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The Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," is one of the most popular routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes, it offers a varied and rewarding trekking experience. The route typically takes 6 to 7 days to complete, allowing for good acclimatization and a higher summit success rate.
Starting Point: The trek begins at the Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro.
Length: Approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the starting point to the summit.
Duration: Usually 7 to 8 days, depending on the specific itinerary and acclimatization needs.
6 to 7 days
Approximately 62 kilometers (38.5 miles)
From 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) at Machame Gate to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) at the summit (Uhuru Peak)
Moderate to challenging
Camping
Machame Gate (1,800 meters / 5,905 feet)
Mweka Gate (1,640 meters / 5,380 feet)
Scenic Diversity: From lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts and the icy summit.
Shira Plateau: Offers panoramic views and an expansive landscape.
Barranco Wall: A thrilling climb up a steep rock wall.
Karanga Valley: A beautiful valley surrounded by towering cliffs.
Stunning Sunrises and Sunsets: Particularly from Shira Plateau and Barranco Camp.
Stella Point and Uhuru Peak: The rewarding final ascent to the summit.
Proper acclimatization: is crucial to avoid altitude sickness and increase the chances of reaching the summit. The Machame Route follows the "climb high, sleep low" principle, which aids in acclimatization and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
Day 3: Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630 meters / 15,190 feet) and descend to Barranco Camp (3,976 meters / 13,044 feet) for improved acclimatization.
Gradual Ascent: The route's gradual ascent profile allows for better acclimatization compared to shorter routes.
Optional Extra Day: Some itineraries include an additional acclimatization day at Karanga Camp or Barranco Camp.
Pace Yourself: Walk slowly and steadily ("pole pole" in Swahili) to allow your body to adapt to the altitude.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water (3-4 liters per day).
Eat Well: Maintain a balanced diet with sufficient carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Listen to Your Body: Be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Inform your guide if you experience any of these symptoms.
Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the Springlands Hotel in Moshi for your overnight Dinner and Breakfast, Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear Gear which is missing can be rented on this day, Overnight in Moshi.
Moshi - Machame Gate (1800m) to Machame Camp (3010m), distance is about 11 km. Hiking time 6-7 hours.
Your day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a 45-minute drive from Moshi (910m) to the Machame Park Gate. After registering at the gate office, you start your ascent and enter the rainforest. You will receive a lunch pack at the gate and you can also drink bottled water you bought at Springlands Hotel in Moshi.
There is a possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy and slippery experience. In the evening the porters will boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare dinner before you retire to your tent for the night. Night temperatures can already drop to freezing point at Machame camp
You rise early at Machame camp and after breakfast, you climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. By now you will be able to see in an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. You are now due west of Kibo and after a short hike, you will reach the Shira camp at 3,840m. The porters will boil drinking and washing water, before serving dinner. The night at this exposed camp will even be colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing.
Shira Camp (3840) to Barranco Camp (3960), distance is about 15 km. The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4630m after about a 5 hours walk. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4630m). Definitely the toughest day so far. It is normally around this point, where for the first time, some climbers will start to feel symptoms of breathlessness, irritability and headaches. After lunch, you descent again by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatisation benefit of this day becomes clear. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.
Start the day by tackling the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable climb.Traverse through valleys and ridges on the way to Karanga Camp.The campsite offers stunning views of the southern glacier of Kibo.Total trekking time: 4-5 hours.
Totally exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick, and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at around about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep for not more than 5 hours.
Barafu Camp (4640m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) - 3090m, distance is about 17 km.At around midnight, you'll head in a northwesterly direction up the southeast valley towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour long walk to Stella Point is a mental and physical challenge with the steep face just below Stella posing the ultimate challenge. The time you spend on the summit is determined by the weather and wind conditions. The walk back to Mweka Camp from the summit can take over 7 hours.
After Breakfast, From the Mweka Gate, you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy and long hour walk. In the Mweka village drive to Springlands Hotel and you will be served a delicious hot lunch and a long overdue hot shower. Overnight in Springlands Hotel. It is recommended and tips are highly appreciated at the end of their trip. Tips can be given to the guide at Springlands Hotel. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached
Stella Point (5,685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates.
January to mid-March: Generally warm with clear skies, making it an ideal time for climbing.
June to October: Cooler but clear and dry, another excellent period for climbing.
Long Rainy Season (April to May): Heavy rains can make trails slippery and challenging. It’s best to avoid this period.
Short Rainy Season (November): Less intense than the long rainy season, but still wet.
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