6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
Description
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed using one of six well-known routes: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. All three routes—Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe—advance from the mountain’s southern side. The west is where the Lemosho and Shira paths approach from. The Rongai route travels close to Kenya from the north. Every route descends via Mweka, excluding Marangu and Rongai. One of the most beautiful and highly recommended routes up Kilimanjaro is the Machame route, sometimes referred to as the Whisky Route. This well-traveled path gains a crest that passes through areas of moorland and leads to the Shira Plateau along routes through gorgeous trees. In order to connect with the Barafu Route to the top, it subsequently passes beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields. It has a considerably better success rate of summitting because it can be done over longer periods of time and the slope is easier to manage. You will be welcomed at Kilimanjaro International Airport upon arrival and transported to the 4-star B&B Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel for overnight accommodations. Your head guide will meet you there to give you a briefing, check your equipment, and make arrangements for you to rent any necessary gear.
Tour highlights
Duration: 6 or 7 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: High
Itinerary
Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft Altitude gained: 1210m You can reach the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate by driving through the Machame Village about 45 minutes from Moshi. We will wait patiently for the issuance of our permits while seeing the flurry of activity as other crews get ready for the voyage ahead. As your guide explains the local flora, ecology, and wildlife to you, take in the stunning rainforest scenery and winding routes. At these lower altitudes, the trail can be exceedingly muddy and hazardous. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly advised here.
Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft Altitude gained: 818m We leave the rain forest after a sound night’s sleep and a filling breakfast, and then we proceed uphill along a rocky ridge that crosses the valley. The path now takes a river gorge to the west, where it continues until we reach the Shira campground. The temperature starts to fall.
Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft Altitude gained: 147m This day is crucial for acclimatization even though you conclude it at a similar elevation to where you started. After leaving the Shira Plateau, we head east along a ridge, passing the turnoff for the Kibo summit, before heading south-east toward the “Shark’s Tooth” lava tower (4650m/15,250ft). We reach a second intersection, which goes to the Arrow Glacier, not far from the tower. We then keep down to Barranco Camp for the night.
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft Altitude gained: 676m After breakfast, we carry on along a perilous incline up to the exhilarating Barranco Wall until we reach the Karanga Valley and the Mweka Trail’s crossing. Watching your crew’s power, speed, and agility as they appear to climb over this wall with ease is one of today’s most amazing sights. You will have completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the peak from a number of points, once you arrive at Barafu Camp. We eat dinner early and unwind as we prepare for summit night. Tonight, snooze at Barafu Camp.
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft Altitude gained: 1233m Descent to 3106m/10,190ft Altitude lost: 2789m As morning arrives with an early start between midnight and two in the morning, excitement is growing. The hardest part of the walk both physically and mentally is this section. Between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, we make our way to the peak while attempting to stay warm and concentrated on the incredible sense of success that lies ahead. On the crater rim, Stella Point is reached by ascending over dense scree in a northwesterly direction. During your brief break here, you will be rewarded with the most stunning sunrise. The sunrise can be seen from the peak by more rapid hikers. Your final hour-long ascent to Uhuru Peak from here is likely to involve snow the entire time. Congratulations, you have now arrived to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent, one step at a time! We pause to celebrate this amazing achievement after photos, parties, and perhaps a few happy tears. After pausing at Barafu for lunch and a quick respite, we start our hard descent toward Mweka Camp. For unfriendly loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain, we highly advise gaiters and walking poles. You’re about to enjoy your final evening on the mountain while taking a well-earned nap. Nighttime in Mweka Camp.
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft Altitude lost: 1473m It’s time to say goodbye after breakfast and a sincere ceremony with your employees to show your appreciation and foster teamwork. We keep going downhill until we reach the Mweka Park Gate, where you can pick up your summit credentials. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly advised because the terrain is damp, muddy, and steep and because the weather has suddenly warmed up. A car will be waiting for you at Mweka village when you exit the gate to take you back to your Moshi hotel (about 30 minutes). Enjoy dinner, a much-needed hot shower, and celebrations! Spend the night at the four-star Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel B&B before being taken to the airport for your flight home, safari, or leisurely excursion to Zanzibar.
Includes & Excludes
- Transport in a 4WD minivan with pop-up roof for excellent safari view
- English speaking Ugandan driver/guide
- Accommodation as listed in the program
- All meals as per the itinerary
- Park-entrance fees according to the program
- All activities described in the itinerary
- International air fares and entry visa Uganda
- Meals that are not part of your accommodation
- Personal (medical/travel) insurance
- Tips and gratuities to rangers, driver/guide, porter, hotel staff, etc
- All expenses of personal nature (e.g. drinks, laundry, optional activities, souvenirs etc.)