Falme Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro
Trek Machame Route

6 Machame Route Trekking Itinerary

 

Safari Overview


icknamed 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.

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.

 

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

You will be picked up from Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer you to your hotel
in Arusha.

Pre-trek briefing will be done. You should be planning to arrive at least 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: Arusha to Machame Camp

Drive from Arusha to Machame Gate takes about 2 hrs. 5 minutes.

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 Barafu Camp

After breakfast, 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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: 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

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 6: 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 Arusha (around 60 minutes).

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

 

Price in Usd  

2 Pax $4409 – 4 Star sharing Double / twin

4 Pax $6045 – 4 Star Sharing Twin / Twin

6 Pax $9838 – 4 Star Sharing Double/Twin

8 Pax $12710 – 4 Star Sharing Double/Twin

Booking Form

    Services Included:

    • Accommodation before and after safari – 2nights in total
    • All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel in Arusha and Drop off to the airport
    • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
    • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
    • Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
    • Sleeping Mattress
    • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
    • All meals while on the Mountain
    • Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
    • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
    • Clean, purified drinking water
    • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
    • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
    • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
    • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
    • Kilimanjaro summit certificate

    Services Excluded

    • Tanzania Visa
    • International and domestic flights
    • Hotel (available as an optional add-on)
    • Transfers (available as an optional add-on)
    • Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for renting)
    • Tips and gratuities
    • Travel insurance
    • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
    • Meals not listed in the itinerary
    • Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
    • Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
    • Payment Terms