Machame route, also known as the Whisky route, has become very popular. This is camping route which offers spectacular views of various landscapes such as Mt Meru, Pare Mountains, Lake Chala and Lake Jipe. While the 6 day itinerary is very possible, it is very benefit able to have the seven days machame climb because of having one more extra day for acclimatization and resting before the summit day. Doing this will maximize your chance of reaching the top.
Itinerary:
DAY 1. Machame Gate (1634 m/5,363 ft) to Machame camp. (2834 m/9,300 ft)
Drive to Machame gate the first day of 7 Days Machame route, after registration you begin your climb.Today is a nice leisurely hike through the tropical rain forest. As you pass through the rainforest, you are likely to spot colobus monkeys and wild birds’ .Dinner and Overnight at Machame camp.
DAY 2. Machame camp (2834 m/9,300 ft) to Shira camp (3749 m/12,300 ft)
From the Machame Hut, you cross the stream onto its west bank and follow the path up the steep rocky ridge – criss-crossing a few times before reaching Shira camp, at the base of a semi-circular wall of rocks. Dinner and overnight at Shira camp.
DAY 3. Shira camp (3749 m/12,300 ft) to Barranco camp (3901 m/12,800 ft)
From Shira camp, you hike to Lava Tower (15,000’) to acclimatize and then proceed down to Barranco Camp via the Great Barranco Wall. Tonight’s camp is one of the best on the mountain. Dinner and overnight at Barranco camp.
DAY 4. Barranco camp (3900 m/12,800 ft) to Karanga Valley (3963 m/13,000 ft)
From Barranco camp, you climb up through the edge of great Barranco Wall. It’s a tough morning climb on a steep trail, but once you reach the top, the views are very rewarding. Dinner and overnight at Karanga camp.
DAY 5. Karanga Valley (3963 m/13,000 ft) to Barafu camp (4,600 m/15,091 ft)
Today is a shorter climb than the past few days, hiking up to the final camp before your last ascent day to the summit. You must get lots of rest as you will need all your energy for the climb to the roof of africa. Dinner and over night at Barafu camp.
DAY 6. Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,091 ft) to the Summit (5896 m/19,343 ft) and then to Mweka Camp (3100 m/10,170 ft)
You will start trekking early just after midnight, as the walk today will take 10 – 14 + hours. The 1,100-meter (3,600’) ascent in just over 3 km (1.86 miles) will take us about 6-8 hours, as you try to reach the summit to watch the sunrise over the Great Rift Valley. After watching the sunrise and taking enough pictures, you then start descending down the mountain to below the tree line. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.
DAY 7. Mweka camp (3100 m/10,170 ft) to Mweka Gate (1828 m/6,000 ft)
On your final day, we will have a short three hour hike out, walking through the lush forest. You meet our driver with the vehicle at the Mweka park gate to drive back to Hotel in Moshi /Arusha.