The Machame route, also referred to as the Whiskey route, is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro and a favorite for Africa Joy Tours Despite being a tough climb compared to the Marangu route, the Machame route has one of the highest summit success rates given the topography of the route which allows climbers to “trek high & sleep low” hence making it a more favorable route for acclimatization.
Different the Marangu route which is a gradual ascent, the Machame route is has steeper trails and climbers walk longer distances. This route offers some of the most spectacular scenery while on the mountain.
The Machame route starts in the south west side of the mountain and proceeds steeply north, traversing the Shira plateau and eventually joining the Shira and Lemosho routes at the Shira camp.
The Machame route can be done in lowest 6 days but a 7 day trek is optional so climbers are well rested and acclimatized before making the final ascent to the summit.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to your accommodation in Moshi
The mostly known town of Moshi is renowned as a city that is close to the mountain before and after trekking and offers attractions and adventures
You will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear which is missing can be rented on this day. If arrive early, after checking in to your lodge you can stretch up by having a town tour and/or having some time to relax at the lodge and get used to the weather.
Overnight at your lodge.
One hour’s drive from Arusha to the Machame route, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb!
The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest.
This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
Approx. time taken: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain.
Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.
Distance covered: 5.4km / 3.4mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek.
We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp.
The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.
Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m.
The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude.
On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm.
We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.
Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi
Approx. time taken: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride!
We are then met by our vehicles and return to the lodge in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!) before our big celebration.
Leisurely breakfast, then drive back to Arusha. on the way you will have an option of visiting Maasai Boma for authentic culture experience or Nature walking safari at Mto wa mbu village where you will interact with locals and experience local life.
Proceed to Arusha and drop off back to the airport for your onward flight arrangement.
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