Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Sometimes called the Whisky Route. This is a popular route up steep paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Icefields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. An extra day could be added to the itinerary, best spent on the Shira Plateau, where you could walk to the Shira Needles. Strong groups could omit camping at Karanga River. The Mweka Route is used for the descent.

Accommodation on the mountain is in tents which the porters will pitch for you. You will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is a steep, tough trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas.

Machame Route: 7 Days and 6 Nights Itinerary

The Machame Route is regarded as the most scenic of the trails up Mt. Kilimanjaro. You ascend gradually through the forest until you emerge onto the Moorland of Shira Plateau, from which there are superior views of the Kibo Peak and the Great Western Breach.
Arrival Day in Tanzania
Kilimanjaro to Moshi (45 km./27 mi.) 50-minute drive
Elevation: 810 m./2,624 ft.
We will meet you at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transport you to the Zebra Hotel in Moshi, where you will spend the night. The following morning, our mountain crew will check your gear, prepare you for the climb, and answer any questions you have. You may leave a bag at the hotel in a secure office until your return.

 DAY 1: Machame Gate (1,800 m.) to Machame Hut (3,000 m.)
Walking time: 6-7 hrs.; elevation change: +1,200 m.
Estimated distance: 11 km.
We will transport you from the hotel to the Machame Gate, where your permit will be issued. The process to issue permits takes approximately one hour. After all formalities have been taken care of, you head into the forest and begin the ascent to the first camp (Machame Hut at 3,000 m.). The chance of rain is high in this forest, so rain gear must be kept close at hand. You also will want to protect all your clothing with sack liners.

 DAY 2: Machame Hut (3,000 m.) to Shira Hut (3,800 m.)
Walking time: 5-6 hrs.; elevation change: +800 m.
Estimated distance: 7 km.
After breakfast, the path follows a steep ridge passing through heather and open moorlands, after which you will reach the halfway point for the day. You will then cross a ridge to reach Shira Hut, where you will stay overnight. With clear skies, you will have spectacular views of the Shira Plateau and the Kibo Peak.

DAY 3: Shira Hut (3,800 m.) to Barranco Hut (3,950 m.)
Walking time: 6 hrs.; elevation change: +150 m.
Estimated distance: 8 km.
After breakfast you will continue walking by returning eastward through a rocky, semi-desert environment. We will hike up to an altitude of approximately 4,600 m. at the Lava Tower area for acclimatization and then back down to Barranco Hut, where you will camp overnight.

 DAY 4: Barranco Hut (3,950 m.) to Karanga Valley Hut (4,035 m.)
Walking time: 4 hrs.; elevation change: +85 m.
Estimated distance: 4.5 km.
After breakfast you will continue walking by climbing a very steep rock called the “Breakfast Rock” for about one hour. You then will continue up a short distance before dropping to Karanga Valley, which is the last water point. Overnight will be here.

 DAY 5:Summit Day: Karanga Valley Hut (4,035 m.) to Barafu Hut (4,600 m.), then to summit
Walking time: 4 hrs./6-7 hrs.; elevation change: +565 m./+1,295 m.
Estimated distance: 4 km./9 km.
After breakfast you will turn north and walk through semi-desert to Barafu. Along the way you will see the front side of the mountain. After arriving at Barafu, you will rest a short while and then walk 200 m. up the mountain and then back down to camp for acclimatization purposes, preparing for the final trek to the summit at midnight. Your trek to the summit will begin at 11:00 p.m. or midnight. You will walk in a northwesterly direction up to the Southeast Valley towards Stella Point, which is at about 5,700 m. on the crater rim, and then to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m./19,340 ft.)

 DAY 6: Barafu Camp (4,600 m.) to Mweka Hut (3,000 m.)
Walking time: 5 hrs.; elevation change: -1,600 m.
Estimated distance: 6 km.
After reaching the summit, you will return to Barafu and rest approximately one hour. You then will take breakfast or lunch, depending on the time. You will pack your gear. Thereafter, we will descend via the Barafu Route to Mweka Camp, which will take approximately five hours. You will stay overnight here.

 DAY 7: Mweka Hut (3,000 m.) to Mweka Gate (1,450 m.)
Walking time: 4 hrs.; elevation change: -1,550 m.
Estimated distance: 10 km.
After breakfast we will descend through the natural forest for approximately 10 km. to Mweka Gate. After finalizing return registration at the Gate, our representative will drive you to the hotel.
Note
A Six-Day Machame Route Itinerary also is available, which requires walking from Barranco Camp to Barafu Hut in one day.

About the Zebra Hotel
The Zebra Hotel has air-conditioned rooms and is located in a quiet environment in Moshi. Breakfast is included and is served on the first floor of the hotel.
Price
Please contact us for current pricing for this Itinerary.
Included in this Package

2 transfers between Moshi and Machame Park Gate/Mweka Gate

3 meals per day while trekking, either vegetarian or non-vegetarian

7 days’ Kilimanjaro trek on the Machame Route

6 nights’ accommodation in camps while trekking Machame (Peter Tours and Mountaineering supplies tents)

First and last night bed-and-breakfast accommodations at Zebra Hotel or equivalent

All park entrance fees and government levies

Not Included in this Package

Personal mountain gear

Meals outside the regular itinerary

Tips for guides and porters

Airfares and airport taxes

Double room supplement for hotel

International visas for Tanzania

Medical/evacuation trip insurance

Note that personal gear may be rented at a reasonable price.
Health Information
Most able-bodied persons aged 10 and older can hike Mt. Kilimanjaro; however, preparation, precaution and care must be made to ensure everyone’s safety.