The Kilimanjaro Region in Tanzania is home to the Kilimanjaro National Park, the Mkomazi National Park, the Pare Mountains, Lake Jipe, Lake Chala, forests and waterfalls and more. Moshi is its capital and at 5,895 m, Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, is its star! Summit Mount Kilimanjaro on this guided tour using the Machame route. The Machame route, otherwise known as the "Whiskey" route, is one of the more popular routes to summit Kilimanjaro. This guided trek to the top of Kilimanjaro is famous for its beautiful and magnificent scenery. Despite being more strenuous compared to the Marangu route, the Machame route has one of the highest success rates for summiting.
DAY 1: Moshi-Machame gate-Machame Hut/camp.
In the morning transfer from your hotel to Machame Gate.This will take us one-hour drive. We will pick up the park passes, signing-in and weighing our luggages before heading off to the first camp. The firs section of the route climbs steadily and involves real jungle-bashing through magnificent forest. This start is a good introduction to Kilimanjaro and with prime examples of the forest that laces the foot of the mountain though is often wet and muddy underfoot. We will have our Dinner and overnight at Machame camp.(3100m)
Trekking Time:4-6 hours –Distance:9 km-Altitude Gain is 740
DAY 2: Machame camp-Shira Camp
The rout continues on up through the forest until we are at the steep ascent on the Shira Plateau,where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will see Mt.Meru rising high above Arusha town. We camp at Shira caves (3840m).We will have an evening walk of 100m high for altitude acclimatization(Walk high and sleep low).
Trekking Time:4-6-Distance:9 km-Altitude Gain: 740m
DAY 3: Shira Camp-Baranco Camp
After breakfast we start a day by walking on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp at Barranco camp (3900m). The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have also followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to avoid altitude sickness.
Trekking Time: 6-7hours-Distance: 15 km-Altitude Gain:60 m
DAY 4: Baranco Camp – Barafu Camp
Leave slowly crossing the floor of the great Barranco Valley and up the Barranco wall; continue the trek on the South Circuit path through the Karanga Valley. Then slowly trek (7 hours) to Barafu Hut (4600m). From Barafu you will have excellent views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Barafu Hut is situated on an exposed and dangerous ridge, so it is necessary to familiarise yourself with the terrain before dark. We will have our dinner, rest and prepare for summit night.
Trekking Time: 7-8 Hours-Distance: 9km-Altitude Gain 800 m
DAY 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (Summit)– Mweka/High Camp
We normally start our ascent by torchlight around midnight so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steeply climb over loose volcanic scree has some graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella point (5735m.), in about 5-6 hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those are still feeling strong can make the 2hours round trip from here along the Crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descend to Barafu campsite is surprisingly fast, and after lunch and other refreshments, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3100m.) Most of us will be too tired to notice the beauty of the forest surrounding the crowded campsite. (11-14 hours walking)
DAY 6: Mweka camp to mweka Gate
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi. At Mweka Gate gate you sign your name and details in a register book. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive Golden certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!
