 people climb the Machame route each year. It’s popularity is unfortunately therefore it’s only downfall, in that it can get quite overcrowded in peak season.

The acclimatisation profile of the Machame route is great, making use of the climb high sleep low concept most effectively. The route approaches from south and has a comparatively high success rate, especially for climbers who choose the seven-day option. The six-day Kilimanjaro Machame Route climbs itinerary is not recommended for first-time trekkers as it provides less time for acclimatisation. There are no huts, and only camping is possible on the Machame.

Accommodation Style
Camping

Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro offers adventurers a unique immersion into the awe-inspiring landscape of Africa’s tallest mountain. As trekkers ascend through diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, camping sites become sanctuaries amidst the rugged terrain. Beneath star-studded skies, tents are pitched on designated platforms, providing respite and a sense of camaraderie among fellow climbers.

Each evening, as the sun dips below the horizon, campfires flicker, illuminating tales of the day’s journey and anticipation for the challenges ahead. With each night spent under the vast canopy of Kilimanjaro, campers forge unforgettable memories amid nature’s grandeur, making the ascent not just a physical feat, but a deeply enriching adventure of the spirit.

Most Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight of equipment will I carry?

You are expected to carry your own day pack, with only things which should be able to sustain you until you reach the next camp at the end of the day. You do not need to carry your personal backpack/ duffel pack – It will be carried by our porters.

What if I am slower than the other trekkers?

No worries about that – this is a common concern. It is much better for your body if you proceed slowly and guides will permanently remind you about this (“pole-pole” – which means “slowly slowly”). By walking slowly, your body will much better acclimatize to high altitude. There is plenty of time allocated each day for the treks, even for those who like to go very slowly.

What if I cannot make it to the top?

Some climbers may fall short of reaching the summit, but not at the expense of their overall experience. Even for those who never reached the top, the experience of the wonders of Kilimanjaro is very rewarding. If one or more members of the group decide they cannot continue, or if a guide deems it unsafe for an individual (or a group) to continue, they are escorted to the most convenient campsite or Hut. Our guides intimately know the network of shortcuts to escort climbers to safety, and they are trained to act quickly and calmly under any circumstance.

What is the accommodation like during trekking?

On the Marangu Route, there are simple basic Huts. The first 2 Huts sleep four people each and the last Hut is a dome-style with bunk beds. On all the other routes, you will sleep in 3 dome-style Tents, two people each. The Tents are modern and have an outer flysheet and large vestibules to keep equipment from the elements. They are set up, broken down, and carried- along with everything else- by our porters.

There are public toilets set up at every campsite, but portable toilets are available upon request at the cost of $ 100 per group for the whole tour. Hot water is provided for each person every morning but No showers during the trek There will be dining tents with chairs and tables where all meals will be served. Before any meal, we will provide soap and hot water for washing your hands.

What is the food like on the mountain?

For each trek on the Mount a dedicated cook will be part of the logistical team. They are professional chefs and can prepare different kinds of dishes. Please see a sample page for Dietary Menu.

What if I get sick up the mountain?

You shouldn’t worry- You are in safe hands. Our guides are professionally trained to handle all sorts of distress and respond quickly and accordingly. They all have Wilderness First Aid Responder qualification and they will all time bring you to safety. They will directly call for an emergency evacuation if the situation worsens.

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