The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s drawing is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep, and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking, or backpacking experience.
The drive from Arusha or Moshi to the Machame Gate. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp. Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Distance: 11 km | 7 miles Habitat: Rain Forest
We leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp. Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Distance: 5 km | 3 miles Habitat: Health
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization. Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Distance: 7 km | 4 miles Habitat: Alpine Desert Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Distance: 3 km | 2 miles Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization. Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Distance: 5 km | 3 miles Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section of Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Distance: 4 km | 2 miles Habitat: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Distance: 5 km | 3 miles Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Distance: 12 km | 7 miles Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Distance: 10 km | 6 miles Habitat: Rain Forest
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