Hadada Safaris

Machame route

The Machame route is often considered the most striking and has spectacular views of the summit, but it is weather dependant. The route faces the wind and is on the southern side of the mountain where rainfall is heavier and the vegetation more dense.

The route is steeper than both the Marangu and the Rongai routes and physically more demanding, but very good for acclimatisation. It joins the Lemosho route from New Shira Camp. Machame route is the most popular route with our guests – about 60% of our guests climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame route. Machame is nicknamed the ‘whiskey route’. You will descend along the Mweka route. This option is generally for slightly fitter hikers.

Machame 6 Days Climb

The Machame route is one of the most beautiful and most popular trekking tours on Kilimanjaro. The trail starts in the lush rainforest with views of Mount Meru, Shira Ridge as well the main summit of the Kilimanjaro – Kibo peak. The Machame route contains more steep passages at higher altitudes than for example the Marangu or Rongai routes and requires better fitness and determination from the mountain climber, but it’s worth it. The terrain is diverse and interesting and the views are spectacular. This route joins the longer Lemosho route at Shira Camp 2.

Highlights

Itinerary

Highlights

Day 1

Start: Machame Gate (1790 m)
Finish: Machame Camp (3020 m)
Altitude: ↑ 1230 m
Walking time: 5-6h

A long first day with a beautiful climb through the lush mountain forest. Spot monkeys along the way.

Day 2

Start: Machame Camp (3020 m)
Finish: Shira Camp (3845 m)
Altitude: ↑ 825
Walking time: 4-6h

Wonderful views of the Shira Ridge and Kibo peak. The route is shorter than the previous day.

Day 3

Start: Shira Camp (3845 m)
Finish: Barranco Camp (3960 m)
Altitude: ↑ 815 m ↓ 680 m
Walking time: 6-7h

Up and down to acclimatize. Today is a longer hike with stunning views and diverse vegetation.

Day 4

Start: Barranco Camp (3960 m)
Finish: Barafu Camp (4640 m)
Altitude: ↑ 680 m ↓ 50 m
Walking time: 5-6h

The hike begins with a steep ascent over the Barranco Wall. Up and down with views of the southern glaciers. The altitude will become perceptible.

Day 5

Start: Barafu Camp (4640 m)
Finish: Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3080 m)
Altitude: ↑ 1255 m ↓ 2815 m
Walking time: 10-14h

Depart at midnight on a very steep, long climb to Stella Point. Panoramic views of the crater as the sun rises. Continue from crater to summit. Steep, fast and dusty descent.

Day 6

Start: Mweka Camp (3080 m)
Finish: Mweka Gate (1630 m)
Altitude: ↓ 1450 m
Walking time: 2-3h

Easier descent on good paths. The last section passes through the misty forest.

Itinerary

Kilimanjaro Airport – Usa River

Arriving at Kilimanjaro airport, you will be met by our transfer driver and taken to the Meru View Lodge in Usa River. The rest of the day will be free. Relax at the pool or explore the small town of Arusha. Later today or tonight you will meet our operations team who will brief you on what lies ahead.

Dinner

Day 1 Usa River – Machame Gate (1790 m) – Machame Camp (3020 m)

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge and taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park. While your guide is registering, you can watch the mountain team preparing – it is always impressive ‘what’ and particularly ‘how’ everything is carried up the mountain. Once this is all packed up, your adventure will begin; after a few minutes you will be deep within the forest with ancient trees, ferns, mosses and black and white colobus monkeys frolicking in the treetops. After 5 – 6 hours you will reach – Machame Camp –situated just above the forest line at 3000 m. Arriving here, the porters have already set up your tents and warm water for washing is ready.