Kilimanjaro Trek via machame
7 days—Majestic kilimanjaro ttrekking via Machame route
From
$2000 USD
pp
Safari summary
Sometimes called the Whisky Route. This is a popular route up steep paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Icefields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. An extra day could be added to the itinerary, best spent on the Shira Plateau, where you could walk to the Shira Needles. Strong groups could omit camping at Karanga River. The Mweka Route is used for the descent.
Accommodation on the mountain is in tents, which the porters will pitch for you. You will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is a steep, tough trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | Hiking | trekking | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | January, February, May, June, July, August, September, October, December | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- All drinks
- Meals
- Park fees
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Private vehicle and driver
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Machame gate - Machame camp
Kilimanjaro
•Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft •Distance: 11 km •Hiking Time: 5-7 hours •Habitat: Rain Forest The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest 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.
Machame camp
Machame camp - Shira camp
Kilimanjaro
•Machame Camp to Shira Camp •Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft •Distance: 5 km •Hiking Time: 4-6 hours •Habitat: Moorland After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.
Shira camp
Shira camp - Barranco Camp
Kilimanjaro
•Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft •Distance: 10 km •Hiking Time: 6-8 hours •Habitat: Semi Desert From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east ridge, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut. 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.
Barranco camp
Barranco camp - karanga camp
Kilimanjaro
•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft •Distance: 5 km •Hiking Time: 4-5 hours •Habitat: Alpine Desert After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.
Karanga camp
Karanga camp - Barafu camp
Kilimanjaro
•Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft •Distance: 4 km •Hiking Time: 4-5 hours •Habitat: Alpine Desert After breakfast, 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.
Barafu camp
Barafu camp - Summit - mweka camp
Kilimanjaro
The most anticipated day has arrived. At midnight, you will start on a mesmerizing hike under the starry sky, guided by the moon's glow. As dawn approaches, you will reach Stella Point, a breathtaking vantage point. The final push leads you to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro, where you will witness the world from the highest point in Africa. The sense of achievement and awe is beyond words. After celebrating your triumph, you will descend to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Mweka camp
Mweka camp - mweka gate - moshi
Kilimanjaro
•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft •Distance: 10 km •Hiking Time: 3-4 hours •Habitat: 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.(keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.
Aishi machame
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