8 Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route
8 Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route
Kilimanjaro Climb-Machame Route 6 Days Itinerary is popularly known as the “Whiskey” route, begins at Machame Gate, and takes 6 days, located in the southern base of mountain, within its green, abundant rainforest. We climb to the Shira Plateau, then traverse the mountain beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Icefield, before summiting from Barafu Hut. Machame is a good choice for people who want to enjoy a scenic hike on a challenging route in the shortest amount of time.
Day 1 Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be welcomed by our transfer driver and taken to the Green Hills of Africa. The rest of the day will be at leisure and you can either relax at the hotel or explore the town of Arusha (taxi required). In the evening you will attend a briefing in preparation of the upcoming trek. Dinner and overnight at the Arusha Center Inn.
Day 2 Arusha – Machame Gate (1,790 m) – Machame Camp (3,010 m)
After breakfast you will be picked up at the Green Hills of Africa and taken to the entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. While your guide is busy with the registration forms, you can watch the mountain team prepare for the climb and once this is all done, your Kilimanjaro adventure will begin. In no time you will be deep within the magnificent mountain rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana, lichen and moss that carpets the ground and drapes from the trees. You will hear and with a little luck, even spot the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops. After 5 to 6 hours, you will reach today’s destination – the Machame Camp which is situated just above the tree line at 3,010 m. Here, at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro, you will have your first dinner followed by an overnight stay in tents.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 3 Machame Camp (3,010 m) – New Shira Camp (3,845 m)
After an early morning start, the path steepens and the landscape changes into moor- and heathland and the open landscape allows you to see the impressive mountain range. Today’s stage is shorter than the previous day and you will arrive at the New Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. The camp has a breath-taking view of the mountain and during sunset, the evening sun lights the rock face and glacier of Kibo.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 4 New Shira Camp (3,845 m) – Lava Tower (4,640 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Today you will climb about 800 m but you will be camping at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatise better. The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower (4,640 m). The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to an afro-alpine desert. The route passes through the sweeping Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours, you will arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain – the Barranco Camp.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 5 Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Today’s stretch starts with the climb of the “Barranco Wall”. Safety is paramount and your guides will assist you wherever necessary. Following the ridge as it traverses up and down, you can enjoy the splendid views of the south glacier of Kibo. In the Karanga Valley you will have lunch, followed by a 2 to 3 hours climb to Barafu Camp (4,640 m). Once at the camp, you can relax, have dinner and call it an early night.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 6 Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,080 m)
After hot tea and a light snack, the climb begins at around midnight. By torchlight, you will climb the screes of Kibo. After 5 to 7 hours of ascending in the dark you will arrive at Stella Point, the crater rim of Mt Kilimanjaro. Another 1 to 2 hours climb along the crater ridge will lead you to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Here you will see Kilimanjaro in all its glory, enjoying the 360° view over the landscape below as the sun rises. You are now standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The simple descent runs almost along the same route and shortly before midday you should arrive at Barafu Camp, where the porters and the cook will be waiting for you. After a warm meal and a well-deserved break of approximately 1 to 2 hours, you will be on your way down to Mweka Camp (3,080 m) where supper and a well-earned rest await you.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 7 Mweka Camp (3,080 m) – Mweka Gate (1,630 m) – Arusha
The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back to the Green Hills of Africa and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to relax, unwindat the pool or celebrate your achievement.
Breakfast; Dinner
Day 8 Transfer to Kilimanjaro for your flight
After breakfast you will be transfer to Kilimanjaro for your flight to your homeland
Rates are dependent on how many people are in a group and what type of accommodation you desire. If you have a different amount of people, please contact us and we will gladly arrange the trip of your dreams!
Camping Accommodation:
2 People: $ per person
4 People: $ per person
6 People: $ per person
Luxury Lodge Accommodation:
2 People: $ per person, sharing Double or Twin room
4 People: $ per person, sharing 2 Double or Twin rooms
6 People: $ per person, sharing 3 Double or Twin rooms