6 Days Machame Route

Itinerary

Day 1: Moshi/Arusha to Machame hut.

Pass By: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Drive from your hotel to the Machame route 1800, often called the “Whiskey Route”. From Machame gate you start a gentle climb up through the original montane forest, carpeted with unique -busy lizzie- flowers, begonias and ferns. The hike goes through the giant heather to Machame hut 3000m which takes 5 to 6 hours.

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 2: Machame to Shira Camp:

Pass By: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through fine open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3,840m. Herds of eland up here (& occasional lion!) and there are fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera which can be viewed during a half-hour optional walk in the afternoon. We camp near Shira Hut (3840m) which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro; close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across to Mt. Meru floating on the clouds. (4-5 hours walking)

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 3: Shira to Barranco Camp:

Pass By: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
From Shira, you climb towards the main peak Kibo. At these points western glaciers are clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and under the imposing western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for mid-way camp at 3,950m. 6 to 7 hours walking and only 110m total ascent but having climbed much higher and dropped back down for better acclimatization.

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu hut

Pass By: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Up the steep Barranco wall with some sections of very easy scrambling and drop down again to the Karanga Valley where you take a break for lunch. After lunch hike on to Barafu Hut 4600m, having hiked a total of 7 to 8 hours and ascended 650m. You have fantastic views across to Mawenzi peak from the camp after having completed a longer day of hiking which now requires you to adequately relax in preparation of the challenging summit hike early the following morning.

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 5: Summit to Mweka Camp

Pass By: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
A bracing 1am start to climb the steep frozen scree. This is unavoidable on any route but we aim to go past Gillman’s Point to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise another 40 minutes and you are at the highest point on the continent (Kibo:5900m), usually in warm sunshine. On our way back we use Mweka route. Ascent of 1,300m and about 7 hours trek to the summit; 2,600m descent and 6 to 7 hours trek to the Mweka campsite (3400m) above Mweka gate. This is a long hard day but you feel absolutely delighted as you celebrate unforgettable hike! The roof of Africa.

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 6: Mweka camp to Arusha/Moshi

Pass By: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
From Mweka campsite it is a 4 to 5 hours descent through the forest to Mweka gate (depending on individual fitness) to collect certificates and meet the vehicle. Return to your hotel for the night.

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.