Machame Route – Climb Kilimanjaro – 6 Days

Itinerary Description

The Machame Route is appropriate for more daring hikers who wish for a more physically demanding ascent than Marangu or Rongai can offer. This route is considered to be the most beautiful and scenic of the various routes that ascend Mount Kilimanjaro. This trail can be finished in either six or seven days, depending on how quickly you move.
Machame, also known as the Whiskey Route, is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful and popular routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. This route, also known as the Whiskey route, features some challenging climbing that rewards climbers who are well prepared and who are able to persevere when the going gets tough.
Machame offers the ideal combination of a strenuous workout and breathtaking views for hikers looking for an adventure.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day One – Moshi – Machame Camp

You are going to be driven to Kilimanjaro National Park, so you will be picked up from your Moshi accommodations and driven there.

You will begin your ascent through the verdant rainforest that covers the lower reaches of Kilimanjaro here, and this is where you will communicate with your guides.
As you walk for five to six hours through this old jungle, you’ll get a taste of a mini-safari as you see animals like black and white colobus monkeys and other animals.
At the end of the day, you will arrive at Machame Camp, which is located at an altitude of 3,000 meters. Your porters will be waiting for you with your tents already set up, as well as hot water and food that are prepared to refuel you for the next day.

Day Two – Machame Camp – Shira Camp

You’ll be up bright and early today, but it’s a shorter day of hiking. The lush forest gives way to scrubby moorland today, making for an entirely different hiking experience.

You’ll arrive at Shira Camp by mid-afternoon, giving you time to relax and soak in the stunning views of the Kibo glacier from the Shira Plateau.

Day Three – Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Your first goal today will be the intimidating form of the Lava Tower (4,640m) and you’ll set off for this distinctive landmark immediately after breakfast.

After ascending 700m to the Lava Tower, you’ll descend gradually towards Barranco Camp at 4,500m.

Your trek again takes you through different vegetation zones and you’ll set up camp at the scenic Barranco Camp in the shadows of the imposing Barranco Wall. Considered the most beautiful of all of the camps on Kilimanjaro, Barranco will be your base for the evening.

Day Four – Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp

You’ll get your first real taste of mountain climbing today, as you’ll tackle Barranco Wall for a bit of old-fashioned rock climbing.

After this initial trial, you’ll continue towards the Karanga Valley, where you’ll stop for lunch.

After your meal, you’ll continue on for another 2-3 hours until you reach Barafu Camp.

As you’ll be summitting tomorrow, it’s important that you eat a full meal and drink plenty of fluids before turning in for the evening.

Day Five – Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

You’re starting your day early today – just after midnight, in fact!

Your climbing team will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead.

You’ll be hiking in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so take it slow and you’ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, there are another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak.

Standing at 5,985m, you’ll be able to experience spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. You’ve done it!

After snapping your photos and soaking it all in, you’ll begin the descent back down towards Barafu Camp, where you’ll stop for lunch and some celebration.

After a bit of rest, you’ll continue down to Mweka Camp overnight.

Day Six – Mweka Camp – Moshi

It’s a day of celebration today, as you’ll enjoy one last breakfast on the mountain before descending to the Mweka Gate.

Here, you’ll get to celebrate with your porters and guides, provide them with their tips for their hard work, and collect your certificate of completion.

Your driver will then whisk you away to your Moshi or Arusha hotel to get some well-earned rest.

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