The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accomodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents.
The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is most often tackled over seven days (six nights), for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rainforest.
The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Intrepid Treks representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Change in Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Hiking distance: 7 km
Zone: Montane Forest
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.
Change in Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for
acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak
before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft).
Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to
descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
Change in Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hrs
Zone: Semi-Desert
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and
the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power,
agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. We continue up toward Barafu
Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views
of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Change in Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Hiking distance: 9 km
Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Zone: Alpine Desert
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
Change in Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Hiking distance: 5 km up 13 down
Hiking time: 5-6 hours up , 5-7 hours down
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Note:
Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
INCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE.
✓ Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
✓ Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
✓ Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
✓ Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
✓ Airport Transfers
✓ Meals according to the itinerary
✓ Drinking water and Full Board Meals
✓ All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
✓ Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
✓ Gate Transfers
✓ Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
✓ Portable Private Toilet and Porter
EXCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE.
<*> Flights
<*>Visa fees
<*>Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
<*>Gamow Bag
<*> Medication
<*> Tips for mountain crew ($20 for guide,$15 for cook, $10 for porter are Standard Recommended)
<*>Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
<*>Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
<*> Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
<*> Additional lodge nights if early descent
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Intrepid Treks representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro
National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle
of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy
trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower
elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Change in Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Zone: Rainforest
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast we emerge from the rain forest and continue
on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west
onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.
Change in Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Zone: Moorland
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important
for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the
Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth”
(elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow
Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
Change in Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Zone: Semi-Desert
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley
and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power,
agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Change in Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Hiking distance: 5km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Alpine Desert
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers
a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we
prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Change in Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Hiking distance: 3km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Alpine Desert
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
Change in Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Hiking distance: 5 km Up ,11Km down
Hiking Time: 5 - 7 hours
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew,
it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your
summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep
and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi
(about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
Change in Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Hiking distance: 9 Km down
Zone:Rainforest
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Note:
Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
INCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE.
✓ Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
✓ Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
✓ Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
✓ Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
✓ Airport Transfers
✓ Meals according to the itinerary
✓ Drinking water and Full Board Meals
✓ All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
✓ Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
✓ Gate Transfers
✓ Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
✓ Portable Private Toilet and Porter
EXCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE.
<*> Flights
<*>Visa fees
<*>Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
<*>Gamow Bag
<*> Medication
<*> Tips for mountain crew ($20 for guide,$15 for cook, $10 for porter are Standard Recommended)
<*>Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
<*>Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
<*> Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
<*> Additional lodge nights if early descent
Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities and low Read more
Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities and low Read more
Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities and low Read more
Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities and low Read more
Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities and low Read more
Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities and low Read more
