Kilimanjaro Climb(6 days)
Machame Route (6 DAYS)
This route is also called “The Whiskey-route”.
Popularly refered to as “The Whiskey route”, the Machame route is the most beautiful and scenic route (especially at the traverse of the Western Breach) for trailing up Mountain Kilimanjaro. Compared to the Marangu route which is more busy and accommodation is in huts, the Machame route is much quieter and offers only tent accommodations making this route most preferred by slightly more adventurous hikers. Compared to the Umbwe route, the Machame route involves a gradual ascent.
This 6 day itinerary through the Machame route is however physically more challenging than the Marangu route because it involves longer, exhausting and steeper walks, with the summit night being an hour shorter.
Day One: Machame Gate (1490m) to Machame camp (2980m)
Early departure from Arusha to the Machame gate, for registration. After registration, proceed on a gentle climb through the montane forest where you will watch unique flora and ferns as you continue to the Machame campsite on 2980m for dinner and overnight. Duration of this climb is 7 hours.
Day Two: Machame camp (2980m) to Shira camp (3840m)
After your breakfast, start climbing through the Shira plateau to reach and camp near the Shira Cave at 3840m. While at this campsite, Lions can occasionally be seen, including wonderful geological features in the volcanic caldera which can be viewed during the optional half-hour nature walk taken during the afternoon. Hiking distance is 849m and climbing duration is 6-7 hours. Dinner and overnight at Shira campsite.
Day Three: Shira camp (3840m) to Lava Tower (4600m) to Barranco camp (3950m)
From Shira plateau, start climbing towards the Kibo Peak with the western glaciers clearly visible across the high altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirt around its base and under the imposing Western Breach and start descending to the sheltered Barranco valley and finally reaching the Barranco camp on a height of 3950m. Hiking duration is about 6 - 7 hours to the Barranco camp, over a total ascent of 110m. Having hiked much higher (to the Lava Tower at 4600m), then dropped back down (to the Barranco valley at 3950m) greatly assists in acclimatization. Dinner and overnight at Barranco campsite.
Day Four: Barranco camp (3950m) to Barafu camp (4660m)
Have breakfast at Barranco camp then statr climbing up the steep mountain ridge and the Barranco Wall. From the Barranco wall, descend to the Karanga Valley where you will have your lunch break. After Lunch, continue climbing to the Barafu campsite at a height of 4600m. Total hiking duration on this day is 7 - 8 hours over a distance of 650m. While at Barafu hut, enjoy scenery views across to Mawenzi Peak as you also have adequate rest in preparation of the challenging hike to the summit, to be done very early in the morning. Dinner and overnight at the Barafu Hut.
Day Five: Barafu camp (4660m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Mweka (3100m)
Immediately after midnight, depart for the Uhuru Peak climbing through steep frozen scree, continue past the Gillman’s Point then reach Stella Point (5475m) on the crater rim for the sunrise. Once at Uhuru Peak (5895m), you are now at the highest point on the African continent. Enjoy photo taking as you celebrate this memorable achievement. The hike to Uhuru Peak from Barafu campsite takes a duration of about 8 hours. After this short break at the “Highest Point in Africa”, start descending to Mweka campsite on 3100m. Descend duration of 7-8 hours. Dinner and overnight at Mweka camp.
Day Six: Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1700m)
Have your breakfast then proceed for your final descent to the Mweka Park Gate. This descend will last 3-4 hours. At Mweka Gate, you will be met by our company representative and will transfer you to your hotel or to the airport for your next flight.
Related package vacations
