Mount Kilimanjaro - Machame Route Itinerary Suggestion
Mount Kilimanjaro - Machame Route Itinerary Suggestion
Marangu is the easiest route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. But Machame is the most scenic one. If you want to soak in the real beauty of Kilimanjaro, you are well advised to choose Machame Route. Providing you an extra day for acclimatization, it increases your chances of reaching to the summit.
Machame is considered the most scenic route up Kilimanjaro, making it the most popular route to climb atop the mountain. The climbers on Machame hike steeper trails for long distances, while sleeping in tents. However, they are rewarded with lovely scenic views, and an extra day of acclimatisation, which is of critical importance in any hiking attempt.
The treck can be done in a minimum of six days (five nights) on the mountain along this route. However, it is advised to tackle the route in seven days (six nights), for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. It would increase your chances of reaching the summit. The climb begins at Machame Gate, which is located in the southern base of Kilimanjaro. The trekker heads towards the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, enabling the trekker to soak in the fantastic scenic views. The approach to the summit is made from the east direction.
Here is the suggested itinerary suggestion for a seven day trek.
Day One
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
Habitat: Rain Forest
You drive to the Machame village from Moshi town. After registering at the gate office, you start the ascent and enter the rain forest. Expect the trail to be a very soggy, muddy and slippery experience. You will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon. Night temperatures drop to quite an extent here.
Day Two
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
Habitat: Moorland
You begin early and climb an hour or so to the top of the forest. Then you trek at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After lunch and rest, you continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. You would be able to see the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. A short hike will take you to the Shira campsite. Expect the night temperatures to drop well below freezing.
Day Three
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
Habitat: Semi Desert
The trek now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape encircling Lava Tower. The third day would be tougher in comparison to the first two days. Some climbers could feel high altitude symptoms such as breathlessness, irritability and headache. You then descend to the Barranco camping area. You would benefit from the acclimatization later. The descent to Barranco camp would offer great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach.
Day Four
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After having a night stay at the Great Barranco Wall, you trek your way up this imposing obstacle. In fact it turns easier than you expected. You reach just below the Heim Glacier, and see the real beauty of Kilimanjaro here. You then head down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys. You pass your night in the Karanga Camp. This is the last water stop as well.
Day Five
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert
You have to trek a bleak terrain this day. Barafu is the Swahili word for ice. You trek over the snow-covered rocks. The camping area is exposed to the ever-present gales. The tents are pitched on a narrow, dangerous ridge. Familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any mishap. Prepare yourselves mentally to make the final ascent to the summit. Prepare your equipment, ski stick and thermal clothing to conquer Kilimanjaro.
Day Six
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Habitat: Arctic
You ascend to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Heading in a northwesterly direction, you push your way through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This portion of the trek is always a challenge to the hikers. From Stella Point, the summit Uhuru Peak is at 1-hour ascent. At Uhuru Peak, you reach the highest point in Africa continent.
You now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site. You will need gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. At Mweka camp, you have your last dinner on the mountain.
Day Seven
Mweka Camp to Moshi
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Habitat: Rain Forest
You continue to descend down to the Mweka Park Gate. Successful climbers can receive their summit certificates at the gate. You keep descending to the Mweka village and drive back to Moshi.
Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro successfully requires assistance of an experienced tour operator. They provide the guidance, porters and equipment which is imperative for a successful ascend.
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