The Machame route is also called the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate then continues in the lush rain forest and follows a path that offers occasional views of Mt Meru, Shira Ridge as well as the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The route proceeds to Lava Tower then head down towards Barranco Valley via the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu and descending through the Mweka route.
Hilbastours: Offers 6 days climb but 7 days Machame is preferable for the best opportunity to acclimatize properly.
Itinerary
Arrive in Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro AirPort (JRO) where you meet Hilbas representative, pickup, and transfer to the Hotel for bed/breakfast and briefing.
Day 1- Machame Gate to Machame Hut
Machame Camp
Elevation: 1800m/5940ft to 2900m/9570ftDistance: 11 kmHiking Time: 6-7 hoursVegetation Zone: Rain forest.
The drive will pick you up from Hotel to Machame Gate which will takes 45 minutes. Here you will pass through villages located on the lower slopes of the Mountain.
Day 2- Machame Hut to Shira Camp
Shira Camp
Elevation: 2900m/9870ft to 3750m/12375ft Distance: 5 km Hiking Time: 4-6 hoursVegetation Zone: Moorland
This is the shorter day and after breakfast, the route continues on up through a steep rocky ridge with wide views of the Shira Plateau, Kibo peak, and Mt. Meru as she floats among the cloud.
Day 3- Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3750m/12375ft to 3900m/12870ftDistance: 10 kmHiking Time: 6-7 hoursVegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
The morning begins with a long crossing of the plateau as we head due east toward Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower which will take 3-4 hours to reach Lava Tower (4600m/15180ft) Packed lunches or Hot lunches are served at the Tower, this is a very important area for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. After that, we now continue down to the Barranco Camp where we take 2 hours, here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight
Day 4- Barranco to Karanga Camp
Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3900m/12870ft to 3930m/12969ftDistance: 6 kmHiking Time: 4 hoursVegetation Zone: Moorland
The day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine, and then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall to the top, here you will have a view of Heim Glacier, some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro, and will be above the clouds, The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley to your night.
Day 5- Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3930m/12969ft to 4670m/15411ftDistance: 4kmHiking Time: 3-4 hoursVegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
After a good breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp, across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around, steep walk to Barafu, after hot lunch at the camp, the remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk. The Camp usually offers stunning views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Day 6- Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 4670m/15411ft- 5895m/19453ft to 3100m/10230ftDistance: 19 kmHiking Time: 15 hoursVegetation: Alpine Desert/Arctic to Moorland
This is your special day which your dream comes true, your guide will wake you around 23:00 for tea and biscuits, Summit will begin through a steep over loose volcanic scree that has some well-graded switchbacks and a slow but steady pace will take us towards Stella Point on the crater rim (5696m/18800ft) for about 5 to 6 hours. After rest, having hot water, and enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 1 hour to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Here you will have a short time for taking photographs around the summit and drinking tea or water. Those who are still feeling strong will get a chance to pass glaciers nearby. The descent to Barafu campsite is surprisingly fast and after lunch, other refreshments, and taking your trekking poles, we continue to descend through Moorland to reach our final Mweka Campsite. Most will be tired to note the beauty of the forest surrounding the area.
Day 7- Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Mweka Camp
Elevation: 3100m/10230ft to 1700m/5610ftDistance: 10 kmHiking Time: 3 hoursVegetation Zone: Rain forest
This is another big day which your staff will sing and dance for you, after all, descend will be on a well-maintained trail through the lovely rain forest with many birds, tall trees, flowers, and many interesting things. Our route will end at Mweka Gate which will require all hikers to sign out and receive certificates of completion. Driver from Hilbas tours will drive back Hotel, on the way back you will pass through coffee and bananas farms around Mweka village.
Departure Tanzania
Rest in the Hotel and transfer to the airport.
