7 days Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route

Machame Route, Kilimanjaro

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Duration

7 Days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

15 people

Languages

English

Overview

Machame Route has a nick name “Whiskey Route”, and despite the fact that is relatively short, it is not easy to climb. It is not technically difficult, but it is pretty strenuous, with many steep trails that require extra strength and physical condition to pass.

But, Machame is very rewarding route, with spectacular sceneries such are Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Shira Plateu which is why this route is considered the most scenic one.

The route starts at Machame Gate, and thru the beautiful rainforest, heading West around Kibo. There are 6 and 7 day options to trek this route, but note that the shorter one does not include acclimatization day to get used to the high altitude conditions. Machame is also the route where you spend the nights in tents, and requires a lot of strengths to complete. Descend is at Mweka gate.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Machame Gate (1790m) – Machame Camp (3010m)

The Kilimanjaro National Park gate is only a 1 hour drive from Stella Maris Lodge. You will be picked up after breakfast and make your way there for the start of your climb. Once you have arrived your guide will get started with the formalities (entrance forms) while you observe all the different teams and mountain crew getting ready for their expedition. It’s always a fascinating experience for clients to watch them load all the different items for the trip. As soon as everything is prepared your adventure will begin. The destination for today will be the Machame Camp which you should reach in about 5 – 6 hours. On route you will experience a wonderful rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana & lichen to mention but a few. Another favourite to look out for on this day is the black and white thumbless colobus monkeys. Once you arrive at your campsite for the night you have time to relax before enjoying a well deserve dinner prepared by our own cook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2: Machame Camp (3010m) – Shira Camp (3845m)

Although today is a shorter stretch then yesterday you will still have an early start which will allow you to reach today’s destination around mid-afternoon. The landscape changes dramatically from the green mountain rainforest into moor and heath land. You will have a beautiful view of the mountain range from your campsite which is situated at the Shira Plateau. The glacier of Kibo also lights up as the sun sets for the evening. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Shira Camp (3845m) – Lava Tower Hut (4640m) – Barranco Camp (3960m)

Today is a good day for the body to acclimatize for the days to follow. You will climb roughly 700m but will sleep on a level not much higher than the night before. We will start at Shira Plateau and make our way up to Lava Tower at around 4640m, after a rest we will continue through the Barranco Valley until we reach our destination for the day the beautiful Barranco Camp. Today’s trek will be approximately 6 – 7 hours, during which time you will experience the alpine desert as well as the Barranco Valley with its small lobelia plants and giant senecio’s. You will sit down for a well-deserved dinner before it’s time to rest in preparation for the next day. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3960m) – Karanga Camp (4035m)

Just after breakfast we concur the famous Barranco Wall. You might need your hands once in a while for better grip, but with that being said, there are no climbing passages, and as safety is very important please listen to our guides who will ensure you get to the top safely. There will be a lot of ascents and descents today followed by a walk along the mountain ridge. This will reward you will a great view of the glacier of Kibo. Walking time today will be 3 – 4 hours with the Kibo summit all the time on your left accompanying you to your camp for the night. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Karanga Camp (4035m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)

Barafu Camp is our destination for today and will be reach after 3-4 hours. Most of this time you will be walking through the moon-like alpine dessert. After a satisfying dinner you will have an early night and a good rest. The highlight of your trip is now only some hours away. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4640m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)

The climb will start at midnight. You will be woken up just before that to have some tea and biscuits. Around 5 – 7 hours later you will reach Stella Point which is the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. After another 1 – 2 hours you will reach Uhuru Peak at a height of 5895 m. This is truly a magnificent sight standing on top of Africa’s Highest Mountain watching the sunrise. This view will be one to remember and will make every minute of the last couple of days trekking worth your while. You will descent along the same way back to Barafu Camp which you will reach after 1 – 2 hours. The rest of the mountain team will be there waiting for you with some well deserve snacks and refreshments. You will rest for an hour or two before making your way to Mweka Camp where you will spend your last night on the mountain. Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3080m) – Mweka Gate (1630m)

After breakfast you will have a traditional farewell ceremony from all your mountain crew. After a short 2 – 3 hours walk through the rainforest our driver will be waiting for you at the Mweka gate. You will then be transferred back to Stella Maris Lodge for a well deserved shower, a cold drink, a debrief and the awarding of your certificate of achievement. The rest of the day is yours to relax and to reflect back on this once in a lifetime experience. Breakfast.