Kilimanjaro Climb-Machame Route - 9 days

The approach to the Machame route is from the southwest of Kilimanjaro. It is nicknamed the "Whiskey" route. Its popularity reflects the high success rate achieved on this route and the fact that it can be climbed in 7 days.

The route ascends up through the jungle to Shira Camp and then traverses south towards Barranco via Lava Tower. From there, you climb up the Great Barranco Wall before arriving in base camp at Barafu. The final climb is via Stella Point and the descent is on the Mweka route.

TRIP-ITINERARY:

DAY-1 | Arrival at {JRO}
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport you will be met by a member of the Expect in Africa Safari team who will transfer you by road to your hotel.

Lunch Or Dinner | Room Type: Comfort-Lodge

DAY-2 | From Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Machame Village. In the village, you can buy mineral water and will receive a packed lunch.

Elevation: From 1800 metres to 3000 meters
Trekking distance: 11 kilometers
Trek time: 5 to 7 hours
Environment: Montane forest
Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner | Mountain Tent

DAY-3 | From Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Trek from the Machame Camp to Shira Camp. We'll leave the rainforest behind, seeing the vegetation grow more sparser, and the paths become dustier, as we ascend. We'll have rocks and boulders to contend with as we near the famed Shira Plateau.

Elevation: From 3000 metres to 3850 metres
Trekking distance: 9 kilometres
Trek time: 4 to 6 hours
Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner | Mountain Tent

DAY-4 | Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Day four takes us up from Shira Camp to Lava Tower. We will then descend again to the campsite in the Barranco Valley. This is an excellent example of the 'walks high, sleep low' strategy in practice.

Elevation: From 3850 metres to 3950 metres
Highest point: 4600 metres (Lava Tower)
Trekking distance: 12 kilometres
Trek time: 6 to 7 hours
Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner | Mountain Tent

DAY-5 | From Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast we will ascend to the top of the Great Barranco Wall. Again, we will descend for the night, making camp in the Karanga Valley. Along the way, look for the Decken, Kersten and Heim Glaciers above the valley.

Elevation: From 3950 metres to 3930 metres
Highest point: Great Barranco Wall
Trekking distance: 7 kilometres
Trek time: About 4 hours
Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner | Mountain Tent

DAY-6 | From Karanga Camp to Barafu Hut
From Karanga Camp, we join the Mweka Descent Trail, and continue along it to the Barafu Hut. The Hut marks the end of the Southern Circuit, along which we will have enjoyed views of the summit from many different angles. This is another short day, so we'll have a chance to relax a bit, and prepare for the summit day in the morning.

Elevation: From 3930 metres to 4600 metres
Trekking distance: 6 kilometres
Trek time: Around 3 hours
Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner | Mountain Tent

DAY-7 | Barafu Hut to summit at Uhuru Peak, descent to Mweka Camp
We'll have a warm drink and a snack before we set off, threading between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers. Another hour's hike brings us to Uhuru Peak, the real summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.Next, we'll descend to Barafu Hut again for lunch, then to Mweka Camp (at 3100 metres)

Elevation: From 4600 metres to 3100 metres
Trekking distance: 20 kilo (7 kilometres ascent / 13 kilometres descent)
Trek time: 12 to 15 hours (6 to 8 hours ascent / 6 to 7 hours descent)
Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner | Mountain Tent

DAY-8 | Mweka Gate to Arusha
Walk to mweka gate where you will receive a certificate of your achievement. Last bit of the route to be muddy but keep an eye out for Columbus monkeys and other jungle wildlife in the trees.

Elevation: From 3100 metres to 1800 metres
Trekking distance: 8 kilometres
Trek time: 3 to 4 hours
Environment: Montane forest
Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner | Room Type: Comfort-Lodge

DAY-9 | Drive back to Airport
Depart the lodge in the Mid-Morning or flight time and make your way to Kilimanjaro International Airport, for your onward travel.

Breakfast