6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route - down Mweka Route - Group Joining Tour

6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route - down Mweka Route - Group Joining Tour

Known as the "Whiskey" route, the Machame route is now the most popular route on themountain. The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience. The route begins from the south, then heads east, traversing underneath Kilimanjaro's southern ice field before summiting. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although seven days is recommended.

Day 1 Machame gate to Machame camp

You will be picked up from your hostel after the breakfast (8:30am) and drive to Machame gate 1800m. After secure your permit papers. Start the climb from Machame gate to Machame camp. The trek takes about 5-6hrs in the rain forest. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight stay at Machame camp.

Day 2 Machame camp - Shira camp

Today’s trek includes several uphill sections so carry plenty of drinking water as it can be hot hiking on a clear day, trek in the moorland then in the alpine desert up to the Lava tower 4600m then down to Baranco wall camp 3940m in the moorland. The trek takes 7hrs.

Day 3 Shira camp - Barranco Camp

After breakfast, hike east on the Shira Plateau before reaching the junction for the Shira and Lemosho Routes. Continue on through the barren landscape before stopping for lunch. Shortly after lunch, reach the highest point of the day before descending quickly to Barranco Camp. Faster hikers can take a detour via Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation jutting out of the mountainside.

Day 4 Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.

Continue on to Barafu Camp, viewing several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep upon finishing dinner as you will wake before midnight for your summit hike.

Day 5 Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point.

The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp.

Day 6 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After breakfast, finish the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery following rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Hotel in Arusha.