Mt Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route 6 Days
Overview
7 Days / 6 Nights on The Mountain, 2 Nights in Arusha Hotel
The Machame Route, also known as the Whisky Route, is currently the most popular ascent route on Kilimanjaro, surpassing Marangu and another ascent route despite being thought to be more difficult. It may be chosen by individuals more accustomed to hiking because the walking stages are longer and steeper than on Marangu (the second most popular route). The Machame starts its journey in the south and moves on to the east. It skirts the southern ice field before ascending to the mountain’s highest point.
Tour Itinerary
- Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
- Distance Covered: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Vegetation Type: Rain Forest
The drive from Arusha to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 2 hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
From the Machame Park gate, we walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
- Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
- Distance Covered: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Vegetation Type: Moorland
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Dinner and overnight at the Shira campsite.
- Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
- Distance Covered: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Vegetation Type: Semi Desert
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 (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
- Distance Covered: 9km
- Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
- Vegetation Type: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
- Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to
10,000ft)
- Distance Covered: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
- Vegetation Type: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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 (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
- Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
- Distance Covered: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Vegetation Type: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
