The Machame route is also known as the "Whiskey route". It is a wilderness route, which combines spectacular views and scenery and good acclimatisation. With a gradual ascend through the forest you emerge to see wide views of the moorland on Shira plateau, rocky trails and scree with stunning scenery and beautiful ice formations along the way. The different kinds of vegetation found along the route make it the most scenic route. For all this reasons it is perhaps the best of the standard routes on the mountain. Overnights are spent camping in tents.
Sign the park register before you start your hike. The path follows a ridge through dense mountain forest. This is the richest forested area on the mountain, and also the zone from where 96 % of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days, and especially in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful; it can also be a very muddy experience, particularly if it has rained recently! We have lunch at 'Halfway Clearing', a small opening in the trees, and continue climbing steadily. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close to the Machame Camp. We may get our first closer look at the glacial dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit.
Overnight at Machame Camp.
A shorter day that begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau from here, and it is a good rest point too! The trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp atShira Camp, which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro; close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across to Mt. Meru floating on the clouds.
Overnight at Shira Camp.
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4500 m) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley, sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below.
Overnight at Barranco Camp.
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the South Eastern flank of Kibo, with superb views of the Southern Ice fields. Karanga Valley is the last water point on this route. Start your hike up the steep walk of the Karanga Valley. The terrain changes to scree and we climb steeply to reach the Barafu Camp late afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.
Overnight at Barafu Camp.
We will start our ascent around 1am to reach the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zigzag and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point in about six or seven hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. We’ll walk along the crater rim to the summit passing close to spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. SUMMIT!!!!! the highest peak in Africa. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite at the edge of Mweka Forest.
Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Average hiking time to the summit: 7 Hours Average descending time: 3 Hours
The day is spent descending through moorlands and rain forest with lush undergrowth to the Park Gate at Mweka. Transfer to a nice shower and a real bed.
Overnight at your hotel.
Tel / Fax: +27 (0)12 808 3309 / 997 0208, Email:
info@exploreplus.co.za
Postal Address: Postnet Suite 274, Private Bag x4, Moreleta Park, Pretoria, 0102
