Machame Route

  • Route :

    Machame

  • Duration :

    6-7 Days

  • Rate :

    From $ 1,850

  • Pax :

    4 minimum

Many say this is the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro, your efforts will be rewarded with a unique scenic splendour that is not seen on the other commonly traversed routes. This route is often referred to as the “Whiskey route" is better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker. Unlike the Marangu route, in which you sleep in huts, you will sleep in tents on this route the Machame. However all your equipment and supplied will be carried up the mountain by our friendly porters and delicious meals will be made for you each day.

Most climbers choose to use 6 days to climb (although an additional acclimatisation day can be included on request). Acclimatisation is the key to success with this mountain and on this route we climb high to the lava tower (4,630m) on day three and then come back down by nearly 700m to overnight, this helps you to acclimatise even better. Below is an example itinerary, all our programmes are flexible and tailored to the individual groups so please let us know if you would like to make any changes.

#OVERVIEW

The trekking up Kilimanjaro is probably the most popular high altitude trek in the whole world. You can simply walk up. You do not need any ropes, no special climbing gear or equipment, no previous trek experience.

 

#EXPERIENCE
  • There are two key things to consider when selecting a route on Kilimanjaro: Make sure that the route duration is long enough for adequate acclimatization. Five-day routes are too rapid. Seven or eight day climbs increase the success rate of summiting Kilimanjaro and six-day treks are an affordable alternative if you are fit and have some experience of high altitude trekking. Make sure the route provides a climb high, sleep low option. Again, this is a major factor in many climbers’ success on Kilimanjaro.

It is the highest free standing mountain in the world and one of the Seven summits You don’t need any technical mountaineering skills at all. But that doesn’t mean it’s just a walk in the park. Everybody says that you need no experience to trek Kilimanjaro. That is correct as in that you need no climbing experience.

There is no technical skills required at all. It really is nothing more than an uphill walk. (With possibly a bit of scrambling on the “Barranco Wall“, depending on the Kilimanjaro route you end up choosing for your tour.)

Packing List

  • Bags & Daypack
  • Sleeping accessories.
  • 5 Pairs of underwear.
  • Pairs of Hiking Trousers.
  • Lightweight Inner Gloves.

Machame Route 7 Days

Pick up at Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to the hotel by private car. Dinner and overnight.
AAfter breakfast your guides will come to collect you and you will drive to Machame village/gate. After registering at the gate you will begin by entering the rain forest. Living up to its name, there is a strong possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy and slippery experience.
After an early breakfast you will climb for 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 will continue up a rocky ridge onto the stunning Shira plateau, due west of Kibo, from which you will be able to see the breathtaking glaciers. After a short hike you will reach the Shira campsite at 3,840m.
The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower. After lunch you will climb a rocky scree path to the Lava Tower (4630m). This five hour walk will probably be your hardest day so far and some climbers may begin to feel the altitude. However our experienced team will coach you through the symptoms and provide you with all the advice and support you need.
Your day begins by tackling the awesome obstacle of the Great Barranco Wall. Whilst initially an imposing site, its climb is invariably easier than anticipated. You will quickly appreciate how beautiful the mighty Kilimanjaro is when you reach the bottom of the Heim Glacier. You will then head down to the Karanga Valley
This next day is similarly a short hike (approx. 3-4hrs). You will make your way over the ridges and valleys, and join up with the Mweka route. After another hour or so, you reach Barafu (Swahili for Ice) Hut.
At about 23h30 you will be awoken to some tea and biscuits and will make a move into the night. You will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Many climbers find this 6-hour walk to Stella point the most mentally and physically challenging aspect of the climb. At Stella Point (5,685m) your efforts will be rewarded with a short rest and the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and achievement you will remember for the rest of your life.