EXPLORING AFRICA IN COMFORT…

7 Days Machame Route

Route Overview & Introduction

The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accomodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents.The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days on the mountain. However, it is most often tackled over seven days, for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rain forest. The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles.

The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.

 

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Day 1: Hotel to Machame Camp

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.

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

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

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

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the 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. 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.

  • Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
  • Distance: 10km/6mi
  • Walking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Semi-desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

  • Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
  • Distance: 5km/3mi
  • Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

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, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

  • Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
  • Distance: 4km/2mi
  • Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

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.

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.

  • Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
  • Down to 3090m/10,150ft
  • Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
  • Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

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).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).

  • Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
  • Distance: 10km/6mi
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Forest
  • Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8 DEPARTURE

After a much needed nights rest, we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged airport transfers with us or a safari / Zanzibar trip, we will collect you in the morning for your onward journey.

  • Transport: 0.8 hour, 40 km
  • Meals included: Breakfast

 

INCLUDED

  • Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
  • 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi in FULL BOARD (FB).
  • Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
  • Park entry fees,
  • Camping fees
  • Crater fee (if any)
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services
  • mountain tents
  • Double layered Sleeping Mats 4 inches (10cm) thick
  • Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
  • 3 meals daily while on the mountain
  • Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
  • Hot water for washing
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • Government taxes
  • Portable oxygen tanks
  • Ox meter
  • Emergency first-aid kit
  • Stethoscope
  • Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent
  • Mountain climbing certificates

EXCLUDED

  • Drinks at your hotel before and after the climb.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Flights
  • Laundry (Available at the hotel)
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Tips for guides, porters and cook

Preparing for the epic journey to the summit of Kilimanjaro requires careful consideration and strategic packing. As you gear up for this unparalleled adventure with Love Africa Tours, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Kilimanjaro packing list to ensure you’re well-equipped for the trek of a lifetime.

Gear List

  • Top Base Layer
  • Bottom Base Layer
  • 4-5 Pairs of Underwear
  • 3-4 Short Sleeve
  • 1 Insulated Trekking Pants
  • 1-2 Long Sleeve Hiking Shirts
  • 1-2 Pairs of Hiking Trousers
  • 1 Insulated Winter Jacket
  • 1 Polartec Fleece Jacket
  • 1 Hard Shell Jacket 

Clothing

  • Quick dry T-shirts
  • Underwear Lightweight hiking trouser (avoid heavy cotton, they don’t dry quickly)
  • Fleece (middle layer)
  • Thermal underwear (under layers)
  • Waterproof, breathable and windproof jacket
  • Waterproof, breathable and windproof pants
  • Insulated down jacket for summit night (parka)
  • One pair thermal socks
  • Mittens or warm gloves
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Good quality hiking socks and thin liner socks Waterproof hiking boots – sturdy and worn-in.
  • Extra shoelaces
  • Comfortable shoes for overnight camps (running shoes, sneakers, etc.)
  • Sun hat to protect head, ears and neck

Other Items

  • Headlamp with Extra Batteries
  • Water Bottles and Camelback (3 litter carrying capacity)
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera with extra memory card and extra batteries
  • Watch
  • Playing Cards
  • Hand Warmers (optional)
  • Pocket Knife
  • Notebook and Pen
  • High energy snack (Cereal, protein bars, chocolate, trail mix, dried fruit)

Toiletry & Medicine

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Quick-dry washcloths and soap
  • Toilet Paper Tissues
  • High SPF Sun-block
  • Lip Balm with SPF
  • Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses
  • Lotion
  • Sanitary Wipes/Wet Wipes
  • Blister Kit
  • Tweezers
  • Nail Clippers
  • Deodorant
  • Hair brush/Comb
  • Sanitary Products
  • Vaseline to prevent chafing skin and heel friction blister
  • Antiseptic
  • Pain Killers (Ibuprofen)
  • Decongestan
  • Diamox or High Altitude Medication (optional, please consult with your doctor)
  • Anti-diarrhea Medicine
  • Malaria pills ( if you choose to take these)
  • Cold/Flu Tablets
  • Any medication you normally use
  • Dioralyte sachets or similar rehydration packs
  • Throat Lozenge
  • Eye drops (spare Contact Lenses and fluid, if worn)
  • Water purification tablets / Iodine drops
  • Ear Plugs
  • Plastic bags (for dirty washing, wrapping, etc.)

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