The second most popular option among the climbers is the Machame route, also known as “the Whiskey Route”. This route offers a wide variety of views, landscapes and experiences. The starting point of the route, Machame Gate, is only a 1 hour drive from Arusha. Located on the southern slope of Mt Kilimanjaro, Machame Gate will lead you to the top of Kilimanjaro along the exciting footpath which starts at the tropical forest, then runs through all the climate zones and finishes with the Arctic desert in the summit area. Camps along the trek are favorably located for a smooth and gradual acclimatization transition process. On the 3rd day Machame Route converges with Lemosho and Umbwe at Barranco camp. You can choose between a six or seven-day climb. The latter one is highly preferred for better acclimatization transition.
Hiking: 7 hours (appox 18km) After breakfast, we will drive from Arusha to the Machame Gate to register at the park entrance. We will begin our hike through the natural rainforest to Machame Camp, situated in a clearing in the forest. We will have a packed lunch en route before continuing our walk in the late afternoon towards camp.
Hiking: 6 hours (approx 9km) In the morning, we will continue our ascent through the forest for another hour before reaching moorland areas where we will continue our trail. After lunch, we continue onto a rocky path before levelling out on to the Shira Plateau.
Hiking: 7 hours (approx 15km) On Day 4, we will hike along a rocky path which leads us towards Lava Tower where we will reach an altitude of 4630m and the change in atmosphere is most likely to be felt here. After lunch, we descend back to Barranco Camp.
Hiking: 7 hours (approx 13km) A highlight for many trekkers, we continue our ascent scrambling up the Great Barranco Wall and then over scree and ridges of the Karanga Valley which lies beneath the icefalls of the Southern Glaciers towards Barafu Camp.
Hiking time: Approx 16 hours (approx 30km) We depart for the Summit at around midnight, through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is a 6 hour walk to Stella point and is for many climbers, the most challenging part of the entire journey. From Stella Point, after a short break, we will commence the 40 minute walk towards Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro before descending back to Barafu camp. After a short break, we will head down to Mweka Hut.
Hiking time: 3 hours (approx 15km) On our final day of trekking, we will commence a 3 hour hike to Mweka Park gate and drive back towards Arusha.
