- info@uncensoredsafaris.com
- +255 7 55 688150
- +255 754 664059
- Arusha, Tanzania
6 days
The Machame route is also called the “Whiskey Route“, a reference to the “Coca Cola Route” Marangu (see above). Machame is “tougher” than that.
Machame is indeed a more difficult climb in some respects, but it does have much higher success rates than Marangu, especially if you choose the seven day version. (According to estimates about 60% of the climbers on Machame make it to the summit, and over three quarters reach the crater rim.)
The seven day version gives you a very short day before your summit attempt, which leaves plenty of time to recover, acclimatize and get ready. The six day version has the same problem as the Marangu route in that respect. See above.
The Machame route is not technically difficult. It is more strenuous. The trail is often steeper and it involves many ups and downs, crossing a succession of valleys and ridges. But that’s why it is also one day longer than Marangu.
Upon your arrival at the airport our driver will be there to pick you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi
Accommodation: Ameg Lodge in HB
Pass By: Machame Camp, Tanzania
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 rain forest 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.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Pass By: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
After breakfast we leave the glades of 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.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Pass By: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. 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.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Pass By: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
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. 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.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Pass By: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
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. 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 may 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 and the continent of Africa!
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. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Pass By: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
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. Kili Peacock Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation: Ameg Lodge in HB
