Climbing Kilimanjaro: Machame Route

Duration: 8 days

Highlights: Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barafu, Uhuru Peak

Now known as the ‘whiskey’ route Machame is the most popular route on the mountain however it is considered difficult due to its long and steep walks. The scenery is beautiful and varied and the summit success rate is good.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Arusha

On arrival climbers are collected from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Airport Planet Lodge for the night.

Overnight: Airport Planet Lodge

Meal Plan: 

Day 2: Machame Camp

After breakfast drive to Kilimanjaro National Park and start hiking from Machame Gate with a picnic lunch. The route goes through Afromontane forest and is steep in places.
Start: 5906 ft / 1800 m | End: 9302 ft / 2835 m | Distance: 7 miles / 11 kilometres | Time: 5 - 7 hours

Overnight: Machame Camp

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 3: Shira Camp

Today is a steep ascent to Shira Camp but the adventurers will make it there in time for a hot lunch.
Start: 9302 ft / 2835 m | End: 12304 ft / 3750 m | Distance: 3 miles / 5 kilometres | Time: 4 - 6 hours

Overnight: Shira Cave Camp

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 4: Lava Tower

Walk high, sleep low today; ascend into the alpine desert to Lava Tower (15092 ft / 4600 m) for lunch then descend into Barranco Camp.
Start: 12304 ft / 3750 m | End: 12796 ft / 3900 m | Distance: 6 miles / 10 kilometres | Time: 6 - 8 hours

Overnight: Barranco Camp

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 5: Barranco Wall

Ascend the Barranco Wall and hike the glacial valleys to Karanga Camp. Todays hike is relatively short and climbers have lunch at Karanga Camp and some time to relax in the afternoon before doing a practice walk for summit day in the evening.
Start: 12796 ft / 3900 m | End: 13108 ft / 3995 m | Distance: 3 miles / 5 kilometres | Time: 4 - 5 hours

Overnight: Karanga Camp

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 6: Barafu Camp

Today is another short half day hike and reach Barafu Camp in time for lunch with some time to relax in the afternoon before the early morning summit.
Start: 13108 ft / 3995 m | End: 15332 ft / 4673 m | Distance: 2.5 miles / 4 kilometres | Time: 4 - 5 hours

Overnight: Barafu Camp

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 7: Mweka

Depart just before midnight to get to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Slow and steady is the key. Ascend via Stella Point (18862 ft / 5750 m) and then onto Uhuru Peak (19341 ft / 5895 m), the aim is summit as the sun rises. Descend back to Barafu Camp to rest and refuel before continuing on to Mweka Camp before dusk and an early dinner.
Start: 15332 ft / 4673 m | End: 10171 ft / 3100 m | Distance: 11 miles / 18 kilometres | Time: 14 - 16 hours

Overnight: Mweka Camp

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 8: Descend - depart

After breakfast descend back to the main gate, the climbers bid farewell to the crew before being transferred to the hotel for a day room and a well deserved hot shower. In the evening transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for the onward flight.

Dayroom: Airport Planet Lodge

Meal Plan: B