Kilimanjaro Climb Via Machame

6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Va Machame Route

$1450-1480 USD

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Safari summary

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 considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.
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.
In certain sections this route is steeper than the Marangu and Rongai routes and physically more demanding but is easier overall.
Great for acclimatization with lots of walk high, sleep low opportunities.
Challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones.
Good opportunity to split pre-summit day climb to leave climbers rested before summiting.
Very popular trail.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 1: Hotel to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro

Drive to Machame 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. Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft Distance: 11km/7mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Montane Forest Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Machame Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Kilimanjaro

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. Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft Distance: 5km/3mi Walking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Shira Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower

Kilimanjaro

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction to peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft Distance: 10km/6mi Walking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Semi-desert

Barranco Camp

Day 4:Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro

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. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. 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. Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft Distance: 9km/6mi Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

Barafu Camp

Day 5: Summit to Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro

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. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. 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.

Mweka Camp

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro

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. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Vehicle will be waiting at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest

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