The 6 days Machame route is specially designed to give you enough time to acclimatise and summit safely, giving you an edge over the 6 days Machame Route variant. The Machame route that goes along popularly nicknamed, the “Whiskey” route is probably the most popular route used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Machame’s advantage and strong point is the fact that the trail’s environment offers unparalleled natural beauty.
However, this route is a big favorite for adventure seekers as it is more challenging, steep and difficult compared to the other routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, therefore it is recommended that climbers fly this route should at least have previous trekking experience at high altitudes. Since the Machame route is shorter, it is
suitable for climbers who need a few days of climbing and those who do not have enough time otherwise, the longer the route, the higher the summit success rate.
One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.
Walking now 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 The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.
Our day starts by descending into the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical, but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley, which is our last stop for fresh water before the summit. Scree now forms the terrain as we walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu camp.
We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.
Below is the map illustrating the route and resting points along the 7 days trek using the Machame Route. As shown on the map, you will begin trekking from the Machame Gate and finish the climb by descending via the Mweka Route before exiting using the Mweka gate.
Yes ! This tour is suitable for everyone. You can book this tour as a solo traveler or as a couple. We also offer this tour for small and large groups who are willing to travel together. Do not hesitate to contact us and our specialist will be happy to help you plan your vacation in Africa.
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Wild and Nature Safaris is a Tanzanian-owned safari company created from our love for adventure, nature, and our beautiful country. We are based in East Africa and we offer unforgettable safaris to Tanzania’s top destinations including the famous Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
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