The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.
Departing from Moshi town, we will take a 45-minute drive to Machame Gate located at 1811/5942ft. When finishing the registration and hot lunch, we will start the walk through the lush rainforest which will take us 4 to 6 hours. Soon when arriving at Machame Hut, you will sign your name in the camp tracking book and spend the first night in nature.
Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Distance: 11km/6.8mile
Starting to climb from Shira plateau, our first walk will be a bit steep and the naked heathers at this altitude provide little shade from the heat. The path after lunchtime will be dusty so using gaiters will be a good choice. In spite of all the difficulties this route may bring, by taking it slowly, resting frequently and wholeheartedly enjoying en-route views that encompass Kibo Meru and all points down the foothills of the mountain. The route later will turn west onto a deep river gorge until we arrive at Shira One campsite.
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5.3km/3.3mile
Altitude gained: 818m
Walking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
We’ll start early in the morning and trek towards the west of the Southern slopes of Kibo through the dry terrain of the Shira Plateau. The trek will cover 10.75km which will take us to the amazing Barranco Valley. 147m gain might surprise you, you end your day at the almost same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10.75km/6.7mile
Walking Time: 7-10 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.
•Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
•Distance: 5 km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
•Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
•Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
•Distance: 4 km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portionof the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
•Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to
10,000ft)
•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
•Habitat: Arctic
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.
•Mweka Camp to Moshi
•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest