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The Machame route, also referred to as the Whiskey route, was one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro. But now many people have been choosing Lemosho as an alternative to avoid crowds which makes the route less populated compared to Lemosho. This is one of our favorite route due to its scenery and success rates. Machame route is one of the highest summit success rates given the topography and nature of the route which allows climbers to “trek high & sleep low,” hence making it a more favorable route for acclimatization.
This route offers some of the most spectacular scenery while on the mountain. The Machame route starts in the southwest side of the mountain and proceeds steeply north, traversing the Shira plateau and eventually joining the Shira and Lemosho routes just after the Shira cave camp. The Machame route can be done in minimum 6 days but a 7-day trek is recommended to allow climbers been well rested and acclimatized before making the final ascent to the summit.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet your Joica Tours & Safaris representative, and transfer you to the hotel of your choice in Arusha. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay. In the evening, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day. Overnight at your chosen accommodation level.
We will drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
After finishing registration, we now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp for overnight.
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite for rest, dinner, and overnight stay at the campsite.
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.
Today we will wakeup very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
Joica Tours vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you to your hotel in Arusha.Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!
After breakfast and rest will transfer you at Airport. But if you wish to extend your holiday for a Safari,fly to Zanzibar or other Activities then we can arrange for you to explore more Tanzania!
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Thank you for your amazing service for our journey to Tanzania. We will probably be back soon. see you Joica Tours Team.
Mr. Taylor Houston,
15 February, 2024We have return back from our safari and Kilimanjaro climb adventure Joica Tours did not dissapoint us as we had received great hospitality from day we landed Tanzania until we depart from this beautiful Country.