Machame “Whiskey” Route
It is also known as the “Whiskey” route, and it’s the most popular route in the Mountain. The days on the route are longer and the walks are steeper.
This route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience. This route is also scenically beautiful.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive - Arusha/Moshi
Upon arrival you will be met by our representative who will later transfer you to a hotel in Arusha or Moshi for overnight stay.
Day 2: Machame Gate 5,380ft to Machame Camp 9,350ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
You will drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Machame Gate. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.
Day 3: Machame Camp 9,350ft to Shira 2 Camp 12,500 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp 12,500ft to Lava Tower 15,190ft - BARRANCO CAMP 13,044 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp | Distance: 3 km/2 miles | Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Day 5: Barranco Camp 13,044 ft to Karanga Camp 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization
Day 6: Karanga Camp 13,106 ft to Barafu Camp 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Camp. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Day 7: Barafu Camp 15,331ft to Uhuru Peak 19,341ft Mweka Camp 10,065 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles | Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp | Distance: 12 km/7 miles | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.
We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 8: Mweka Camp 10,065 ft to Mweka Gate 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
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