Machame Route - 6 days, Kilimanjaro

Nicknamed the "Whiskey" route because the route is popularized as somewhat difficult and more expensive than Marangu route. On an overall comparison of the routes to scale Kilimanjaro, this is one of the best routes to take, both in terms of acclimatization and cost.

The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity there are increased numbers of trekkers, it loses some of its splendour. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.

Challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones. Good opportunity to split pre-summit day climb to leave climbers rested before summiting.

Itinerary

Day 1: Day 1 - Hotel to Machame Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, 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.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Camping Overnight

Day 2: Day 2 - Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Camping Overnight

Day 3: Day 3 - Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Camping Overnight

Day 4: Day 4 - Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev. 4250m/13, 900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev. 4050m/13, 250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Camping Overnight

Day 5: Day 5 - Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), 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. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Camping Overnight

Day 6: Day 6 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 40000 Tanzania
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. Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at the Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.