Route Info: The second most popular and indeed one of the most beautiful routes up the mountain is the Machame Route. Also known as the Whisky Route, this trail is both longer and slightly more challenging than the Marangu Route. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. The route is better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him with a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route. Provided of its challenge about 80% of hiker makes to the summit of Africa.
Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Machame Gate 1,790 meter to Machame Camp 3,010 meter
After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel at 09:30 am and drive to Machame entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park the drive will take about an hours to Machame gate which is located in machame village. At the gate your guide will be busy with the registration forms and porters will be weighing the luggage, you can walk around the entrance gate can see monkeys or watch the mountain team preparing for the climb equipment once all done, your hiking adventure will start. In no time you will be deep within the wonderful mountain rainforest with very old trees, ancient ferns, liana, lichen and moss that carpets the ground and drapes from the trees. With a little luck, you can spot the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops. After a walk of 5 to 6 hours, you will reach the day destination[[Not allowed]]the Machame Camp which is located just above the tree line at 3,010 meter. At the camp, at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro, you will have your first mountain hot dinner followed by an overnight stay in tents.
Day 2: hiking to Machame Camp 3,010 meter to Shira Camp 3,845 meter
Wakeup coffee early before breakfast then start packing your bags and heading for a breakfast, After breakfast the guide will be doing the medical checkup you will start your second day trekking, the path steepens and the landscape changes into moor- and heath land and the open landscape allows you to see the exciting mountain range. The second day’s destination is shorter than the previous day and you will arrive at the Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. The camp has an incredible view of the mountain and during sunset, the sun lights the rock face and glacier of Kibo
Day 3: hiking Shira Camp 3,845 meter to Lava Tower 4,640 meter to Barranco Camp 3,960 meter
Wakeup coffee as normal medical checkup as normal. Today you will hike up about 800 meter but you will be sleeping at an elevation only slightly higher than the last night. This will allow your body to acclimatize better since you will have relatively altitude. The hike begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower 4,640 meter. The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to an afro-alpine desert. The route passes through the wide Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant senecio plants. The day will take about a 6 to 7 hours walk, you will arrive at the most stunning camp on the mountain[[Not allowed]]the Barranco Camp.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft
Wakeup coffee. Today you will have two breakfast; starts with the climb of the Breakfast wall which is the (NIKE NAME) Barranco Wall. Safety is needed your guides will assist you wherever necessary. Following the ridge as it goes up and down, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the south glacier of Kibo. In the Karanga Valley you will have hot lunch.
Day 5: hiking karanga Camp 4200 meter to Barafu Camp 4,640 meter
Wakeup coffee. Today you will have 2 to 3 hours hike to Barafu Camp You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, you can relax have dinner and call it an early sleep and prepare for the summit day.
Day 6: hiking Barafu Camp 4,640 meter to / Stella Point/ Uhuru Peak 5,895 meter to Mweka Camp 3,080 meter.
After hot coffee and light snacks, the hike begins at around midnight. By headlight, you will climb the screes of Kibo. About 5 to 7 hours of ascending in the dark you will arrive at Stella Point, the crater rim of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Another 1 to 2 hours hiking along the crater ridge will lead you to Uhuru Peak (the summit) 5,895 meters.
Here you will see Kilimanjaro in all its glory, enjoying the 360° view over the landscape below as the sun rises. You are now standing on the “Roof of Africaâ€. After amazing pictures and all your explorations the simple descent runs almost along the same route and shortly before midday you should arrive at Barafu Camp, where the porters and the cook will be waiting for you. After a warm meal and a well-deserved break of approximately 1 to 2 hours, you will be on your way down to Mweka Camp 3,080 meter for a well-earned rest await
Day 7: Walking down to Mweka Camp 3,080 meter to Mweka Gate 1,630 meter to your hotel
The final ascend of your amazing Kilimanjaro adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional songs about Kilimanjaro and the life of Tanzanians ceremony with the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where you will be picked up and drive to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After all is hiking day the Kilimanjaro national park will be prepared for your certificate. This will be for those who went to Uhuru Peak/Stella Point. After a warm shower the rest of the day is free relaxing and swimming. AFRICAN TRACES will bring your certificate at the evening time and collecting the questioner form plus the medical form.
