Mt. Kilimanjaro – Machame Route

Africa

Mt. Kilimanjaro – Machame Route

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Often called the “Whiskey Route” this is a scenically beautiful trail, longer and much gentler than Umbwe or Marangu. Our itinerary provides valuable acclimatisation by having shorter walking days during the trek.

This is a slightly longer and more difficult climb compared to the regular Marangu Route, but it is better for acclimatization.

Also, there are way fewer people on this route than Marangu.

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive in Arusha (or Moshi) and check into a comfortable hotel.

From Arusha/Moshi drive to the Machame route, often called the “Whiskey Route”. From the Machame Park gate is a gentle climb up through the original montane forest, carpeted with unique ‘busy lizzie’ flowers, begonias and ferns. First camp amongst the giant heather at 3,000m. Ascent of 1,200m and 5 – 6 hours walking.

Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through fine open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3,840m. Herds of eland up here (& occasional lion!) and there are fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera which can be viewed during a half-hour optional walk in the afternoon. Ascent 840m and 4 – 5 hours walking.

From Shira, climb towards the main peak Kibo, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and under the imposing western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for mid-way camp at 3,950m. 6 – 7 hours walking and only 110m total ascent — but having climbed much higher and dropped back down assists acclimatization.

Up the steep Barranco wall with some sections of very easy scrambling and drop down again to the Karanga Valley where you take a break for lunch. After lunch hike on to Barafu Hut 4600m, having hiked a total of 7 – 8 hours and ascended 650m. You have fantastic views across to Mawenzi peak from the camp after having completed a longer day of hiking which now requires you to adequately relax in preparation of the challenging summit hike early the following morning.

A bracing 1am start to climb the steep frozen scree. This is unavoidable on any route but we aim to go past Gillman’s Point to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise — another 40 minutes and you’re at the highest point on the continent (Kibo:5900m), usually in warm sunshine. Return on the Kidia descent route. Ascent of 1,300m and about 7 hours trek to the summit; 2,600m descent and 6 – 7 hours trek to the Mweka campsite (3400m) above Mweka gate. This is a long hard day but you feel absolutely ecstatic when you’ve done it!

From Mweka campsite it is a 4 – 5 hours descent through the forest to Mweka gate (depending on individual fitness) to collect certificates and meet the vehicle. Return to Arusha (Moshi option available) for the night.

Trip ends. Depart for optional safari or your flight home.

Wonderful route description by one of our Kilimanjaro trekkers: Climbing Kilimanjaro

Great Kilimanjaro summit story from a guest in 2016: Kilimanjaro summit story

Synopsis

Trip Grading:

Length: 8 days.

Max. Altitude: 19,340 ft. / 5,900m

Land Cost: $2195 per person

Best times:
January - March
June - Decemeber

Departure dates: Any time with a minimum of four people. Customized safaris to your exact preferences and dates.

Scheduled group trips 2020/2021 or customized for private dates: Monthly during best seasons.

Single Room Supplement: $190 (if requested/required)

Extra Acclimitization Day: $295

Cost Includes/Excludes:

Includes: * All transport by private vehicle to and from the mountain * Accommodation as detailed on the itinerary. * Services of a private mountain guide, cook and adequate porters to carry both trip provisions and client’s private bags. * National Park entrance, accommodation and camping fees. * All food and catering equipment — breakfasts, lunches (packed when necessary) and evening meals prepared by our own cook. — Special dietary requirements are catered for with prior arrangements at no extra cost. * Certificate of Achievement /appreciation from us. * Free storage of excess baggage not required on the mountain hike. * Crisis management apparatus — VHF 2-way radio, basic first aid kit and an on call vehicle.

Excludes: * Travel and personal accident insurance. * Visa, passport, vaccinations, medicines. * Personal Mountain equipment. * Tips (difficult to avoid in Africa). * Expenditure on alcoholic drinks, souvenirs and other personal items. * Optional excursions not detailed in the itinerary. * Additional optional accommodation added at the base hotel or extra days on the mountain added. * Treated drinking water other than boiled. * Extra costs incurred in case of own intentional change of itinerary while already on trek. * Porters to carry excess of 16Kg. personal luggage per client.

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.