Machame Route





Machame Route
ROUTE OVERVIEW:
The Machame route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is a classic Kilimanjaro trekking trail. It’s one of the most popular routes to climb Kilimanjaro. We at Tanzania Wildhog Safaris organize climbing expeditions to Kilimanjaro Uhuru peak through this route annually which starts in a beautiful tropical forest. The Machame route is essential for 6 and 7days itineraries, with the second offering a suggestively better acclimatization profile and big percent of summit success rates. Machame is a great route with incredible views suitable even for beginners. You will enjoy hiking through all five climatic zones of Kilimanjaro, scale the attractive Barranco Wall, and phenomenon at the alien-looking Dendrosenecio kilimanjari – truly unique plants species which is not found anywhere else in the world.
RECOMMENDATION:
MACHAME ROUTE RECOMMENDATION
Be careful when choosing between the 6 and 7days Machame route itineraries. The 6 days variation has much lower summit success rates and is suitable only for experienced trekkers and people with prior acclimatization. This is because the shorter itinerary skips the intermediate stay at Karanga Camp, making it much more challenging to adapt well to the high altitude and have a good chance of summiting. This option is preferred by budget climbers but we don’t recommend for someone who never be at high altitude and is a beginner.
Machame Route – Summit Success Rate
Most Climbers love to understand what summit success rates for different Kilimanjaro trekking routes are. Most of our guests using the Machame route in 80-90% manage to reach the summit as per trekker’s results and our guides experience and expert rates in leading this expeditions.
So the Machame route 7days itinerary has a significantly higher summit success rate than its 6-day variation. In that case, Machame 7 days is among the best itineraries. On the third day of the climb via this route, it joins Umbwe and Lemosho routes, continuing to the summit as one route. Then this root is essential and great choice for both beginners and experienced hikers.
It’s never be easy without our expert team of guides and mountain crew, who are always the reason why we acquire this impressive summit success rates. We are proud to our best Kilimanjaro guides and porters who are specialists in climbing Kilimanjaro. The fact that we offer the best working conditions and salaries attracts top talented guides and porters. Moreover ensure that our guests have everything needed for the best acclimatization. For example, enough oxygen tanks and comprehensive kits with a wide variety of medications. Including the fact that, our guides know how to spot and address symptoms of mountain sickness and will help you if a problem happens. Medical check-ups each day make our hikes safe and give you the best chances of reaching the summit.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
8 days tour (6 Days Trekking to Kilimanjaro)
9 Days tour (7 Days Trekking to Kilimanjaro)
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
where you will meet our representative from Tanzania Wildhog Safaris meet and great then transfer to the hotel for a rest and overnight. In the evening or next day morning you will be deeply briefed for your trekking tour to be ready and sure of what you will be doing each day of your hiking expedition. Overnight at Park view Hotel in Moshi (Fb/ full board) basese.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
This morning after breakfast you will meet your guide and his assistance crew at the Hotel. You will be shortly briefed then after the ride will be starting from the Hotel to Kilimanjaro National Park at Machame Gate. The registration for check inn will be done here for getting climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, then trekking starts from here up to Machame Camp. The trekking route passes through the rainforest where tropical showers are highly probable, so we recommend you to take raincoat and not only spare clothes.
Trekking time: 6 hours
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
This morning after breakfast, the trekking keeps on up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp. On this day you will emerge from the rainforest and for the first time be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau laid out in front of you. Technically speaking, trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude, so pay attention to your body and remember that choosing the proper pace is extremely important for good trekking. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and some rest, after which the group will go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp with a 400 m /1,312 f gain in altitude. Back down at Shira Camp, you will be served a hot dinner.
Acclimatization hike:
Trekking time: 1.5-2 hours
Distance: 400m
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Day 4: Shira Camp to the Lava Tower and descent to Barranco Camp
After breakfast, you will leave Shira Camp and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,600 m /15,088 f). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a Camp at over 4,600 m /15,088 f. Part of the trek may be a bit challenging, and it is common to experience some discomfort, but for a successfully acclimatize to the altitude you have to spend at least 2 hours here while here you will have lunch at the top of Lava Tower. After lunch, you will descend to Barranco Camp. The famous massive size, steep and impressive Barranco Wall will be see at this point. The next day from it’s camp you will be climbing it, worry out: it has a very simple hiking trail is not scary at all.
Trekking time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
This morning your group will have an early start, after enjoying a filling breakfast you will begin climbing to Barranco Wall. We recommend you to leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds from the other groups, which can slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and it only takes around an hour. After the climb you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano. Then from there more challenging hike to Karanga Camp starts, this features numerous ascents and descents on its route, but just don't worry: our guides are experienced at choosing an optimal pace and group handling for the best hikes too. When you reach the camp you will be saved a warm lunch. After a couple of hours due to your guide instruction you will ascend to Barafu Camp where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.
Trekking time: 9-10 hours
Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Day 6: Our aim destination day ascent to Uhuru Peak and descent to Millennium Camp
Your team will depart from Barafu Camp at night/very earl in the morning around 2AM and begin the final summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f). Frankly speaking, the climb is relatively simple, however, the only challenging part is the high altitude, which makes even regular physical activity feel strenuous. Each pair of climbers will be under the care of a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental condition. After the successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier, if preferred. Once is done you will return to Barafu Camp and enjoy 2hour rest before continuing to Millennium Camp.
Trekking time: 8-12 hours
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Day 7: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate then transfer back to the Hotel.
Millennium Camp located in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head to the park's exit (Mweka Gate). After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates from our office and then you will take a transfer back to the hotel.
Descending time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)
Day 8: Departure Day.
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra charges.
What’s Included:
- All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
- All camping fees.
- Hotel before and after the hike in (bed and breakfast bases).
- Camping equipment (special tents, sleeping mats, camping tables, chairs and Mess/Dining Tent.
- 3 Fresh Meals on the hike.
- Professional guides, cooks and porters
- Certificate for successful summiting attempt.
- Portable Oxygen tanks.
- Oxy-meter carried by all chief guides
- Qualified first Aid respond guides and Fully-loaded medical kits.
- 3-4 litters of mineral drinking water provided daily during the climb
- Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees
- All park fees and taxes
- Dedicated support team
- Storage for remaining luggage that you won’t need on hike.
- The local communities giving back.
What’s Excluded:
- International flights and Local flights
- Item of personal natural
- Tips to the climbing crew
- Personal medicine and snacks.
- Meals which are not specified in the Hotels.
- Visa fee
Price does not include.
Personal gear rentals
Single supplement
Travel insurance
Portable toilet
Lunch and dinner in the hotel.
Price:
DURATION | 1 PAX | 2-4 PAXS | 5-7 PAXS | PAXS 8-12 |
8 Days tour (6 Trek) | $ 2,570 | $ 2,390 | $ 2,255 | $ 2,100 |
9 Days tour (7 Trek) | $ 2,620 | $ 2,450 | $ 2,295 | $ 2,185 |
MACHAME IMPORTANT INFORMATION
THE MACHAME ROOT FAQ:
The Kilimanjaro Machame route is a popular route to Uhuru Peak. It is considered as one of the most popular of all Kilimanjaro routes. The seven days route itinerary is famous for its favorable acclimatization profile, high summit success rates, and awesome views. Along the way, you will pass the Barranco Wall, see plenty of amazing local flora and fauna, and enjoy an epic sunrise over the African plains when you stand at Uhuru Peak after the summit night.
The Machame route begins at a South-West Kilimanjaro National Park gate. During the 7days climb, you’ll be able to see many iconic landmarks, such as the great Barranco Wall, Shira Volcano, Lava Tower, Karanga Valley, views from the southern circuit, Stella Point, and much more. The descent goes via the Mweka trail, guaranteeing even more amazing views. Overall, the Machame route is a scenic route, and the 7days itinerary is a great choice for a Kilimanjaro climb whether you are a seasoned trekker or a beginner.
WHY MACHAME ROUTE CALLED THE WHISKEY ROUTE?
The Machame route got the nickname “Whiskey Route” because it was observed as more challenging in the past, compared to “Coca-Cola Route” of Marangu. However, with the significant improvement of modern expedition’s organization, it’s not really the case anymore. In fact, currently Machame route boasts much higher summit success rates compared to Marangu route for 7days hiking success.
LEMOSHO AND MACHAME 7 DAYS SIMILARITIES:
They both share many similarities with great acclimatization profiles, excellent summit success rates, and breathtaking views. The main difference it’s only from the starting point of the Machame route. While Lemosho begins with a high-altitude where guests are being drop-off by vehicle at an altitude of 3,414 meters, Machame Gate is 1800 meters above the sea level. This means you’ll have an acclimatization jump-start on Lemosho. This might feel uncomfortable for the first couple of days but pays off in the long run. On the other hand, you’ll have a more gradual acclimatization experience with Machame route on Kilimanjaro and will have a chance to enjoy hiking through a tropical forest.
MACHAME AND MARANGU 6 DAYS VARIATION:
These two classic itineraries are often compared to each other. Marangu stands out because is the only route with night stays in the huts. It makes Marangu a good choice for rainy season climbs, along with northern Kilimanjaro routes like Rongai 7. Both Machame and Marangu 6 Days, are fairly busy, Marangu perhaps even more because it follows the same path on ascent and descent. This factor also limits the diversity of sceneries that can be enjoyed while on the Marangu route.
Summit success rates here are similar, 80% of hikers reach on the summit. Our best choice for you here will obviously be Marangu route.
IS THE MACHAME ROUTE DIFFICULT?
This route is easier than many other routes. There is no need of technical climbing skills for this route. With basic equipment like trekking poles will be fine for you to hike. It’s also suitable for beginners because of nice acclimatization. On the other hand, as shorter as the Machame 6 days is, becomes more challenging. We can recommend this to strong trekkers with good acclimatization experience.
DAYS YOU NEED FOR MACHAME ROUTE HIKKING?
The Machame rout hikes are essential for 6 or 7 days itinerary. This don’t include extra days before and after the climb. So one should plan to spend 8-9 days after landing in Tanzania.
And if you’d like to add a Tanzanian Safari or Zanzibar Vocation after the climb. We can add it on your climb booking request.