The Machame route, often referred to as the Whiskey route due to its challenging nature, stands out as the most popular choice among the seven main routes for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro. Approximately half of all climbers opt for this route, and this preference is well-founded. While the climb on the Machame route presents a significant challenge, it is not overwhelmingly difficult. What truly sets it apart is the breathtaking scenery it offers, combined with a unique approach of ascending to higher altitudes during the day and descending to lower altitudes for sleeping at night.
DAY 01
Following a hearty breakfast and a comprehensive briefing, you'll embark on a journey to Londorossi Park Gate, which entails approximately a 3-hour drive. Upon arrival, a forest track, suitable for 4WD vehicles, will guide you to the Lemosho Glades trailhead. Here, you'll set foot on forest trails that wind their way to the Mti Mkubwa campsite, aptly named for the "big tree" that graces the surroundings.
Elevation: 1830m / 6000ft to 3050m / 9950ft
Distance: 11km / 7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 02
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge past the Shira 1 camp and on to the Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
Elevation: 950 m / 3116 ft
Distance: 12km / 7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 03
From the Shira Plateau, our trek proceeds eastward along a ridge, bypassing the junction leading to the Kibo Peak. Continuing on, our path veers towards the southeast, guiding us to the Lava Tower, affectionately known as the "Shark's Tooth" (elevation 4,650 meters or 15,250 feet). After a brief time at the tower, we reach another junction that branches off to the Arrow Glacier. Our route now descends towards the Barranco Camp. Although the day concludes at a similar elevation to where we began, it's a crucial step for acclimatization, preparing your body for the challenges of the summit day ahead.
Elevation: 3850m / 12,600ft to 4000m / 13,000ft
Distance:8km / 5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi - Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 04
Following a hearty breakfast, our journey continues as we bid farewell to Barranco and press onward, ascending a steep ridge that leads us up the challenging Barranco Wall, which reaches an elevation of 4,250 meters (13,900 feet). Our path then guides us through the enchanting Karanga Valley, situated at an elevation of 4,050 meters (13,250 feet), until we reach the intersection that links with the Mweka Trail. With unwavering determination, we continue our ascent, eventually reaching the Barafu Camp.
This phase marks the culmination of our traverse along the South Circuit, celebrated for the diverse angles it offers to behold the summit. As we set up camp at Barafu, a captivating sight awaits us – the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro majestically looming in the distance. This serves as a poignant reminder of the monumental achievement that lies ahead as we approach the zenith of our adventure.
Elevation: 4700m / 15,500ft to 5895m / 9,340ft
Distance: 6km / 4mi up
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 05
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 4050m / 13,250ft to 4700m / 5,350ft
Distance: 4km / 2mi up
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 06
In the pre-dawn hours, typically between midnight and 2 am, our determined ascent towards the summit continues, leading us through the narrow passage nestled between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. As we press forward, our trajectory takes us in a northwesterly direction, propelling us upwards through the challenging terrain of heavy scree, as we draw nearer to Stella Point on the crater rim. This segment represents the most demanding leg of our trek, both mentally and physically. Upon reaching Stella Point, a brief respite is in order, and it's here that a truly majestic sunrise graces us, a sight that is likely to be the most breathtaking sunrise you've ever witnessed. For the swifter hikers among us, catching this sunrise may occur from the summit itself.
From Stella Point onwards, the landscape may become adorned with snow, accompanying us on our roughly one-hour ascent to the summit. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and indeed the entire African continent—an accomplishment of monumental proportions.
After reaching the summit, our descent begins by proceeding directly downhill to the Mweka Camp. En route, we pause briefly at Barafu for lunch. It's worth considering the use of gaiters and trekking poles to navigate the loose gravel on the descent. Finally, we arrive at the Mweka Camp, marking our last evening on this awe-inspiring mountain—an evening filled with reflection on the remarkable journey we've undertaken.
Elevation: 4700m / 15,350ft to 5895m / 19,340ft
Down to 3090m / 10,150ft
Distance: 5km / 3mi Up / 13km / 8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and Ice-Capped Summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 07
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha.
Elevation: 3090m / 10,150ft to 1680m / 5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi up
Hiking Time:3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
