This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. All your equipment and supplies are porter and a cook prepares all your meals. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. This makes Machame(also referred to as the “Whiskey route”), better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him with a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route, from late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco wall, the Machame route is normally completed in a minimum of 6 days. There is an added benefit to this, as you are afforded the most valuable commodity on the mountain – acclimatization. The Machame route takes you high to Lava Tower (4630m)on the day 3 and brings you down by nearly 700m for an overnight at barranco Camp (3950m). This is the secret to successful acclimatization.
Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate
We will pick you up from your hotel in Moshi at 0800 and drive to the Machame Gate. After registration and clearances, begin your trek through a spectacular forest area, reaching Machame Camp after 6 or 7 hours. There you will have dinner and overnight (2,700M- 8,856 Ft). Meal Plan: {L, D}
Day 2: Shira Camp
After a short descent, you will begin your trek towards Shira Cathedral. Continuing on, you will pass by a superb bivi cave, just before arriving at Shira Camp, at 3,700 M (about 12,025 Ft), where you will have dinner and overnight. Today’s climb is about 5-6 hours. Start about 8:30 and trek until about 1:30. Meal Plan: {B, L, D}
Day 3: Baranco Camp
Trek from Shira camp to Baranco Camp via Lava at 8 Am until 1:30 PM. You will have dinner and overnight at Baranco Camp. During the day you will climb to 4,200 M (13,650 Ft), then descend to 3,950 M (about 11,850 Ft) at Baranco Camp for overnight. Meal Plan: {B, L, D}
Day 4: Karanga Valley
Trek from Baranco Camp starting at about 8:30 AM to Karanga Valley, 4,100 M (about 13,325 Ft.). You will arrive about 11:30 AM. Meal Plan: {B, L, D}
Day 5: Barafu Camp
Beginning about 8:30 AM, trek to Barafu camp, 4,550 M (about 14,788 Ft), arriving about 12:30 PM., where you will remain until your final ascent to the top. Meal Plan: {B, L, D}
Day 6: Uhuru Peak
Shortly after midnight, arise and begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. You will then begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak, 5,896 M (about 19,620 Ft) about 12:30 AM and arrive at the summit at sunrise, about 7 AM. You will descend to Mweka Camp 3,100 M (9,300 Ft). Meal Plan: {B, L, D}
Day 7: Mweka Gate
After completing your descent to Mweka Gate, arriving by about noon. You will receive your Summit Certificate and transfer back to your hotel. Meal Plan: {B, L}
