6-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Machame Route
At a glance
6-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Machame Route is a 6 days guided experience in Moshi, Tanzania, operated by Spirit of Kilimanjaro. Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 32 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $1,810 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Prossional guides, Proffesional guide, Chef and cook.
Highlights
- Hotel pickup included
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 6 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 6 days
- Group
- Small group, up to 100 travellers
- Languages
- German, English, French, Spanish
- Pickup
- Hotel pickup included
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Nicknamed the "Whiskey" route because the route is popularized as somewhat difficult and more expensive than Marangu route.
On an overall comparison of the routes to scale Kilimanjaro, this is one of the best routes to take, both in terms of acclimatization and cost.
The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.
The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity there are increased numbers of trekkers, it loses some of its splendour. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.
What's included
What's included
- Prossional guides
- Proffesional guide
- Chef and cook
- Park fees
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- Dinner
- Breakfast
Not included
- Visa
- International Flights
Itinerary
-
Day 1: Moshi to Machame gate · 6h
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations 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.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner -
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp · 7h
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp · 9h
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” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp · 8h
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. 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 with views of the summit in the distance.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/6mi
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner -
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp · 6h
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), 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 you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit
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Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel · 5h
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).
Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Meeting point
We pick up our clients at their accommodations.
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the 6-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Machame Route take?
The experience lasts about 6 days.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $1,810 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Prossional guides; Proffesional guide; Chef and cook; Park fees; Lunch; All Fees and Taxes.
Where does it start?
We pick up our clients at their accommodations.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in German, English, French, Spanish.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 32 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Moshi.
