Itinerary Summary:
Given its reputation for being a challenging ascent, the Machame route—also known as the Whiskey route—is distinguished from the simpler Marangu path, which is known as the Coca-Cola way. Contrary to the Marangu Route’s moderate rise and hut accommodations, climbers on Machame trek steeper paths over greater distances while camped out in tents.On the mountain, the Machame Route ascent can be completed in no less than six days. For a better altitude acclimation plan, it is typically completed over seven days. The walk starts at Machame Gate, which is situated in the mountain’s lush, productive rainforest at the southern mountain base.
The climber is treated to stunning vistas from every angle as the route advances toward the Shira Plateau and then circles halfway around the mountain along the southern circuit. The Mweka trail is used for both the ascent and descent of the top, which is approached from the east.
Full Itinerary:
Macheme Route 6 Days
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be met by your guide, who will give you a briefing on your forthcoming trip and check your equipment to make sure you have all the appropriate mountain gear when you are picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and taken to your hotel in Moshi town. On this day, the missing equipment can be rented.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
- Altitude: 1790 m to 3010m
- Distance: 10.8 km
- Trekking Time: 6 hours
We take an hour-long drive from Moshi to the Machame gate, where we complete the necessary park paperwork, meet our team of porters, and begin the ascent. The route’s initial ascent is steady and it travels through a stunning, lush jungle. This trail is less traveled, so it can become a little overgrown in some spots and is frequently muddy and wet underfoot.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- Altitude: 3010 m to 3845 m
- Distance: 5.4 km
- Trekking Time: 5 hours
Until we reach the difficult rise onto the Shira Plateau, where there are spectacular views of the mountain, our journey continues up through the forest. You can see Mt. Meru rising above the town of Arusha in the distance if you turn around and look back.
Day 4: Shira Cave to Barranco Camp
- Altitude: 3,845 m to 3,960 m
- Distance: 10.8 km
- Trekking Time: 8 hours
Now that you’re on high moorland, the terrain completely alters the way the journey feels. We descend the southwest face of Kilimanjaro, skirting the Lava Tower and the last part of the Western Breach, before arriving at camp. The day was spent at a high altitude (up to 4600m), but to help your body adjust to the altitude, we adhered to the mountaineering maxim “walk high, sleep low.”
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
- Altitude: 3,960 m to 4,640 m
- Distance: 8.5 km
- Trekking Time: 8 hours
We begin our day by making our way down into the Great Barranco, a sizable ravine. The Great Barranco Wall, which separates us from the southeast slopes of Kibo, is then climbed steeply as we leave. It’s a lengthy and taxing climb over granite, but not particularly difficult. Our final opportunity to get fresh water before the summit is in the Karanga Valley, which we approach by passing beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers. As we move through parched and bleak country near Barafu camp, scree now makes up the terrain.
Day 6:Barafu Camp to UHURU PEAK & down to Millennium Camp
- Altitude: 4,640 m to 5,895 m to 3,790 m
- Distance: 13.4km
- Trekking Time: 12 – 15 hours
Around midnight, we set out on a difficult ascent to the summit glaciers. We will spend 4 to 5 hours ascending the scree but cover a modest distance to reach spectacular heights. The vistas are breathtaking. As the sun rises, we should be near Stella Point (5739m), on the crater rim. We are surrounded by stunning ice cliffs inside the crater, and we have breathtaking vistas of the craggy Mawenzi mountain and beyond. We must hike for an additional hour to reach the peak, Uhuru Peak (5895m). After leaving Stella Point, we start our descent by making our way back to Barafu Camp for breakfast before making our way down to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest.
Day 7: Trek Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
- Altitude: 3,790 m to 1, 630 m
- Distance: 12.1km
- Trekking Time: 6 hours
We make a leisurely descent through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where we finish park formalities and earn certificates that you may display with pride! Once we return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a warm welcome shower, we are welcomed by our vehicles.
Day 8: Depart Tanzania
After the hike, you have the rest of the day to relax before your trip home. You might visit Moshi town and buy some souvenirs before going to the airport, depending on your travel schedule.
If you want to continue experiencing Tanzania, add-ons like safaris and trips to Zanzibar are also available.
