Daily Climbing
Mountain Climbing
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The most popular route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro these days is Machame route, and for good reason. This trail offers stunning views, a reasonable challenge, and plenty of time to acclimate, making it a good choice for those who have a bit of extra time in their schedule.
Machame route has been nicknamed the “Whiskey Route” because it is often perceived as being tougher than Marangu Route which is often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route. Unlike that trail however, camping is allowed on Machame, which means trekkers will be sleeping in tents all the way to the summit.
Trekkers who take the Machame Route pass several well- known Mount Kilimanjaro landmarks while en route, including the famed Lava Tower and Shira Plateau. The route wanders up and down a series of valleys and ridges, which make the walk a bit more strenuous, but rewards hikers with some of the best views on the mountain.
It is for that reason that Machame route is widely considered to be the most scenic of all of the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro providing unique and varied landscapes to pass through on each and every day. The trail starts on the south side of the mountain, passes underneath the Southern Ice Field and makes its summit approach from the Barafu Camp.
For travelers who have a few extra days in their schedule, Machame route is an excellent option. One or two additional days of acclimatization can make a big difference in the success rate, so trekkers who choose this route reach the summit more often, despite the fact that this is a more challenging hike than Marangu Route.
One of the biggest and most intimidating of those challenges is the Barranco Wall, a steep cliff face that can look quite scary upon first approach. In reality, Barranco isn’t nearly as frightening or difficult as it first appears, although you will have to watch your step, and possibly use your hands for extra leverage while scrambling over certain sections. The climb usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half to complete, and the view from the top makes it worth the effort.
The downside of the Machame Route is that it can get crowded at times. Because it is so scenic, and offers a few extra days to acclimate, it is a popular choice for Kilimanjaro trekkers, which can make the trail and campsites very busy, particularly during the high season.
Still, if you’re looking for the quintessential Kilimanjaro experience, it is difficult to beat Machame route. Climbing Kilimanjaro offers Machame as a seven day climb or as a six day climb. The six day variation combines days four and five, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga. You Skip Karanga Camp
A short drive
brings us to the Machame trailhead (~5,380’). After the climbers and crew have
checked in with the park rangers, we will hike up through the montane forests,
winding up the mossy jungle, making our way to Machame Hut camp.
Hiking: 5-7 Hours Overnight Altitude: ~9,350
After breakfast, our hike continues through the forest. We
will take our time, soaking in the scenery as we make our way through the
moorlands. We will be treated to spectacular views of Kibo peak.
Hiking: 4-6 Hours Overnight Altitude: ~12,500
Today is a long day but lots of acclimatization as you climb high, sleep
low. We will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (~15,190’) for lunch,
before descending to the Barranco valley. For those who have energy, and if
time and weather permit, there’s the possibility to scramble up the Lava Tower
itself. The scenery is amazing today, passing through different zones of the
mountain.
Hiking: 4-5 Hours Overnight Altitude: ~9,300
Today you’ll continue to acclimatize and let your body
adjust to these higher altitudes, in preparation for your upcoming summit push.
Climb the steep Barranco Wall and then go up and down several ridges and
valleys before arriving at Karanga camp. There will likely be time for an
acclimatization hike in the afternoon.
Hiking: 4-5 Hours Overnight Altitude: ~13,106
Today you’ll continue your circuit and arrive at your final
camp before the summit (Barafu camp). Some ups and downs along ridges and
valleys along the way. You’ll have an early supper, sleep for a few hours, and
then arise at about 11:00 PM to start tomorrow’s summit ascent.
Hiking: 3-4 Hours Overnight Altitude: ~15,331
Start hiking at around midnight, using your headlamps to
lead the way slowly up to Stella Point and
then the summit. Due to the altitude, you will hike slowly, and will need to
dress warmly for the cold. After celebrating with photos at the summit, descend
down to Mweka camp.
Hiking: 6-7 hours ascent to the summit, then 6-9 hours of descent Overnight Altitude: ~10,500
We make the final descent through the rain forest to Mweka
Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before
leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to Arusha for a hot shower
and a celebratory dinner.
Hiking: 3-5 hours Overnight Altitude: ~10,500
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