6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route

The Machame Route:  Machame route also known as the “Whiskey” route, is a six or seven day camping route and is most popular route on Kilimanjaro. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Arusha to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.Trekkers who take the Machame Route pass several well known Mount Kilimanjaro landmarks while en route, including the famed Lava Tower and Shira Plateau.

Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha:

Welcome to Tanzania. On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport you’ll meet your company arranged driver who will transfer you to Arusha city to Green Mountain Hotel for dinner and overnight. Our driver will display your name on Mupana Tours signboard. These procedures ensure that you are picked up by the correct driver, rather than by some of the airport taxi drivers who are looking for business. You’ll get a chance for Mountain trekking briefing/introduction before your dinner.

• Meals: Dinner and Overnight
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 01: Arusha – Machame Gate – Machame Camp

After breakfast at your hotel, then drive from Arusha to Machame Gate takes about 1 hour. 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. Then continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide

DAY 02: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

After breakfast we leave the density rain forest and continue on an ascending to shira camp, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Dinner and overnight served at Shira Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide

DAY 03: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

After tasty breakfast at your campsite continue hiking from the Shira Plateau to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo peak. As we keep ascend, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth”. 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, call it the day for acclimatization which will help your body prepare for summit day. Dinner will be served at Barranco Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide

DAY 04: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight relaxation will be at Barafu Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide

DAY 05: Barafu Camp – Summit – down to Mweka Camp.

Early in the morning between midnight and 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 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!

After peak cerebration with full photo taken, then our descent start 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 this will be our last mountain enjoyment. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide

DAY 06: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha (Hotel)

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.

Then transfer back to Arusha direct to your hotel where a hot shower, fresh clothes and cold drinks are waiting. Supper and overnight stay at Green Mountain Hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide

Departure Day:

After breakfast from your hotel, the company driver will transfer you to the airport – Kilimanjaro International Airport where you’ll board your flight heading back to your lovely country.