6 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Via The Machame Route $1900
MACHAME ROUTE OVERIEW
The Kilimanjaro route commonly referred to as the "whiskey route" stands in contrast to the Marangu route, often called the "Coca-Cola route," known for its relative ease. This whiskey route, also known as the Machame route, is recognized as a more challenging ascent. However, it offers a higher success rate compared to the Marangu route, particularly when opting for a 7-day hike, as explained in the 7 days Machame hike.
The 7 days' hike on the Machame route provides several advantages, one of which is having a shorter day preceding the summit attempt. This extra day allows trekkers ample time to rest, acclimatize, and prepare mentally and physically for the summit push.
There are several reasons why the Machame route is considered more demanding than the Marangu route:
Strenuous Terrain: The Machame route features a more strenuous and demanding trail. It is characterized by steep ascents and descents, with trekkers crossing a succession of valleys and ridges. This challenging terrain necessitates a minimum of 6 days to complete, one day more than the Marangu route. It can be particularly tiring for those with less trekking experience.
Barranco Wall: Trekkers must conquer the formidable Barranco Wall, a steep climb that lasts around one-and-a-half hours. This ascent may require using hands for balance, although it often appears more challenging than it truly is.
Key Characteristics of the Machame Route:
Steep Path: The Machame route follows a steeper path compared to the Marangu route, adding to its level of difficulty.
Camping Accommodation: Unlike Marangu, the Machame route offers camping accommodation, providing a more immersive outdoor experience.
Popular Among Trekkers: The route is favored by trekkers who seek a challenging adventure and enjoy camping in natural surroundings.
Duration: A minimum of 6 days is recommended for the Machame route, with an additional day advised for acclimatization.
Spectacular Scenery: The Machame route is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, featuring the Shira plateau, the lava tower, and the awe-inspiring Barranco wall.
Scenic Route: Considered one of the most scenic routes, it starts from the west, encircles Kibo on the south, and descends via the Mweka route in the southeast.
Tip: If you possess confidence in your ability to endure challenging terrain for consecutive days, enjoy camping, appreciate the beauty of nature, and are conscious of your budget, the Machame route may be the ideal choice for your Kilimanjaro climb. This route promises a thrilling and demanding adventure, offering you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich natural beauty of the region
DAY 1: MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP: 10.75K /7MI | 5-6 HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Altitude gained: 1210m
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP: 5.3KM/3MI | 4-5HRS | MOORLAND
Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
Altitude gained: 818m
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from 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. Temperatures begin to drop.
DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 10.75KM/6MI | 5-6HRS | SEMI-DESERT
Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 147m
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 8.5KM/5MI | 6-8HRS | ALPINE DESERT
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 676m
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86KM /3MI UP | 5-7HRS | – MWEKA CAMP: 13KM /8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1KM/6MI |3-4HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
INCLUDED IN THE TREKKING PACKAGE:
Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
Airport Transfers
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water and Full Board Meals
All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
Gate Transfers
Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
EXCLUDED FROM THE TREKKING PACKAGE:
Gamow bag
Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (recommended 20%)
Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation.
Tanzanian VISA
Medication
Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks.
Personal gear including personal rain gear, trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
National/International flights
Additional nights if decent early from the mountain.