Climb mount Kiimanjaro Via
Machame Route
6 Days | 5 Nights
Safari Overview
The Kilimanjaro 6 Days Machame Route is a popular choice among climbers seeking a challenging and scenic trek to the summit. This route, often referred to as the “Whiskey” route, offers a more strenuous climb compared to other options, but it also provides breathtaking views and a diverse range of landscapes
During the 6-day trek, climbers will witness the beauty of Kilimanjaro’s flora and fauna, including unique plant species and wildlife. The 6 Days Machame Route also provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, and the iconic Uhuru Peak.
We would recommend it to experienced climbers that have already been acclimatized before and physically fit.
The 6 Days Machame Route starting in the rainforest at 1850 meters point, the trail goes through all the climate zones of Kilimanjaro, providing you good acclimatization due to smooth elevation gain combined with the daily changing equatorial wonderful landscapes. Although it is important to note that some parts of this route can be quite steep.
In case you are planning to climb in rainy season & Snowing (November, April and May), the path can be eroded on Machame, which will make your hike even more difficult.
Full Itinerary
Machame Gate – Machame Camp
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park’s entrance: Machame Gate (1,800 m).
After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Machame Camp (3,010 m). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes but also your raincoats.
This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:
– Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine
– Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently)
– Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies.
At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may, therefore, start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Change in Elevation: Machame Gate (1,800 m) to Machame Camp (3,010 m)
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Machame camp to Shira camp
The second day for your adventure to the roof of Africa via the Machame route will starts in the morning with a breakfast and after star the hiking deep up to the Shira plateau where you will have your overnight. This is a short hiking day as you will have just an hour hiking after your lunch up to the Shira camp.
Walking through: The moorland, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge
Accompaniments: Mountain guide/guides, chef and porters
Time and distance: hiking of 4 to 5hrs a distance of 5km
What to see: Kibo peak, the Western breach the Shira Cathedra and the sunset
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Meal plans: Breakfast, Lunch & dinner
Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
After breakfast, you will leave Shira Camp (3,845 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters.
It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1-2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be.
Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! The next day you will be climbing it, but don’t worry: it features a very simple hiking trail.
Note: If one or more participants feel sick, the group may refrain from passing the Lava Tower and adjust the route, following instead the road for porters. In this case, you will not reach an altitude of 4,630 meters, getting up only to a maximum of 4,400 meters.
Change in Elevation:
– Shira Camp (3,845 m)
– Lava Tower (4,630 m)
– Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 6 to 8 hours
Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp
Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered a warm lunch. After a couple of hours, you will have to complete ascend to Barafu Camp (4,640 m) where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting.
Change in Elevation:
– Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
– Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 8 to 10 hours
Ascent to Uhuru Peak and descent to Millennium Camp
Departure from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude.
Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).
Note: Don’t forget that 90% of all accidents occur during descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
Change in Elevation:
– Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
– Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
– Millennium Camp (3,820 m)
Hiking distance: 15 km
Hiking time: 8 to 12 hours
Descend from Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate
The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate (1,650 m).
After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.
Change in Elevation:
– Millennium Camp (3,820 m)
– Mweka Gate (1,650 m)
Hiking distance: 12 km
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Includes
- Airport transfers (JRO – Kilimanjaro International Airports)
- Accommodation occupancy (before and after the climb)
Qualified guides with mountain crew - All Park fees
- Hut/camping fees and tents
- Tents foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and (Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils.
- Rescue fees (required by the National Park)
- Pulse oximeters
- First aid kit
- Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain.
Excludes
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel/Medical Insurance (recommended)
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities to the crew and personnel (At least $250 per Climber)
- Personal items and purchases (Hiking Gears)
Book This Tour
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