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The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Here are some key points:
1. Route Overview:
- Location: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Duration: 6-7 days
- Distance: Approx. 62 km (37 miles)
- Starting Point: Machame Gate (1,640 meters / 5,380 feet)
- Ending Point: Mweka Gate (1,640 meters / 5,380 feet)
- Summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet)
2. Scenery:
- The route offers varied landscapes, including rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers.
- It’s known for beautiful panoramic views, especially from Shira Plateau and Barranco Wall.
3. Difficulty:
- Considered more difficult compared to other routes due to its steepness and longer hiking days.
- Climbers need to be well-prepared for altitude sickness, though the route offers good opportunities for acclimatization.
4. Popular Camps:
- Machame Camp: (2,835 meters / 9,301 feet)
- Shira Camp: (3,750 meters / 12,303 feet)
- Barranco Camp: (3,960 meters / 12,992 feet)
- Barafu Camp: (4,640 meters / 15,223 feet) – Summit base camp.
5. Summit Night:
- Typically, climbers begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak around midnight, reaching the summit around sunrise.
6. Advantages:
- Good acclimatization profile due to the “climb high, sleep low” approach.
- Scenic route with varied ecosystems.
7. Disadvantages:
- More physically challenging than routes like Marangu.
- Can be crowded during the high season.
Would you like more detailed information on any aspect of the route?
Expert recommendation
- It's crucial to weigh your options when choosing between the 6-day and 7-day Machame route itineraries. The shorter 6-day version reduces acclimatization opportunities by skipping a rest at Karanga Camp, making it much harder for the body to adapt to the high altitude. This results in a lower success rate and a tougher climb, which is best suited for experienced hikers. First-time climbers or those unacclimatized should opt for the 7-day route to improve their chances of reaching the summit.
Itinerary
After registration at the Machame Gate, the trek begins with a gradual ascent through lush rainforest. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so trekking poles are helpful. Keep an eye out for black-and-white colobus monkeys as you move through the dense forest canopy. The day ends at Machame Camp.
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
- Habitat: Rainforest
The path steepens as you leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone. You'll trek across rocky ridges and open vistas of the mountain's higher reaches. Shira Camp sits on a plateau, offering stunning views of Kibo Peak.
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
- Habitat: Moorland
The trek today is essential for acclimatization. You'll ascend steadily toward the Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation. Though you reach a high point at Lava Tower, the descent to Barranco Camp allows your body to adjust to the altitude. Expect rocky terrain and a mix of semi-desert landscapes.
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
- Habitat: Semi-desert
A challenging but rewarding day begins with the ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep, rocky section that requires some light scrambling. After the wall, the trail eases as you cross ridges and valleys, arriving at Karanga Camp. This shorter day helps with acclimatization.
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
You continue upward toward Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit push. The trail is rocky and barren, and the altitude becomes increasingly challenging. Arriving early allows you to rest and prepare for the midnight ascent to the summit.
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
The summit attempt begins around midnight, with the goal of reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise. The climb to Stella Point (5,739 m) is steep, with loose scree, requiring physical and mental strength. After reaching Stella Point, it's a gradual ascent along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After a brief celebration, you begin the long descent to Mweka Camp.
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours (Summit: 6-8 hours ascent, 6-7 hours descent)
- Distance: 17 km (11 miles)
The final day is a descent through lush rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificates. After signing out, a vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
- Habitat: Rainforest
Location Map
Frequently Asked & Question
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Comment 01
aloyce,
11 November, 2024hey