Machame route, also known as Whiskey route, is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro this is the most scenic route and has recorded the highest success rate thanks to the topography of the route which allows climbers to “trek high & sleep low” hence making it a more suitable route for acclimatization.
Machame route approaches the mountain from the south west side traversing through the Shira plateau and on to the southern ice fields and joins Lemosho route at Shira camp.
Machame route can be completed in a minimum of 6 days but 7 days is recommended for acclimatization especially to climbers with low hiking experience.
Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)
You will be picked up at your hotel after your breakfast and drive to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete park entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to big tree camp which is the first camp site.
Distance: 7 kilometers.
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)
Today we hike through the trail leading out of the rain forest across the grassy moorland terrain, the path is scattered with volcanic rocks we reach Shira 1 camp where we will be camping tonight at this point you can catch a glimpse of Kibo peak
Distance: Distance: 8 kilometers
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Shira Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m
Today we are hiking to Barranco camp we start our day by passing through the upland dessert on to the lava ridges before reaching the panoramic views, walking in to the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), also known as “Shark’s Tooth “our highest point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley by now you shall have acclimatized which will improve your performance the following day.
Distance covered: 10 kilometers
Approx. time taken: 6-7hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Today our day begins by descending to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then climb the cliff, a long steep but non-technical nearly 900 ft. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend into Karanga Valley and finally to Karanga Camp.
Distance covered: 5 Kilometers
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We leave Karanga camp and hike to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles from this position you will be able to view the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks from your camp as you enjoy your early dinner.
Distance covered: 3 Km
Approx. time taken: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m
Today we start off at around midnight and hike steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for about 5 hours reaching Stella point (5739m) at this point you will enjoy the most spectacular view of sunrise through the ice cliffs, we continue walking for one hour arriving at Uhuru Peak the highest point (5895m) where we will spend a few moments and grab some pictures before we start our descent back to Stella point and finally to Barafu camp for breakfast and thereafter walk down to Millennium Camp for rest.
Distance covered: 13.4 Kilometers
Approx. time taken:[[Not allowed]]hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
Today is our last day on the mountain we descend down to Mweka gate where we will correct our summit certificate we expect the terrain to be wet and muddy, a transfer vehicle will be waiting to drive us back to the hotel for refreshment and celebration for our victory.
