Kilimanjaro · Tanzania

MACHAME ROUTE

The Machame Route, known as the “Whiskey Route”, is a 6 or 7 day trek covering 62km through Kilimanjaro’s ever-changing landscapes, from lush rainforest to alpine desert and glaciers. With excellent acclimatisation, spectacular scenery and rewarding challenges such as the Barranco Wall, it’s a fantastic choice for those looking for a challenging and immersive route to the summit.

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Group Trek: £2,045 (6-day) £2,145 (7-day)

6 or 7 Days

Duration

5,895m

12 people

Moderate/Challenging

Total Elevation

Max Group Size

Difficulty

ITINERARY OVERVIEW (9-Day trip/ 7-Day Route)

1

Welcome to Tanzania!

On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you'll be met by our friendly team and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and settle in afteryour journey.

In the evening, we’ll hold a trek briefing where you’ll meet your fellow climbers, go over theroute, ask any questions, and complete a full kitcheck to ensure you're fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Arrival

2

Hotel > Machame Camp

The drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes around 45 minutes, passing through the picturesque village of Machame.

From the park gate, you will embark on our journey through the rain forest, following a winding trail that ascends along a ridge.

The forest gradually gives way, and after a rewarding trek, you will arrive at Machame Camp, where you will spend the night.

Elevation: 1,640m to 2,835m

Distance: 11 km (7 miles)

Trekking Time: 5-7 hours

3

Machame Camp > Shira Camp

After breakfast, you'll leave the rain forest behind and begin our climb along a steadily ascending path.

The trail takes us across a valley and up a steep,rocky ridge, rewarding us with expansive views of the landscape below. As you progress, the path curves westward, leading us alongside a striking river gorge.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the Shira campsite, where you’ll settle in for the evening.

Elevation: 2,835m to 3,750m

Distance: 5 km (3 miles)

Trekking Time: 4-6 hours

4

Machame Camp > Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, you'll continue eastward, ascending a ridge that takes us past a junction leading towards the peak of Kibo. As you move on, our route veers to the southeast towards the impressive Lava Tower, known as the "Shark's Tooth," at an elevation of 4,650 metres (15,250 feet). Shortly after the tower, we reach a second junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier.

From here, you'll descend into the Barranco Valley, making our way to Barranco Camp. Although you'll end the day at nearly the same elevation as you started, this day is essential for acclimatisation.

Elevation: 3,750m to 4,630m (Lava Tower) and down to 4,000m

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours

5

Barranco Camp > Karanga Camp

Today, you leave Barranco Camp and embark on a challenging ascent up the steep Barranco Wall. As you climb the ridge, you’ll be rewarded with

breathtaking views of the rugged terrain below.

Once you reach the top, you will continue our journey by descending into the Karanga Valley, a beautiful spot nestled between the peaks.

Your trek today concludes at the junction where our path intersects with the Mweka Trail, setting the stage for the next leg of our adventure.

Elevation: 4000m to 4050m

Distance: 5km (3miles)

Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

6

Karanga Camp > Barafu Camp

Today, you'll continue your ascent to Barafu Camp.

Along the way, you'll complete the South Circuit, which provides stunning views of the summit from various angles. Upon reaching Barafu, you'll set up camp, allowing time to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the final push to the summit tomorrow.

Elevation: 4050m to 4700m

Distance: 4km (2miles)

Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

7

Barafu Camp > Summit > Mweka Camp

In the early hours, between midnight and 2 a.m., you will set off for the summit, climbing through scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You will head northwest towards Stella Point on the crater rim, where you’ll enjoy a stunning sunrise.

Congratulations! You have made it to Uhuru Peak: the roof of Africa and the highest free standing mountain in the world!

Afterward, you will descend to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You’ll unwind and enjoy your last night on the mountain at Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) and down to 3,080m

Distance: 5 km (3 miles) ascent, 12 km (7.5 miles) descent

Trekking Time: 10-14 hours

8

Barafu Camp > Mweka Camp > Hotel

After breakfast, you will make our way down to the Mweka Park Gate to collect your summit certificates.

You’ll then transfer back to Moshi, a 60-minute drive, and return to your hotel for your final night. To mark your achievement, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Elevation: 3,080m to 1,640m

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)

Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

9

Farewell!

After a good nights sleep and well deserved rest, it’s time to head home...until next time!

START YOUR ADVENTURE

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

The optimal time to embark on a trek to Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, specifically from January to mid-March and from June to October. These periods offer the most favourable weather conditions, characterised by clear skies, moderate temperatures, and dry trails, ensuring both safety and stunning vistas.

The January to mid-March season is slightly warmer, making it an excellent time for those who prefer milder conditions. The June to October season is the most popular, coinciding with summer holidays and providing the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in Tanzania.

Trekkers are advised to avoid the long rainy season from March to May and the short rainy season in November due to heavy rainfall, which can make trails slippery and obscure the magnificent landscapes. The rainy seasons also increase the risk of altitude sickness due to the damp and cold conditions. Thus, timing one's trek within these optimal windows not only maximises the visual splendour and safety of the expedition but also enhances the overall experience on the mountain.

Physical Fitness for Climbing Kilimanjaro

Preparing physically for Kilimanjaro is essential, as the trek is demanding and requires stamina, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Begin regular exercise at least three to six months prior to the climb. Focus on activities such as hiking, running, cycling, and strength training. Building endurance with long hikes, ideally with a weighted backpack, will help simulate the conditions you'll face on the mountain. Incorporate hill training to prepare for the varying inclines and descents. Additionally, core and leg strength exercises, such as squats, lunges, and planks, will enhance your stability and overall fitness, ensuring you're ready for the rigours of the trek. Please note that we are not fitness experts and everyone is different, you will need to adjust this training plan to suit your body.

Suggested Training Plan for Climbing Kilimanjaro

Around 6 Months Before the Climb

Months 1-2:

Cardio:
- Frequency: 2 times per week
- Activities: Gentle jogging, brisk walking, or cycling
- Duration: 20-30 minutes

Strength Training:
- Frequency: 1 time per week
- Exercises: Bodyweight squats, lunges, and step-ups

Months 3-4:

Cardio:
- Frequency: 3 times per week
- Activities: Jogging, brisk walking, or cycling
- Duration: 30-40 minutes

Strength Training:
- Frequency: 1-2 times per week
- Exercises: Squats, lunges, step-ups, planks, and push-ups
- Repetitions: 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps

Hiking:
- Frequency: 3 time per month
- Duration: Half-day or full-day hike on varied terrain

Months 5-6:

Cardio:
- Frequency: 3 times per week
- Activities: Jogging, brisk walking, or cycling
- Duration: 40-50 minutes

Strength Training:
- Frequency: 2 times per week
- Exercises: Squats, lunges, step-ups, planks, push-ups, with weights if comfortable

Hiking:
- 1 times per week
- Duration: Full-day hike on varied terrain

General Tips

Flexibility: Incorporate gentle stretching to prevent injury
Rest: Ensure you have at least one full rest day per week.
Listen to Your Body: Adjust the intensity based on how you feel, and ensure you recover well between sessions.

The Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro: A Month-by-Month Guide

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Exclusions:

2 nights in a boutique hotel in Moshi (twin share, same gender), bed and breakfast
Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to hotel
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Welcome and Farewell dinner
7-Day Machame Route Trek
Tents (twin share, same gender)
Small mattress with small pillow and cover
Private toilet for group
Clean, purified drinking water on trek
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
English speaking guides, cooks and
porters (their salaries, food and sleeping accommodation)
Hot water bottle
Mess tents with table and chairs
Breakfast, lunch and dinner when on trek
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Summit Wild cap and booklet
Kilimanjaro summit certificate

Exclusions:

Tourist VISA
Any vaccinations you may require
Travel Insurance (must be applicable for Kilimanjaro)
Return Airport Transfer
International flights
Personal trekking equipment (clothing, sleeping bag, etc.)
Drinks and meals not listed in inclusions
Alcoholic drinks
Tipping
Personal expenses (laundry, wifi, phone, etc.)
Anything else not listed in inclusions

Why choose Machame?

Choosing the Machame Route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro offers several advantages:

Scenic Beauty: The Machame Route is renowned for its stunning landscapes. Trekkers pass through diverse environments, including lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, offering breathtaking views throughout the journey.

Acclimatisation: This route follows the "climb high, sleep low" principle, which is beneficial for acclimatisation. The varied altitudes each day help climbers adjust to the higher elevations, increasing the chances of successfully reaching the summit.

Challenging and Rewarding: While the Machame Route is considered challenging due to its steeper paths and longer trekking days, it is also one of the most rewarding. Trekkers often find the physical challenge to be a fulfilling part of the adventure.

Popularity and Sociability: As one of the most popular routes, Machame attracts many climbers. This can be advantageous for those who enjoy meeting fellow trekkers and sharing the experience with others.

Diverse Wildlife: The initial days of the trek, especially through the rainforest zone, offer opportunities to see diverse wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and other forest creatures.

Well-established Infrastructure: Given its popularity, the Machame Route has well-established campsites and infrastructure. This makes for a more comfortable trekking experience with reliable support from guides and porters.

Summit Success Rate:The route's acclimatisation profile and manageable day hikes contribute to a higher summit success rate compared to some other routes.

Photographic Opportunities: The varied landscapes and stunning vistas provide ample opportunities for photography. Highlights include views of Mount Meru, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and the Barranco Wall.

Overall, the Machame Route is an excellent choice for trekkers looking for a combination of scenic beauty, physical challenge, and a higher chance of summit success.

Why choose Summit Wild to plan your climb?

Expertise: We offer specialised knowledge and extensive firsthand experience in organising Kilimanjaro climbs. Unlike many tour operators who rely on third parties, we have personally been on the mountain. This allows us to provide firsthand insights and invaluable tips for a successful climb.