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Mt. Kilimanjaro: 7 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: 7 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 – KARANGA 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 via the great Barranco Wall, which separates us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continuing down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley.
Finally a steep climb to Karanga camp, where we spend the night.
It takes about 3 hours to walk between Barranco camp and Karanga camp.
Day 5: KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and cross the junction with the Mweka Trail, used for the later descent of the mountain. From there, we continue climbing to Barafu Camp. Here, we rest, have dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
From Barafu, you can admire the two volcanic cones Mawenzi and Kibo.
This spectacular view is unmissable.
This is the day of high altitude acclimatization, the walking time is only 2 hours.
6th day: BARAFU CAMP - UHURU PEAK - HOROMBO HUT
Early morning departure for the ascent to the rim of Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The last section before the rim can sometimes be covered in snow (hiking poles may be useful). At the rim of the crater, we will reach Stella Point, from where we will have another hour to reach Uhuru Peak.
After a short stop for photos at UHURU PEAK, we descend to Barafu Hut for rest and lunch before continuing past Millennium Camp to Horombo Hut in the giant forest.
Horombo Hut is located in the giant heather area at the edge of the forest. Those who still have some energy after the summit can descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the ice pinnacles and eastern ice fields. Later that evening, we'll have our last dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved sleep.
It takes 6 to 7 hours to walk to the summit and 3 hours to walk down.
Day 7: HOROMBO HUT – MWEKA GATE
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.