7 Days Machame Route Overview
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is known for its beautiful scenery, diverse landscapes, and high success rates. Here are some key features of the Machame Route:
Duration: The Machame Route is typically completed in six or seven days, but some operators offer shorter or longer itineraries.
Difficulty: The Machame Route is considered a moderately difficult route, with steep ascents and descents on rocky terrain. However, it does not require technical climbing skills.
Scenery: The Machame Route offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s various ecological zones, from dense rainforest to alpine desert. Hikers can also see a variety of flora and fauna, including colobus monkeys, giant heather trees, and rare birds.
Accommodations: Most hikers on the Machame Route stay in tents at designated campsites along the way. Some operators offer more luxurious accommodations, such as sleeping tents with cots and portable toilets.
Acclimatization: The Machame Route includes ample time for acclimatization to the high altitude, with several “climb high, sleep low” days to help hikers adjust.
Crowds: The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro, so it can be crowded at times, especially during peak season.
Overall, the Machame Route is a great choice for hikers who want to experience the diverse scenery of Kilimanjaro and have a good chance of reaching the summit. However, it’s important to choose a reputable tour operator and prepare adequately for the physical demands of the climb.
FULL DESCRIPTION PER DAY
After breakfast in Arusha, you’ll be picked up and driven to the Machame Gate at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. After registering with the park authorities, you’ll start hiking through the rainforest, with an opportunity to see black and white colobus monkeys. You’ll stop for lunch along the way, then continue up to the Machame Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Today’s hike will take you out of the rainforest and into the heath and moorland zone. You’ll ascend a steep ridge, then hike across a plateau with views of the Shira Cathedral and Shira Plateau. You’ll stop for lunch along the way, then continue to the Shira Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Today’s hike will take you up to the Lava Tower, a rocky outcrop at 4,640m. This will be your highest point for the day and will help you acclimatize to the altitude. After lunch at the Lava Tower, you’ll descend to the Barranco Camp, where you’ll spend the night. The descent is important for acclimatization, as it allows your body to adjust to the lower altitude.
Today’s hike will start with a scramble up the Barranco Wall, a steep and exposed climb. You’ll then hike across the Karanga Valley and up to the Karanga Camp, where you’ll spend the night. This will be a short day of hiking, to allow for extra acclimatization.
Today’s hike will take you up to the Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt. The hike will be steep and rocky, and you’ll be hiking at a high altitude. You’ll stop for lunch along the way, then arrive at the Barafu Camp in the afternoon. You’ll have a rest and an early dinner, then go to bed early to prepare for the summit attempt.
You’ll start hiking in the middle of the night, to reach the summit in time for sunrise. The hike will be steep and strenuous, and you’ll be hiking at a high altitude. You’ll reach the summit, Uhuru Peak, just as the sun is rising. You’ll have time for photos and a brief celebration, then start the descent back down to the Barafu Camp. After a short rest, you’ll continue down to the Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Today’s hike will be a final descent through the rainforest, back to the Mweka Gate. You’ll receive your summit certificates at the gate, then be picked up and driven back to your hotel in Arusha
Includes
- Airport arrival and departure transfers Circuit as described above, unlimited mileage on safari
- 4x4 vehicle equipped for the safari Circuit as described above
- Entrance fees to the parks
- Entrance fee to the crater
- Full board on safari days
- Picnic meals to all national Parks
- A bottle of mineral water per person during safari
Excludes
- Personal expenses in the lodges: drinks, telephone, laundry, internet, etc
- International flight
- Airport departure taxes
- Driver and guide gratuities USD 25/30 per day, staff Hotels, Maasai guide at Lake Natron
- Visa fees
- Insurance.