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Machame

Machame Route at Mount Kilimanjaro – 7 Days Safari Itinerary

Mountain Kilimanjaro elevates at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) hence known as Africa’s tallest peak. The Mountain includes unique terrain landscapes, diverse ecosystems as well as many routes that lead to the Uhuru summit. One of the routes along the Mountain is the Machame Route.

Machame Route

Machame Route is one of the most prominent routes to Uhuru Peak and it is referred to as the “Whiskey Route”. It comprises of remarkable views, diverse ecosystems hence higher succession rate when adequately acclimatized. It is somehow challenging to conquer as you ascend through rainforests, heath, and alpine desert to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

 The route is the most beautiful offering hikers views at the terrain landscapes, alpine deserts and snow capped summit. It approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the South West ascending through dense rain forests before getting to the heath and moorland zones.

  • Distance: Approximately 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) round-trip
  • Duration: 6 to 7 days
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (due to its steeper terrain and longer days)
  • Accommodation: Camping (except for the final night at the summit)

5 Reasons to Choose the Machame Route

5 Top Reasons why travelers choose the Machame Route over the other routes.

  • Scenic Diversity: The Machame Route hike gives you diverse trekking experiences following through various terrain landscapes i.e tropical rainforests, heath, moorland and alpine deserts.

  • Higher Success Rate: Due to the longer itinerary (6-7 days), Machame Route allows for better acclimatization, which is crucial for avoiding altitude sickness till you reach the summit.

  • More Challenging: the Machame Route is more challenging than routes like Marangu, providing a rewarding adventure for those who want a more physically demanding experience.

  • Camping Experience: while on the Machame Route, travelers sleep in tents instead of staying in huts. It also offers views of the changing terrain landscapes, starlit skies and stunning nature.

  • Better Acclimatization: Machame route offers a “climb high, sleep low” principle, which enhances the body’s ability to adjust to the altitude.

Itinerary of the Machame Route Trek

A safari itinerary of the Machame Route takes about 6 to 7 days following a direct path that offers trekkers enough time for acclimatization. A detailed breakdown of the Machame Route trek.

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp 

The trek starts at Machame Gate situated at around 1,800 meters (5,906 feet). You start your ascent through the tropical rainforest zone along a relatively gentle trail steadily climbing through dense verdant forests. It takes a distance of 11 kms (6.8 miles), for a period of 5 to 7 hours.

On your trek follow a moderately steep trail through the rainforest and along you may encounter monkeys, bird species and flora. Dinner and Overnight at Machame Camp.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp 

On this Day, you shall leave the rainforest to access the heath zone which comprises of low shrubs, heather and wildflowers. This takes you a period of 5 kms for a period of 4 to 5 hours following the trail as it steepens watching the green terrain landscape towards Shira Camp. You shall experience more rocky terrain as you watch Mount Kilimanjaro and the expansive valleys. Dinner and Overnight at Shira Camp.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp 

Day 3 is essential for acclimatization as you embark on trek for a distance of 10 kms for a period of 6 to 7 hours. The route proceeds through the moorland zone then get on candid challenging ascent to the Lava Tower at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet). You shall later descend to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters following the “climb high, sleep low” strategy.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

On Day 4, you’ll tackle the famous Barranco Wall via a steep climb that is not technically difficult making it more fun for trekkers as they proceed to the summit. This hike takes a distance of 6 kms for a period of 4 to 5 hours. Dinner at Karanga Camp.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp 

Today embark on a short but steep trek covering a distance of 4 kms ascending through the alpine desert zone known to have harsh conditions, sparse vegetation and rocky paths. This shall take you a period of 4 to 5 hours following through challenging terrain due to steepness and thin air.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) and Descent to Mweka Camp 

Summit day is the most demanding day on the Machame Route taking you a distance of 16 kms for a period of 12 to 16 hours. Climbers start the ascent at midnight or early morning to reach Uhuru Peak by sunrise. You shall walk in the dark for many hours until you reach the summit via Stella Point. After reaching the summit (Uhuru Peak), you shall embark on descent to Barafu Camp for brief relaxation before proceeding down to Mweka Camp for the night.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The final day of the trek involves a descent through the rainforest for 10 kms and a period of 3 to 4 hours. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, marking the end of your journey.

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