The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
6 DAYS KILIMANJARO CLIMBING | HIKING MACHAME ROUTE
ABOUT 6 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE KILIMANJARO CLIMBING
The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is known for its scenic beauty and high success rate.
The route takes six days to complete and involves moderate to difficult hiking.
The 6 Days Machame route kilimanjaro climbing, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro.
6 Days Machame Route Climbing Kilimanjaro Trekking & Hikes draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary.
Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate.
The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
DAY O – Arrival – Kilimanjaro
Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by one of our friendly driver who will transfer you to Hotel in Moshi.
Should you arrive early you can explore the small town of Moshi, which is only a short taxi ride away, or you can just relax at the lodge and get ready for the days ahead. You will also meet with one of our operations staff and Guide who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment.
Days 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft Distance: 11 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest
Days 2: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp. Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Heath
Days 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft.
We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Days 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The first section of today s route is to scale the Barranco Wall . Use your hands and feet. Safety is paramount and you will be secured if necessary, but it looks more daunting than it actually is.
The trail continues with many up and down sections, crossing a few streams, winding and climbing stopping for lunch in the Karanga Valley.
After lunch there will be another 2 3 hours climb before you reach Barafu Camp (4640 m). Tonight, drink a lot of fluids, try to eat and go to bed early to rest enough before tomorrow s Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine DesertKaranga Camp to Barafu Camp Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft Distance: 4 km/2 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Days 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks.
At Gilman s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak– the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Mweka camp. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep .Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft Distance: 16 km/10 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Heath
Days 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy.
From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi. Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest
