6 Days Machame Route – Safari Africa Travel

6 Days – Machame Route

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Climbing

6 Days – Machame Route Overview

Nicknamed the “Whiskey Route” for its tougher challenge compared to the “Coca-Cola Route,” the Machame Route is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, varied ecological zones, and high summit success rate due to its favorable acclimatization profile. This 6-day itinerary offers a rewarding journey through dense rainforest, expansive moorland, alpine desert, and glacial landscapes before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). While physically demanding, this route is ideal for trekkers seeking adventure, challenge, and panoramic beauty.

Solo	2 pax	4 pax	6 pax
$1850	$1650	$1490	$1390

itinerary

Day 1

Hotel To Machame Camp

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.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to
3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

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.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3

Shira Camp Via Lava Tower to Baranco Camp

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.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4

Baranco > Karanga - Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lunch break at Karanga Camp Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

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, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit night. Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Dinner

Day 5

Barafu Camp - Summit - Mweka Camp

Early in the midnight 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. Fastest 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. Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-7 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6

Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate - Hotel

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 (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast & lunch

Price Includes

= All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel

= Airport Transfers

= Professional, experienced, mountain guide

= Guide, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees

= Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tent

= Sleeping Mattress

= Emergency Oxygen Cylinder

= All meals while on the Mountain

= Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

= Clean, purified drinking water

= Conservation fees (part of park fees)

= Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)

= Rescue fees (part of park fees)

= VAT (18% charged by the Government)

= Kilimanjaro summit certificate

Price Excludes

= Tanzania Visa

= International and domestic flights

= Hotel Accommodation in town Before and after the trekk

= Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)

= Tips and gratuities

= Travel insurance

= Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

= Meals not listed in the itinerary

= Liquors, beers and bottled beverages

NB: Tipping Guideline
$ 15 – 20 for a guide per group per day
$ 12 – 15 for Cook per group per day
$ 10 – 15 per Porter per group per day

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