8 Days Machame route

Trip Overview

The Machame route also referred to as “the Whiskey Route,” is the second most popular choice among climbers. There are many different views, settings, and experiences along this route. Aishi Machame Hotel is just 20 minutes drive from Machame Gate, the route’s starting point. The Machame Gate, which is situated on the mountain’s southern slope, will take you to the summit of Kilimanjaro along an exhilarating footpath that begins in a tropical forest, travels through every climate zone, and ends in the Arctic desert at the summit.

The trek’s camps are well situated for an easy, gradual transition into acclimatization. The Machame Route meets up with Lemosho and Umbwe at Barranco camp on the third day.

You have a choice of a six-day or seven-day climb. The latter is much more preferred for a smoother transition.

DAY 1
DAY 1

Arrival

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a representative of Siroon Experience will be waiting to greet you and drive you to the hotel that is included in the rate. The hotel offers all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay, including warm rooms, hot water, courteous staff, a pool, and Internet access. There will be a briefing with our managers in the evening, and they will make sure you are prepared to start the climb.

DAY 2
DAY 2

Trekking From Machame Gate To Machame Camp

You will be met by a guide and a mountain support team at the hotel in the morning for a briefing, after which you will drive to the Machame Gate entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park (1,800 m). The group will begin hiking up to Machame Camp after completing the brief formalities of obtaining climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service (3,010 m). We advise you to bring both extra clothing and your raincoats because the trekking route passes through the rainforest, where tropical downpours are likely.


It is highly advised that you heed the following instructions going forward because today will be your first day at this altitude:

Avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol.

daily, consume more than 4 liters of bottled water (little by little, frequently)

To help with altitude sickness symptoms, take a Diamox pill. Before beginning their ascent, most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning to ease the discomfort of altitude sickness. In the event that you might have allergies, we advise that you speak with your doctor before leaving.

You might feel uncomfortable after adjusting to the high altitude at night because your body receives less oxygen than it does during the day due to a change in your waking breathing pattern. Considering altitude, you might consequently begin to feel queasy and have headaches. Pay attention to your body, and alert your guide if you experience any altitude sickness symptoms.

DAY 3
DAY 3

Trekking From Machame Camp To Shira Camp

You will begin your ascent to Shira Camp, the second high-altitude camp, after breakfast (3,750 m). You will leave the rainforest on this day and be able to appreciate the breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau for the first time. Physically, the trek is not too challenging, but you might feel the changes in altitude, so pay attention to your body and keep in mind that picking the right pace is crucial for successful trekking. After having lunch and taking a short break at the camp, everyone will embark on a 300-meter ascent on an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower Camp. A hot dinner will be provided to you once you return to Shira Camp.


To hasten the acclimatization process, the acclimatization hike is a short, easy hike with a small ascent. The acclimatization hikes should be taken very seriously. They increase your chances of climbing Kilimanjaro successfully and protect you from the negative effects of altitude sickness.

DAY 4
DAY 4

Trekking From Shira Camp To The Lava Tower and Descent To Barranco Camp

You will depart Shira Camp (3,750 m) after breakfast and begin traveling to Lava Tower, which is a crucial location along the route (4,630 m). There are many ascents and descents along this stretch of the trail, which ends at a camp higher than 4,600 meters. This is where lunch will be because you need to spend at least 1-2 hours here in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude, even though it might be challenging and uncomfortable.


Ascend to Barranco Camp after that (3,960 m). The renowned Barranco Wall can be seen here, which is impressive due to both its enormous size and steepness! You’ll be climbing it the following day, but don’t worry—the hiking trail is very basic.

DAY 5
DAY 5

Trekking From Barranco Camp To Barafu Camp

Breakfast, an early rise, and the ascent of the Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). The gorge wall hike takes about an hour and is not particularly challenging. You can take a break and take pictures in front of the Kibo volcano after the climb.

After that, you begin a more challenging hike to Karanga Camp, which includes many ascents and descents along the way. Don’t worry, though; our guides are pros at determining the best pace for the group. Once you arrive at the camp, a hot lunch will be provided. You must finish the ascent to Barafu Camp (4,640 m) after a few hours, where a hot dinner will be provided. It is preferable to rest and sleep for the remainder of the day before night summiting.

DAY 6
DAY 6

Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

Uhuru Peak ascent followed by a descent to Millennium Camp
Starting the climb to the top of Kilimanjaro at night and leaving Barafu Camp (4,640 m): Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically speaking, the climb is not too difficult; however, the high altitude presents the biggest difficulty. For the duration of the ascent, a personal guide will accompany each pair of climbers to keep an eye on their physical and mental health. If you’ve successfully reached Uhuru Peak, you may choose to descend to the nearby glacier. Then, after a two-hour break, you will return to Barafu Camp and continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).

DAY 7
DAY 7

Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

Tropical rainforest surrounds the camp. You will feel relieved from the height reduction and accomplishment of reaching the summit when you awaken. You will leave the park through the Mweka Gate following a hearty breakfast (1,640 m). Following your descent, the entire group will assemble to congratulate you and give you the opportunity to leave feedback in the guestbook about the climb. Finally, we will give you your commemorative certificates in our office and arrange for transportation to take you back to your hotel.

DAY 8
DAY 8

Departure

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

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