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Mt. Kilimanjaro: 6 days
MACHAME ROAD
The Machame Route is nicknamed the "Whiskey Route," and despite being relatively short, it is not easy to climb. It is not technically difficult, but it is quite strenuous, with many steep trails that require a good level of fitness.
Machame, however, remains a very rewarding route, with spectacular scenery such as Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Shira Plateau, etc. The reason why this route is considered the most scenic.
The trek starts at Machame Gate and passes through the magnificent rainforest, heading west around Kibo. There are 6- and 7-day options to acclimatize to the high-altitude conditions.
The 6-day option does not include the acclimatization day to get used to high altitude conditions and requires more effort.
Machame is also the route where you spend all the nights in tents.
The descent is made at the Mweka gate.
This route is therefore the ideal choice for adventurers looking for physical challenges.
MACHAME Route: 6 days
1st day: MACHAME GATE - MACHAME CAMP
You will be driven from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi to the gate of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, passing through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
Leaving the park gate, our walk begins through the rainforest on a hiking trail that ascends the ridge. In places, the trail can be muddy and slippery. We recommend using hiking poles.
After 5 to 6 hours of walking, we spend the night at Machame CAMP
2nd day: MACHAME CAMP - SHIRA CAMP
The second day continues through increasingly sparse trees and bushes to the moors. The day ends at Shira Camp.
Shira Camp, which sits on a small plateau in the high moors and offers views of Kibo to the northeast and Mount Meru to the west. White-naped ravens can be seen throughout the day. There is also a set of small caves a short walk from the campsite, known as the Shira Caves.
After 2 to 3 hours of walking, we spend the night at Shira camp.
Day 3: SHIRA CAMP - LAVA TOWER - BARRANCO CAMP
Today's route turns east through a rocky, semi-desert landscape around Lava Tower. Lunch will be served in a designated area before ascending the rocky trail to Lava Tower.
After reaching the altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, you will descend back to the Barranco campsite and feel the real benefits of acclimatization.
The descent to Barranco Camp takes about 2 hours and offers excellent opportunities for taking beautiful photos of the Western Gap and the Gap Wall.
After 4 to 5 hours of walking, we spend the night at Barranco Camp.
Day 4: BARRANCO CAMP – BARAFU CAMP
A steep climb along the eastern face takes us just below the Heim Glacier, from where we can enjoy spectacular views of Kilimanjaro.
We then take a steep exit towards the great Barranco Wall, which separates us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. The trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, ending with a steep climb to Karanga Camp. From there, we continue to Barafu Camp. Here, we will rest, have dinner, and prepare for summit day.
From Barafu, you can admire the two volcanic cones Mawenzi and Kibo.
This spectacular view is unmissable.
In the evening at 11 p.m., climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro to admire the sunrise (5th Day).
It takes about 5 hours of walking to reach Barafu camp, and then 6 to 7 hours of walking to the summit.
Day 5: Ascent to the summit and descent to MWEKA Camp
After breakfast, we continue our descent to the Mweka Park Gate to receive our climbing certificates. From the gate, we continue for another hour to Mweka Camp (3000m).
We count 3 hours of descent to reach the Mweka camp.
Day 6: Descent to the gate and transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, we will descend to Mweka Gate and after distribution of certificates, transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport.
A vehicle will be waiting for you for the transfer.
It takes between 3 and 4 hours of walking to reach the Mweka gate from the camp