Machame – 6 Days
Conquer Kilimanjaro: A Journey Above the Clouds with Safarhino Adventure.
- Kilimanjaro
Tour Overview.
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its scenic beauty, the route offers trekkers spectacular landscapes, from lush rainforest and alpine meadows to rugged cliffs and glacial terrain. This 6-day itinerary with Kilitop Safaris is designed for trekkers seeking a more intensive, slightly challenging climb, with stunning vistas as a reward for each day’s hike.
With a challenging ascent and panoramic landscapes, the Machame Route takes you through five distinct ecological zones, each with its unique flora and fauna. This 6-day itinerary with Safarhino Adventure offers an adventurous trek to the summit with experienced guides, professional porters, and top-notch camping equipment. Each day’s itinerary is meticulously planned to enhance acclimatization, making the climb as enjoyable and successful as possible.
Route Highlights
- Ecological Diversity: Traverse five different climatic zones, from lush rainforest to the arctic summit.
- Scenic Beauty: Breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks, including Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
- Professional Support: Guided by experienced mountain guides with knowledgeable porters and cooks, ensuring safety and comfort.
- Sunrise Summit: Reach the summit at dawn, witnessing an unforgettable sunrise from the “Roof of Africa.”
Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)
- Distance: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Begin your journey at Machame Gate with a registration process and meet the trekking team. The hike leads through the lush, green rainforest to Machame Camp, where you’ll have your first night in the mountain wilderness.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,840m)
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Trek across heath and moorland terrain, passing beautiful wildflowers, unique plant species, and views of Kibo Peak. Arrive at Shira Camp, perched on a plateau, with impressive views of Mount Meru in the distance.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower (4,630m), then to Barranco Camp (3,950m)
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending into the Barranco Valley. Although physically challenging, this day aids acclimatization, preparing your body for the altitude of the summit. Camp at Barranco, with a remarkable view of the Breach Wall.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,200m)
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Conquer the Barranco Wall, a short, exhilarating climb leading to the Karanga Valley. With an afternoon of rest, this day helps adjust to the elevation and allows for additional acclimatization.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,680m)
- Distance: 4 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Ascend toward Barafu Camp, where you’ll prepare for the final summit attempt. Enjoy an early dinner and rest, as the summit push will begin around midnight.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
- Distance: 16 km (8 km ascent, 8 km descent)
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
- Begin the summit attempt in the early morning darkness, reaching Uhuru Peak around sunrise for an unforgettable experience. After reaching the summit, descend back to Mweka Camp for a final night on the mountain.
Include and Not- Included
What’s Included
- Professional Guide: Certified guides with extensive experience on Kilimanjaro.
- Porters and Support Staff: Knowledgeable porters to carry equipment and assist trekkers.
- All Meals on the Mountain: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with snacks, prepared by a mountain cook.
- Camping Equipment: Quality tents, sleeping mats, and camping chairs for comfort.
- Park Fees: All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, including camping and rescue fees.
- Transport: Transfers from your hotel in Moshi/Arusha to the starting point and back.
What’s Not Included
- Personal Climbing Gear: Clothing, sleeping bags, trekking poles, and other personal items.
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for emergency evacuation and medical support.
- Tips for the Crew: Gratitude for guides, porters, and cooks (generally budget around $200 per trekker).
- Visa Fees: Tanzanian visa fees for international travelers.
With the the Kilitop Safaris Machame Route 6-day trek, you can expect an unforgettable journey to Kilimanjaro’s peak, traversing unique landscapes and experiencing the grandeur of Africa’s highest mountain!