Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Machame Route 9 Days

Tour Overview

Machame ("Whiskey") Route is also known as the "Whiskey" route, the Machame route is now the most popular route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although seven days is recommended. The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to the heavy crowds, it loses some of its splendor.

Day by Day Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive in Tanzania

Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a pick up private transfer waiting to Kilimanjaro Wonders hotel in Moshi. All airport transfers are the part of the package, no extra fee is required. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

DAY 2: Moshi-Machame Hut

A one-hour drive from Moshi lays the gate to the Machame route, where you will complete park formalities, meet your crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and involves real jungle bashing through magnificent forest. This path is less well trodden and is often wet and muddy under foot. Camping at Machame Hut (3100m).
Trekking Time: 4-6 hours ⎟Distance: 9 km⎟ Altitude Gain: 1210 m.

DAY 3: Machame Hut – Shira Caves

The route continues on up through the forest until reaching the steep ascent on the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt. Meru rising high above Arusha town. Camping at Shira Caves (3840 m).
Trekking Time: 4-6 hours ⎟ Distance: 5 km ⎟ Altitude Gain: 740 m.

DAY 4: Shira Caves - Barranco Camp

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. You will traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, finally reaching Barranco Camp (3900 m). The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600 m), but you will have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to avoid altitude sickness by aiding your bodies in acclimatization.
Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hours ⎟ Distance: 10 km⎟ Altitude Gain: 60 m.

DAY 5: Barranco Camp -Karanga Valley

Start the day by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. Then exit steeply, up what has been termed the Breakfast Wall, which divides you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It is a climb over rocks, although not technical. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, head towards the Karanga Valley (4000 m) for overnight.
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours ⎟ Distance: 5 km ⎟ Altitude Gain: 100 m.

DAY 6: Karanga Valley - Barafu Camp

The day is characterized by a short hike on terrain formed by scree. Walk through arid land towards Barafu Camp (4600 m) where you have the entire afternoon to rest before ascending towards the summit.
Trekking Time: 2-4 hours ⎟ Distance: 4 km ⎟ Altitude Gain: 600 m.

DAY 7: Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp

We avoid walking too long in the heat of the sun today by starting around midnight, walking steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. You will be climbing scree for 5 to 6 hours but you gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. You should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5750 m) as the first rays of the sun emerge. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround you and the views to Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walk takes you to your goal, the summit of Uhuru (5896 m), the highest point; Uhuru means freedom in Swahili.
Trekking Time: 6-8 hours ⎟ Distance: 7 km⎟ Altitude Gain: 1296 m.

After a quick celebration and photos at the top, you will begin the descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope back to Barafu Camp for breakfast and a short rest before finally heading down to Millennium Camp (3000 m) for a well-earned rest. On the descent, you will have fabulous views of the plains and Mawenzi peak.
Trekking Time: 6-8 hours ⎟ Distance: 12 km ⎟ Altitude Loss: 2896m.

DAY 8: Millennium Camp – Moshi

A gentle trek takes you down through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate (1640 m), where park formalities will be completed, you will be met by our vehicles, and receive your certificate of ascent courtesy of the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. Thereafter, drive back to Moshi where you can treat yourself to a well-earned shower and a cold beer or two.
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours ⎟ Distance: 10 km ⎟ Altitude Loss: 1360m.

DAY 9: Departure day in Tanzania

We will transfer you from the hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will fly back home.