Kilimanjaro 6 Days Machame Route
The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Arusha to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through therainforest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Activities
DAY-BY-DAY MACHAME ROUTE ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Drive to Arusha.
Day 2 – Arusha City-Machame Gate (1,800amsl) to Machame Camp (2,800amsl)
Day 3 – Machame Camp (2,800amsl) to Shira Cave (3,750amsl)
Day 4 – Shira Cave (3,750amsl) to Lava Tower (4,600amsl) for acclimatization then Barranco Camp (3,900amsl)
Day 5 – Barranco Camp (3,900amsl) to Karanga Camp (3,995amsl) (and then Barafu Camp – 4,635amsl)
Day 6 – Barafu Camp (4,635amsl) to Uhuru Peak (5,895amsl) and then Mweka Camp (3,100amsl)
Day 7 – Mweka Camp (3,100amsl) to Mweka Gate (1,800amsl)
Day 8: Departure from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport.
