Tripology

An Exciting Interview with Arthur Frommer

Kilimanjaro: Machame Route

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Detailed Trip Description

If Marangu is the "Coca Cola" route, then the Machame Route is the "Whiskey" route. It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. It is done over 6 days, so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience. Descent is down the Mweka trail staying at the Mweka or Millennium camp the final night on the mountain.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Kilimanjaro

 
Machame Gate to Machame Camp.
Hotel

Book into your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for overnight and briefing by your guide.

Kilimanjaro Hotel picture
Hiking

1830m to 3100m.
Machame Gate to Machame Camp

1830m to 3100m

6000ft to 10,200ft

Distance: 18km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest



The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.


We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.


Day 2 - Tanzania

 
Machame Camp to Shira Camp.
Hiking

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

3100m to 3840m

10,200ft to 12,600ft

Distance: 9km

Walking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland



After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge.

Camping

Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.


Day 3 - Tanzania

 
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp.
Hiking

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

3840m to 4630m to 3860m

12,600ft to 12,700ft

Distance: 15 km

Walking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert



From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664 ft.

Camping

Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

OPTIONAL DAY (7-day trek)
Hiking

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

3860m to 4200m

12,700ft to 13,800ft

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert



After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.


Day 4 - Tanzania

 
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp.
Hiking

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

3860m to 4600m

12,700ft to 15,100ft

Distance: 13km

Hiking Time: 8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert



After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m / 13,779 ft), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.

Camping

Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.


Day 5 - Tanzania

 
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut.
Hiking

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)

15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)

Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent

Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit



Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m / 18,652 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you.

Camping

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.


Day 6 - Arusha

 
Mweka Camp to Moshi.
Hiking

Mweka Camp to Moshi

3100m to 1830m

10,200ft to 6000ft

Distance: 15 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest



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).



From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village.

Private Car Service

A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!


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