Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame-Mweka Route, also commonly known as the “Whisky” route. It is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Mweka is the official descent route.
Machame route.
The Machame route is also commonly known as the “Whisky” route”. It is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult and challenging because it is a steep and short itinerary. Therefore, this route is better suited for the 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 Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rainforest to the Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the trail turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. The descent is made via the Mweka route.
Mara Expeditions offers Machame as a seven-day group climb or as a six-day private climb. The six-day variation explicitly combines days four and five, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga.
Day 1: Nairobi to Moshi:
We pick you up from your hotel to join a shuttle to Moshi via Namanga and Arusha. Lunch will be served en route, reaching Moshi town at 16:00hrs. {Airport (KIA) pick-up can be pre-arranged for those flying, depending on their time of arrival} Check in at our hotel for the night. We will gather at 18:00 hrs. for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Hut, 3,000m (6-7 hours walking) (F/B)
After breakfast, we board our transfer vehicle to the Machame gate for registration formalities. The climb starts from Machame gate (1,830 m), and we walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rainforest, you will arrive at the first Machame hut, situated at 3,000m above sea level
On a clear day, we may get our first close look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit.
Day 3: Machame camp to Shira camp, 3,840m (4-6 hours walking) (F/B)
A shorter day climbs up a steep ridge to reach a small semi-circular cliff known as a Picnic Site. The trail continues up a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. Moreover, the most spectacular views of Kibo Peak can be seen from Shira Camp.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Valley 3,900m (5-7 hours walking) (F/B)
Today we walk on a gentle ascent with panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach. After a hot lunch at the bottom of the Lava tower (4,600 m.), we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,900 m.)
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,900 m) to Karanga camp (4 hours walking) (F/B)
Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the south-eastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kerstin glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here, we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong, we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatisation trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
A {6} six-day variation bypasses Karanga hut. It starts from Barranco hut all the way to Barafu hut.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, 4,640m (4 hours walking) (F/B)
After a sumptuous breakfast, we set off to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all—an alpine desert. It’s a tough, steep walk, made more difficult by the altitude. The two peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi, can be seen from Barafu Camp. On arriving at camp, we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. Keeping hydrated and warm, we have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at 23:00 hrs to start the final ascent to the summit.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp, 3,100m (13–15 hours walking) (F/B)
Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree that has some well-graded zigzags, and a slow but steady pace will take us to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m. We will rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. The strong ones can continue slowly to make the one-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to the main peak (Uhuru 5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa. A few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment and a brief photo session. The descent to Barafu is amazingly fast, and we stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshments. We continue to descend to reach Mweka camp.
Day 8: Descent – Mweka camp to Mweka gate to Moshi (3-5 hours walking) (F/B)
A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch, we drive back to Moshi town for your overnight.
Day 9: Departure Day:
After an early breakfast, we board the shuttle to Nairobi. We have the option to join other Safari extension options.
Mountains have their own climate on account of their height. Rain clouds can appear without warning and be gone hours later. An early morning frost is possible at any time of the year, and guests should bring a fleece and light rain jacket, although, during the heat of the day, shorts and T-shirts should suffice.
Sleeping bag: one rated for four (4) seasons is fine. The bag should be a snug fit since if it is too large, there will be more cool air for the body to warm
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- Rain Trouser
- Rain Jacket [Poncho]
- Balaclava [Hat Woollen]
- Warm Clothes down jacket
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece Jacket
- Hiking Boots
- Gloves
- Walking Sticks
- Head Torch
- Sunglasses
- First Aid box
- Ruck Suck 65L (duffel bags are unacceptable) to be carried by porters
- Day Pack 35 [For your personal effects]
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- Optional comfort accessories;
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Walking poles, hot water bottle, Bivy bag
Wet wipes; ideal for those who want to stay fresh but are unable to bear dips in the freezing mountain weather
4: Passport/Identification Card {ID}
5: Personal travel/ medical insurance
Options are, of course, many and varied, and in many cases, we can be flexible about the itinerary for accommodation facilities and the extension of the safari destinations.
