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Machame Route
Duration: 7 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km / 9 - 12 mi per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m / 1640 - 3281 ft ascent per day
> Bestseller of Bookatrekking.com
> Adequate acclimatisation due to climbing high, sleeping low
> Guaranteed departure for every date on the calendar
The Machame Route doesn’t only hold a special place with Bookatrekking.com’s Team Kili. We are not alone because the Machame Route is one of the most frequented climbing routes on Kilimanjaro, with about 35% of all climbers using this route. Often referred to as the "Whiskey Route," in contrast to the “easier” "Coca-Cola Route" (Marangu), it offers a unique blend of features that contribute to its distinct allure. Sierd and Rintsje chose the Machame Route for their 2022 ascent. Check the video below.
Like all Bookatrekking.com packages, the 7-day Machame Route includes transfers to and from the airport, guide(s), porters, meals, and essential camping gear. You can find an extensive list of what is included below.
Why choose Bookatrekking.com?
At Bookatrekking.com we care for our staff, we think and act local, and we make sure that everyone makes it home safe. We only make use of certified local guides and porters, we don't do nonsense, we eat well, and we don't like hidden costs. Uhuru is Swahili for Freedom. We like Freedom.
At Bookatrekking.com we care for our staff, we think and act local, and we make sure that everyone makes it home safe. We only make use of certified local guides and porters, we don't do nonsense, we eat well, and we don't like hidden costs. Uhuru is Swahili for Freedom. We like Freedom.
Itinerary
Day
1
Machame Gate (1,790m) – Machame Camp (3,010m)
Duration: 04:40 h
Distance: 10.3 km / 6.4 mi
Ascent: 1200 m / 3937 ft
You will be picked up by your guide and assistant guide. There’s a fair chance that the majority of the team will be joining you in the van. The others will be met at the gate. All the stuff that is carried by the porters needs to be weighed at the gate. To kill time and to get you properly fueled, the cook will already cook up a small meal for you. You won’t be alone here. There are likely a few dozen climbers waiting to start. The guide will ask you to fill out some paperwork and then you’re off.
Soon you will be hiking through the lush rainforest with its large ancient trees, primeval ferns, and endemic flowers, like the Impatiens Kilimanjaro. You might also spot black and white thumbless colobus monkeys peeking through the leaves. Reaching the campsite, you will have time to relax, stretch your legs, and enjoy a hearty meal before snuggling into your tent for the night.
Machame Camp
Day
2
Machame Camp (3,010m) – Shira Camp (3,845m)
Duration: 02:50 h
Distance: 4.75 km / 3 mi
Ascent: 850 m / 2789 ft
Descent: 30 m / 98 ft
The cook’s assistant will wake you up and bring you your tea or coffee. He’ll ask you for your bottles, so he can fill them up for you. 15 minutes later there will be a complete breakfast ready for you. Climbing Kilimanjaro is perhaps hard, but the good care and food definitely make it a whole lot easier. Think eggs, pancakes, toast - whatever you want. Vegetarian? No problem. Gluten-Free? Coming right up.
Today you will ascend to Shira Camp. You will notice the dramatic change in the landscape as you get out of the rainforest and find dry moor and heathland. It may not look like it, but Shira Camp is at a whopping 3,845 metres or 12,616 feet. You can take the whole day for your trek, enjoying the views on the way, chatting to fellow climbers, and listening to the interesting stories from your guide(s). The easier you go, the better you will acclimatize.
Every night you can expect a scrumptious meal prepared with the freshest local ingredients. At Bookatrekking.com we’ve even enjoyed freshly caught fish from Lake Victoria. And are you could? Hang out with the porters in their tent when the cook is preparing food for everyone. Good conversations and warmth are guaranteed.
Shira Cave Camp
Day
3
Shira Camp (3,845m) – Lava Tower Hut (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Duration: 05:10 h
Distance: 9.7 km / 6 mi
Ascent: 770 m / 2526 ft
Descent: 650 m / 2133 ft
Today is a beautiful day. After breakfast and the usual “wishy-washy”, which is the tub of warm water and soap you get given every morning, you head off in the direction of Lava Tower. You might already start feeling the effects of thinner air. It can for example fool with your maths skills. Try to do some subtractions and multiplications. It’s good fun.
Ascending will go a bit more gradual from here onwards. The views will blow your mind as the landscape is slowly but surely changing. Other routes, like the Lemosho Route and the Northern Circuit, will join you on this stretch. This day is not only beautiful, it’s also a crucial day for acclimatization. Lava Tower at 4,640 metres or 15000 feet is the highest point. Here you will have lunch before you will descend to Barranco Camp at 3,960 metres (12,992 ft.), pretty much the same altitude as Shira Camp. Having spent some time in Lava Tower will have helped your body to adapt to higher altitude later this week. In Barranco Camp you will get ready for the Barranco Wall. Get some good rest.
Barranco Camp
Included
Excluded
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