7 Days Machame Route
Safari Overview
The “Whisky” route, or Machame, is a well-traveled path leading up to the summit. The treks are steeper and the days are longer in Machame than in Marangu. This is regarded as a challenging path, best suited to more daring people and those with some hiking or backpacking expertise. Machame climbs in a southwesterly direction and uses Mweka to descend, offering climbers with views of the vast Shira Plateau.
Full Itinerary
Day 1
ARUSHA MACHAME GATE
We will get you from your Arusha hotel and take you by car one hour to register at Machame gate, which is 10,000 feet above the ground. The other members of the team, the cooks and porters, will meet you here, and together we will get ready for the ascent. For six hours, we will begin the ascent through the gigantic heathers and rain forest until we arrive at our first overnight camp
OVERNIGHT:
Machame Camp
MEALS:
Lunch & Dinner
Day 2
MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP
Following breakfast, we depart from the rain forest’s glades and proceed uphill, traversing the valley on a precipitous rocky ridge. After that, the path heads west into a ravine formed by a river, leading to the Shira campground.
- Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Walking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
OVERNIGHT:
Luxury camp/Lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3
SHIRA CAMP TO LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP
We proceed eastward from the Shira Plateau, climbing a hill and reaching the intersection that leads to Kibo’s peak. As we go, we turn to the southeast in the direction of the Lava Tower, often known as the “Shark’s Tooth” because of its elevation of 4,650 metres (15,250 feet). We reach the second intersection, leading to the Arrow Glacier, not far from the tower. Moving further, we descend to the Barranco Camp. Even though the day ends at almost the same elevation as it started, this day is crucial for acclimatisation because it will assist your body get ready for summit day.
- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
OVERNIGHT:
Luxury Camp/ Lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4
BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
Following breakfast, we depart from Barranco and ascend the Barranco Wall along a difficult slope to reach the Karanga Valley and the intersection with the Mweka Trail.
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
OVERNIGHT:
Luxury Camp/ Lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5
KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
We keep going until we reach Barafu Camp. You’ve finished the South Circuit, which provides a variety of perspectives on the peak. In this location, we set up camp, relax, eat dinner, and get ready for the day of the summit.
- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 4km/2mi
- Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
OVERNIGHT:
Luxury Camp/ Lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6
BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA CAMP:
We proceed to the peak between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers between midnight and two in the morning. You make your way to Stella Point on the crater rim by heading northwest and climbing over dense scree. This is the hardest part of the walk, both physically and mentally. You will pause for a little rest at Stella Point, where you will be treated to the most spectacular sunrise you have probably ever seen. Those who walk more quickly can see the sunrise from the top.
On your one-hour journey to the summit from Stella Point, snow may be encountered the entire time. You have arrived at the highest point on both the African continent and Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak!
We start our descent from the summit by going straight down to the Mweka Camp, with a lunch break at Barafu. Trekking poles and gaiters can be useful on the loose gravel descent. Upon reaching Mweka Camp, we relish our final night on the peak.
- 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
Day 7
MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
Following breakfast, we proceed to the Mweka Park Gate where you may pick up your summit certificates. It can be muddy and damp at lower altitudes. Trekking poles and gaiters will be useful. You should probably wear plenty of shorts and t-shirts (have warmer clothes and rain gear accessible).
When you arrive at Mweka Gate, Our van will be waiting to take you back to your Moshi accommodation (around 60 minutes).
- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
MEALS:
Breakfast
Price Includes
- All meals on the safari.
- All Park entrance fees & taxes.
- All prices are quoted in US Dollars.
- Game Safari to National Parks as specified
- Private 4×4 wheel drive vehicle with a roof hatch and sliding windows
- First aid kit. Our guides are all trained in providing basic first aid.
- Charging station. So you can charge your phone, camera battery, or laptop while on the road.
- Water, Soft Drinks, Wine and Beers.
- Professional English speaking safari and tour guide / driver
- Wildlife tours according to your itinerary preferences.
- All game viewing activities specified Safari.
Price Excludes
- Gears
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
- Flights
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