OVERVIEW

The Machame Route is known as the “Whiskey Route” in comparison to Marangu’s “Coca-Cola Route”. This is because Machame is a more difficult route, and does not have sleeping huts for accommodation. Machame is the second most popular route on the mountain.

The trek begins in the southwest area of the mountain at Machame Gate. The route takes six days minimum to complete, although seven days is recommended. The descent is down Mweka, on the south-east side of the mountain. Because of the ascent in the west and descent down the north, Machame offers great vistas of Kilimanjaro. Additionally, Machame visits stunning places such as the Shira Plateau, Barranco, and Lava Tower.

Machame is ideal for those who want a more difficult climb, and are confident in their ability to hike over extended periods on sometimes steep terrain. Climbers using Machame place a premium on varied scenery but also accept heavy traffic.

ITINERARY

ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA

On your arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by our Tribal Travel Safari representative who will guide you into a waiting vehicle and transfer you to the Hotel around Arusha Town at the beautiful location on the slope of Mt. Meru which is a perfect place to prepare for your adventure.
We will gather in the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance. Then leave you to relax and have dinner.

Overnight, dinner and breakfast at the hotel.

DAY 1: MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP
Elevation: 5,380 ft/1,640m to Machame camp (2835m/ 9,350 ft
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

The drive from Arusha to the Machame Gate takes about 3 hours. 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.

DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP
Elevation: 9,350 ft (2835m)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath

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.

DAY 3: SHIRA 2 CAMP TO LAVA TOWER
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 3 km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

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 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 a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
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.

DAY 5:KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
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.

DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

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.

DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
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 to the hotel in Moshi.

DAY 8: ARUSHA or MOSHI TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport or alternatively, you can extend your trip to Tanzania and go on Wildlife Safari or Zanzibar for a beach holiday.

— End Of Unforgettable Adventures—

NOTE:

THIS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS.

• Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
• Professional, English-speaking guide
• Mountain crew (cook & porters)
• Emergency Evacuation Cover
• Overnight stays in hotels and mountain huts
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Drinking water
• All national park fees
• All mentioned transfers

• Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority

ITEMS EXCLUDE

• Sleeping bag
• Flights
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Visa fees
• Gratuities or tips for the safari Mountain crew
• Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
• Travel Insurance