Machame Route is the most popular route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Up to 50% of the mountain trekkers hike the Machame trail. It is often referred to as the Whiskey Route to distinguish it from another popular route, the Coke Cola Route (Marangu).
The Machame Route is a steep and challenging 7-day route with relatively short daily distances and a good acclimatization profile resulting in a high probability of reaching the summit. The route is quite scenic, providing hikers with incredible views and varying landscapes. The Machame Route meets up with the Lemosho Route on Day 3 and follows the same path to the summit and the return to Mweka Gate.
The Machame route is relatively difficult as a multi-day trek. Day 2 is a notoriously steep trek, albeit over a short distance. Barranco Wall on Day 4 can also be a challenge. Plus, there is a steep incline up the slopes of Kibo on summit night. However, there is no technical climbing required at any point of the trek. The total distance for the Machame route is about 63 kilometers.
The day begins with a 2-hr transit from Arusha to Machame Gate for National Park registration. After registering, the crew will weigh and coordinate the packs for the trek ahead. The adventure begins with the hike up to Machame Camp. This first stretch of the trail is through the montane forest. It is relatively steep as it gains 3,900 ft in elevation to reach the first camp.
Day 2 is another relatively steep climb up to the Shira Plateau. The trail begins in the forest, but transitions to the low alpine heath and moorland zone of the Shira Plateau.
Day 4 is a long, strenuous day covering more than 10km. The ecosystem starts to subtly change from the scrubby moorland to a semi-desert. The low woody bushes, grasses and wildflowers are replaced by sage, lichen, and endemic Giant Groundsel. These plants are rugged, evolved to be able to withstand the intense sun during the day and freezing temperatures at night. The trail leaves Shira 2 camp and climbs nearly 2,500 ft to Lava Tower before descending down to Barranco Camp which is about the same elevation as Shira 2. Day 4 is an important acclimatization day – climb high, sleep low.
Though only covering 6 km, Day 5 is another long day on the trail. The first part of the trail from Barranco Camp runs immediately into the formidable-looking Barranco Wall. The trail zig-zags up the steep rocky wall. It is slow going, but not particularly dangerous. There is one short section that requires hugging “kissing rock,” but otherwise it just requires paying attention to the trail and a little perseverance. Once at the top of the wall, the trail traverses three valleys until it reaches the barren alpine desert camp of Karanga.
Day 6 is a relatively short day providing a bit of rest before a middle-of-the-night start to the summit. It is still a tough day that tests one’s endurance as the trail rises over 2,200 ft in elevation during the 4km trek between camps. At 15,331 ft elevation, Barafu Camp is solidly within the Arctic zone. It is cold, windy, and the air is thin. However, the summit is within reach. Time for a bit of rest. The next day will be challenging.
Summit day! Day 7 starts early, technically starts the night before. After resting at Barafu Camp, climbers start getting ready around 10pm - grab a bite to eat, ensure there is plenty of water in the pack, and set off for the summit around midnight. The night trek up the slope to Stella Point and, ultimately, Uhuru Peak is surreal. It is dark other than the light emitting from headlamps to mark the trail. The guides sing softly to help pace the steps. Look back and see a winding string of headlamps from the groups behind, all crawling toward the summit. It feels as if you could touch the starry night sky. As you approach Stella Point, the sky begins to lighten as the new day dawns, and you can start to see the sprawling summit crater below and the remnants of massive glaciers. Just a little bit further and the peak of Uhuru is obtained – 19,341 ft. You are on the Roof of Africa! There is time for photos and reflection, but one cannot linger long in the rarified air. It is time to return.
The descent from the summit in the daylight shows the steep, scree-strewn slopes you just hiked in the dark. Gravity helps the process, but the legs are stressed from the effort. Back at Barafu Camp it is time to rest and eat before finishing the day with a 10km descent to Mweka Camp.
For many the descent is even more challenging than the climb. For one, the legs are fatigued. Plus, the large sections of the trail are steep uneven steps hewn in the stone. The elevation change from Uhuru to Mweka Camp is a remarkable 9,300’ and passes back through all the ecological zones found on the mountain! Hiking poles are a big asset and highly recommended. After such an effort, there is joy and singing when you arrive in the camp.
The final day on the mountain – the fatigue is real, but it is a relatively short hike through the beautiful montane rainforest. At Mweka Gate successful summiteers are presented with a golden certificate, you’ll say goodbye to the crew that made the journey memorable, and you’ll find your way to a well-deserved shower and bed in Arusha.
Combine your Kilimanjaro trek with a Serengeti safari for the ultimate Tanzanian adventure.
