This route is also known as “Whiskey Route.” It is the most commonly and famous route to climbing Kilimanjaro. Machame route is indeed more scenic route to access top of Africa than other routes as it offers a semi circuit views of the mountain.
Choosing a seven days itinerary, gives you a very short hiking distance on the 5th day ahead of the summit attempt, which leaves plenty time for your body to recover and acclimatize with altitude. Here is the seven days itinerary starting from Moshi Hotel and back.
Hike Highlights;
INCLUDE IN THE COSTS;
* Transport from Kilimanjaro Airport to your hotel.
* Transport from Moshi hotel to park gate and back.
* Paying of entrance fees and Government taxes.
* 3 Star Moshi Hotel 2 nights before and after the trip unless stated otherwise
* Accommodation in quality mountain tents with mattresses.
* Vehicle rescue fees
* Support of porters, Cooks and Guiding services
* 3 meals a day whilst on the mountain.
* All camping tents, sleeping mats and equipment’s.
COST EXCLUDES;
* International/local flights.
* Health, Baggage and Travel Insurance
* Hiring of mountain hiking gears like; Sleeping bags, Hiking boots etc.
* Personal snacks.
* Tips for Guides, Cook and Porters
* Anything else not listed above.
Meal Plan; Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 1,830m/6,000ft to 3,050m/9,950ft
Distance: 11km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Vegetation: Rain Forest
The drive from Moshi town to Machame gate takes about 50 minutes passing the Machame village which is located in the lower slopes of the mountain. Meet the rest of your team [ porters], Check in the park gate and start trekking through tropical rain forest reaching Machame Camp in 4-5 hrs. Packed lunch will be provided.
Meal Plan; Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 3,050m/9,050ft to 3,850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Vegetation: Alpine Giant heather
After having breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest crossing a little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge. The route then turns to the west reaching Shira Camp in 4-6 hrs. Lunch provided in a half way distance.
Meal Plan; Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 3,850mm/12,600ft to 4,000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Vegetation: Semi Alpine desert
From the Shira plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. Continue trekking towards South East via Lava Tower. Have lunch from this point and continue down to the Barranco Camp. Dinner and Overnight at the Camp.
Meal Plan; Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 4,000m/13,000ft to 4,050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 3-4hours
Vegetation: Semi Alpine desert
After breakfast, leave the Camp and climb a non- technical but steep ridge {Barranco Wall or the kissing rock}. Continue trekking in a series of hills reaching Karanga Camp. Dinner and overnight at the Camp.
Meal Plan; Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 4,050m/13,250ft to 4,700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation: Alpine Desert
Right after breakfast and gearing up, start trekking passing the junction to Mweka trail continuing up to the Barafu Camp. From this camp, Mawenzi peak and the Kibo peak are very visible. Have an early dinner and resting ahead of the summit overnight.
Meal Plan; Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 4,700m/15,350ft to 5,895m/19,340ft
Down to 3,090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice & snowcapped summit
Wake up at around 2300hrs, have a simple breakfast, gear up and start the journey to the summit. This is the most challenging part in the body both mentally and physically. Please just a single step after the other with like baby steps following your guide in the dark.
At Stella point (18,600ft), you will be rewarded by the epic sunrise if the weather is clear. Then continue in about an hour to summit. At this point, Uhuru peak, you are now on the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and in the continent of Africa.
Spend a short time at the summit taking photos and start descending down to Barafu Camp for lunch and a rest. After then continue trekking down to Mweka Camp. Enjoy the last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Meal Plan; Breakfast
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation: Forest
After the breakfast and a little celebration with your service crew, pick up your day packs and start descending down. On arriving at the gate, you’ll be rewarded with certificates of achievement. Board a vehicle which will drive you back in your hotel in Moshi or onward destination.
