Also known as the Whisky Route, the Machame Route offers excellent acclimatisation because three of the campsites are at the same altitude which is a big benefit to the body as you ‘climb high, sleep low’ which is good mountaineering practise. The route is approximately 62 km/ 37 miles from gate to gate, and the starting altitude at Machame Gate is 1640 metres.
Machame gives climbers the thrill of a mountain challenge and currently accounts for about 50% of all visitors. It is a camping route and suited to people with plenty of hiking and camping experience, The seven day version is what we recommend and has a very high success rate of about 85%; the most common reasons for descending are tiredness, stomach upset from local food bought in Moshi, and altitude sickness.
This route is physically tough, requiring good fitness and determination especially on the summit night which begins at midnight with a summit at about 8am. It’s entirely possible for beginners to complete the challenge with fitness training and the help of qualified guides.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Hotel to Machame Gate to Machame camp.Elevation: (1634 m/5,363 ft) to (2834 m/9,300 ft) Drive to Machame gate the first day of 7 Days Machame route, after registration you begin your climb. 1st is a nice leisurely hike through the tropical rain forest. As you pass through the rainforest, you are likely to spot colobus monkeys and wild birds’. Dinner and Overnight at Machame camp.
DAY 2: Machame camp to Shira campElevation: (2834 m/9,300 ft) to(3749 m/12,300 ft)
From the Machame Hut, you cross the stream onto its west bank and follow the path up the steep rocky ridge – criss-crossing a few times before reaching Shira camp, at the base of a semi-circular wall of rocks. Dinner and overnight at Shira camp.
DAY 3: Shira camp to Barranco campElevation: (3749 m/12,300 ft) to(3901 m/12,800 ft)
From Shira camp, you hike to Lava Tower (15,000’) to acclimatize and then proceed down to Barranco Camp via the Great Barranco Wall. Tonight’s camp is one of the best on the mountain. Dinner and overnight at Barranco camp.
DAY 4: Barranco camp Karanga ValleyElevation: (3900 m/12,800 ft) to (3963 m/13,000 ft)
From Barranco camp, you climb up through the edge of great Barranco Wall. It’s a tough morning climb on a steep trail, but once you reach the top, the views are very rewarding. Dinner and overnight at Karanga camp.
DAY 5: Karanga Valley to Barafu campElevation: (3963 m/13,000 ft) to (4,600 m/15,091 ft)
Today is a shorter climb than the past few days, hiking up to the final camp before your last ascent day to the summit. You must get lots of rest as you will need all your energy for the climb to the roof of africa. Dinner and over night at Barafu camp.
DAY 6: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,091 ft) to the Summit (5896 m/19,343 ft) and then to Mweka CampYou will start trekking early just after midnight, as the walk today will take 10 – 14 + hours. The 1,100-meter (3,600’) ascent in just over 3 km (1.86 miles) will take us about 6-8 hours, as you try to reach the summit to watch the sunrise over the Great Rift Valley. After watching the sunrise and taking enough pictures, you then start descending down the mountain to below t
DAY 7: Mweka camp (3100 m/10,170 ft) to Mweka Gate (1828 m/6,000 ft)On your final day, we will have a short three hour hike out, walking through the lush forest. You meet our driver with the vehicle at the Mweka park gate to drive back to Hotel in Moshi /Arusha.
Inclusion
Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
2 nights of accommodation in Moshi.
Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate.
Park entry fees.
Camping fees.
Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees.
18% VAT on tour fees & services.
4 Season mountain tents.
Double layered Sleeping Mats.
Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters. 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain.
Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
Hot water for washing.
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO).
Government taxes.
Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter. Emergency first-aid kit.
Exclusions
Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
Travel insurance.
Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 70 for the entire trek. Flights.
Laundry (Available at hotel).
Personal items and toiletries.
Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain).
