6 days Group joining machame route Kilimanjaro climbing

The 'Whiskey Route,' or Machame Route, is the most renowned hiking trail for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, encompassing six consecutive days of challenging ascents and descents through scenic landscapes.

Description

The journey begins as one drives from Moshi to the Machame Gate, covering approximately 50 minutes. Upon exiting the park gate, visitors traverse the densely vegetated rainforest, embarking on a winding trail that ascends a ridge toward Machame Camp.

Day 2 - Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Departing from the glades of the rainforest, the ascent becomes steeper and rockier as we approach the Shira Plateau. Here, we navigate through heather and open moorlands before crossing a large river gorge en route to Shira 2 Camp.

Day 3 - Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Continuing eastward along the ridge, we reach the Lava Tower, known as the "Shark's Tooth," shortly after the tower itself. Following the arrow glacier, we proceed south-eastward towards Barafu Camp.

Day 4 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today’s itinerary commences with scaling the Barranco Wall, requiring hand and footwork. Ensuring safety is paramount; should this prove challenging, assistance may be available. The trail offers numerous ups and downs, traverses across several streams, and winds its way upward, culminating in a lunch break in the Karanga Valley.

Day 5 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Beginning the final push towards the summit around midnight, this phase is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. Conditions at high altitudes and during dusk make the environment challenging. Ascending under the cover of darkness, we take frequent, albeit brief, breaks.

Day 6 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On our concluding day, the descent leads us to Mweka Gate where certificates are collected. Lower elevations often present wetness and mud conditions. Post-gate, we continue for another hour to Mweka Village, where vehicles await to transport us back to Moshi.