Machame Route

One of the more popular routes, you will traverse the south western face of Mt Kilimanjaro, stretching from the montane forest, into the moorland zone, desert, then finally to the crater in the arctic zone which is the zone of ice flowing to the Uhuru peak. Machame is considered as on of the better routes because of acclimatisation, following the mountaineering code of hiking high and sleeping low. Machame route is sometimes called the whiskey route because it is the hardest compared to the other routes like Marangu (Coca Cola), Rongai, and Lemosho.

Day	Destination	Elevation (maximum)	Distance	Hiking Time	Vegetation Zone
Day 1	Machame Hut	2835m	11km	5-7 hours	Rainforest
Day 2	Shira Cave	3700m	5km	4-6 hours	Heath & moorland
Day 3	Baranco Camp	3900m (4600m)	7km	6-8 hours	Alpine desert, heath & moorland
Day 4	Karanga Camp	3995m	8km	4-5 hours	Alpine Desert
Day 5	Barafu Camp	4673m	4km	4-5 hours	Alpine Desert
Day 6	Mweka Camp	3100m (5895m)	17km	11-14 hours	Arctic & rainforest
Day 7	Mweka Gate	1600m	10km	3-4 hours	Rainforest

DETAILED INTENARY

Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport -> Moshi Town

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will meet a Mariga Adventures representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Moshi Town. You will meet the Mariga Adventures manager and your Kilimanjaro guides for a pre-trek briefing. Depending on your arrival time, this will be in the afternoon, evening or the following morning.

Day 2: Moshi Town -> Machame Gate -> Machame Hut

After breakfast around 8:30am, we will pick you up and drive to Machame gate. On the way will pass Machame village, populated by the Chaga people. When you reach the gate you will complete your registration and start the hike to Machame hut, hiking through montane forest. After you arrive to Mandara hut you will have snacks, cup of tea, water for washing and dinner. Finally, you will plan for the next day with your Kilimanjaro guide then go to sleep (lala salam).

Day 3: Machame Hut -> Shira Cave

Today you will continue hiking through the forest until you reach the moorland zone, which is domnated by erica aboreal species. Then over the Shira plateau, where you will have a rewarding view of Mt Kilimanjaro. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising above Arusha town. Upon arrival, you will experiene the same service as in Machame Hut. Elevation is 2700ams

Day 4: Shira Cave -> Baranco Camp

You will start walking in the high moorland zone, and the landscape will change the entire character of the trek. You will traverse the south side of Kilimanjaro, passing the Lava Tower as an acclimatisation point. Lunch at the Lava Tower, before descending down to Baranco camp where you will stay overnight. This is following the mountaineering code of hiking high, sleeping low to avoid altitude sickness by aiding your body with acclimatisation. Elevation is 3900ams

Day 5: Baranco Camp -> Karanga Camp

Start the day by ascending the Baranco Wall which divides you from the Kibo slopes. Although not a technical climb, this will be a rock scramble. Passing below the Helmand Kirsten Glacier, then head towards Karange Camp for overnight sleep. Elevation is 3995ams

Day 6: Karanga Camp -> Barafu Camp

A short day hiking through the desert towards base camp, which is Barafu camp. Here you will have the entire afternoon to rest before the final push to the summit, which begins at midnight! Elevation is 4676ams

Day 7: Barafu Camp -> Uhuru Peak -> Mweka Camp

Start hiking at midnight to avoid spending too much time in the heat of the sun, walking steeply up toward the summit. You will be climbing for about 6 hours, but you gain incredible heights over a short distance. You will be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5577ams) as the first rays of the sun emerge. Spectacular ice cliffs with views of Mawenzi Peak and beyond are breathtaking. Continue for another hour to reach the summit, Uhuru Peak: the highest point in Africa. Congratulations, you made it!

Day 8: Mweka Camp -> Mweka Gate

A gentle trek takes you down through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate where the park formalities will be. Meet the car to return you to the Mariga Adventures office. Here you will receive your certificate of ascent courtesy of the Kilimanjaro National Park, then tipping the crew, then on to your hotel for a good sleep.

Day 9: Next Adventure

Continue with your journey. Take a rest in Moshi town, head to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight. Or perhaps you would like to join Mariga Adventures on one of our wildlife safaris.

PRICING

1 pax = $2315
2 - 4 pax = $1925 pp
5 - 7 pax = $1765 pp
8 - 10 pax = $1675 pp
11 - 13 pax = $1605 pp
14+ = $1502 pp

Recommended Tipping Guide

Tipping is customary for all members of your crew when climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Although they receve a fair wage they rely on tips for a total fair compensation as set by the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project's Partners for Responsible Travel.

Lead guide: $20 per day (×7 = $140)
Assistant guide: $20 per day (×7 = $140)
Cook: $15 per day (×7 = $105)
Special Porter, waiters and summit porters: $10 per day (×7 = $70)
Porter: $8 per day (×7 = $56)

The standard crew for an expedition of 2-4 clients is:
1 leading guide
1 assistant guide
1 cook
2-3 special porters
Average of 4-6 porter per client for the trek.
Therefore the total tipping recommended amount per client for the trek package range $749 - $931, depending on the trekking package and trekking group.