Description

The Machame route, known by locals as the whisky route, starts from Machame Gate and travel upwards through the montane forest characterized by dense vegetation, a muddy trail and short section of steep climbs.

Machame 6 day route combines the fourth and fifth day of the itinerary below with climbers beginning day 4 at Barranco Camp and finishing at Barafu Camp:

Camp: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 3,976m (13,044ft) to 4,673m (15,331ft)

Distance: 8.5km (5.3 miles)

Trekking Time: 8 hours

Vegetation Zone: High Alpine

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY OF ARRIVAL

Upon arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by a Kedi Trail Adventures representative who will transfer you to your hotel. There, you will be given time to settle in before a meet and greet with your guides. In this meeting we will brief you on what to expect on Mount Kilimanjaro and answer any last minute questions you may have. After the briefing we recommend an early night for an early pick up the following day.

Camp: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation: 1,640m (5,380ft) to 2,850m (9,350ft)

Distance: 11km (7 miles)

Trekking Time: 5-7 hours

Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast you will be collected from the hotel around 8:00am and will be driven to Machame Gate. After the registration process we will start the climb steadily through dense rainforest. This path can be overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot. During dinner you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.

Day-02

Camp: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation: 2,850m (9,350ft) to 3,810m (12,500ft)

Distance: 5.4km (3.4 miles)

Trekking Time: 5 hours

Vegetation Zone: Rainforest and Low Alpine Zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today's trek starts early as our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively steep as we enter the low alpine zone which is characterized by moorlands and grasslands. Once at camp, the first views of Kibo Peak in the north-west and Mount Meru in the east are visible. During dinner you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.

Day-03

Camp: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 3,810m (12,500ft) to 3,976m (13,044ft)

Distance: 10.8km (6.7 miles)

Trekking Time: 8 hours

Vegetation Zone: Low Alpine and High Alpine

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today we are trekking up the southwest side of Mount Kilimanjaro taking us past the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4600m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley sheltered by towering cliffs with extensive views of the plains below. Today is arguably one of the most important days on your trek as it gives you a chance to climb high and sleep low which is important for proper acclimatization. During dinner you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.

Day-04

Camp: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3,976m (13,044ft) to 3,995m (13,106ft)

Distance: 5.5km (3.4 miles)

Trekking Time: 5 hours

Vegetation Zone: High Alpine

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast we start the steep climb of summiting Barranco Wall. Whilst hiking up the gorge, experience the kissing rock alongside spectacular views of the valley. After the climb we take a short break allowing you to take photos in front of the Kibo volcano. After the break you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route. For those feeling strong we will go for an afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4,200m (13,779ft) before descending back to camp for the night. During dinner you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.

Day-05

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Day-06

Camp: Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4,673m (15,331ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) to 3,068m(10,065ft)

Distance: 16.4km (9.6 miles)

Trekking Time: 13-15 hours

Vegetation Zone: Glacial, High Alpine, Low Alpine, Rainforest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We start the summit climb at midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing slowly but gain incredible height over a short distance. We will reach the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of sunlight begin to show. Here we will take a short break to watch the sun rise over Africa. You will have spectacular views of the ice cliffs within the crater surround us and views of Mawenzi Peak. We continue for another hour up to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending down a separate track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast. After a short rest you will continue to descend to Mweka Camp for a long well-earned rest. During dinner you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.

Day-07 Summit Day

Camp: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3,068m (10,065ft) to 1,640m (5,380ft)

Distance: 9.1km (7.5 miles)

Trekking Time: 3 hours

Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Hotel)

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and present you with a certificate confirming you summited Mount Kilimanjaro. We are then met by our vehicles and transferred back to your hotel for a well-earned rest and celebration with your guides.

Last Day

After breakfast a vehicle will transfer you to your next destination. If you have additional time, we recommend you extend you stay. Kedi Trail Adventures offers safari packages to see nature at its finest or maybe a relaxing beach trip to Zanzibar.