6 Days Machame Route

Description

Trekkers who take the Machame Route pass several well-known Mount Kilimanjaro landmarks while en route, including the famed Lava Tower and Shira Plateau. The route wanders up and down a series of valleys and ridges, which make the walk a bit more strenuous, but reward hikers with some of the best views on the mountain. It is for that reason that the Machame route is widely considered to be the most scenic of all of the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, providing unique and varied landscapes to pass through each and every day. The trail starts on the south side of the mountain, passes underneath the Southern Ice Field, and makes its summit approach from the Barafu Camp.

Highlights	6 Days Machame Route climbing, If Marangu is the “Coca Cola” route, then the Machame Route is the “Whiskey” route. It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience. Descent is down the Mweka trail staying at the Mweka or Millennium camp the final night on the mountain.
Includes	Dedicated Customer Satisfaction Associate Airport pick-up and drop-off Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb Breakfast before and after the climb All meals and water on the mountain All park fees and taxes Transportation to and from the hotel and trailhead Tents (3-person mountaineering tent) Sleeping mat Private toilet tent Support team (certified guides, porters, and cooks) Kilimanjaro SAR evacuation insurance
Excludes	Airfare to and from Tanzania Personal travel insurance Visa Tips for the support team Sleeping bags and other personal gear Rental gear Lunch and dinner at the hotel Drinks and snacks

Location Map

Tour Timeline

1

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft

Distance: 11km/7mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
2

Day 2 : Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft

Distance: 5km/3mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The road now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
3

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark's Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
4

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft

Distance: 9km/6mi

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.
5

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft

Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers can view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down.
6

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft

Distance: 10 km /6 mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear.