The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accomodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents.
The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is most often tackled over seven days (six nights), for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rainforest.
The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.
DAY 1:-
Pick clients from the place of staying in Arusha / Moshi Town after the breakfast (8:00am) and drive to Machame gate 1800m.a.s.l.After secure your permit papers; Start the climb from Machame gate to Machame camp. The trek takes about 5-6hrs in the rain forest. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight stay at Machame camp.3000m.a.s.l
DAY 2:-
After the breakfast, trek to the next camp (Shira camp). First part is in the weak forest and the rest of the part is in the Moor land. The trek takes about 4 – 5hrs. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight stay at Shira Camp No.1 (3840m.)
DAY 3:-
After breakfast, trek in the moorland then in the alpine desert up to the Lava tower 4600m.a.s.l. then down to Baranco wall camp. 3940m.a.s.l. in the moorland. The trek takes 7hrs. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight stay at Baranco camp. (3950m)
DAY 4:-
After breakfast, climb the great Baranco wall and hike in the alpine desert up to Barafu camp 4650m.a.s.l. (base camp).The trek takes about 3hrs. Lunch, dinner and overnight stay at Barafu camp.
DAY 5:-
Early morning after the midnight at 2:00am, have a light breakfast (cup of tea with some biscuits, then ascend to the summit via Stella point then to Uhuru peak 5895m.a.s.l. then back to Barafu camp for Lunch. After short rest, continue descending to Mweka camp for dinner and overnight stay. 3100 m. asl
DAY 6:-
Morning after breakfast, descend straight down to Mweka gate and a waiting car will be there ready for transfer back to Arusha via Moshi for hot lunch.
DAY 1:-
Pick clients from the place of staying in Arusha / Moshi Town after the breakfast (8:00am) and drive to Machame gate 1800m.a.s.l.After secure your permit papers; Start the climb from Machame gate to Machame camp. The trek takes about 5-6hrs in the rain forest. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight stay at Machame camp.3000m.a.s.l
DAY 2:-
After the breakfast, trek to the next camp (Shira camp). First part is in the weak forest and the rest of the part is in the Moor land. The trek takes about 4 – 5hrs. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight stay at Shira Camp No.1 (3840m.)
DAY 3:-
After breakfast, trek in the moorland then in the alpine desert up to the Lava tower 4600m.a.s.l. then down to Baranco wall camp. 3940m.a.s.l. in the moorland. The trek takes 7hrs. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight stay at Baranco camp. (3950m)
DAY 4:-
After breakfast, climb the great Baranco wall and hike in the alpine desert up to Barafu camp 4650m.a.s.l. (base camp).The trek takes about 3hrs. Lunch, dinner and overnight stay at Barafu camp.
DAY 5:-
Early morning after the midnight at 2:00am, have a light breakfast (cup of tea with some biscuits, then ascend to the summit via Stella point then to Uhuru peak 5895m.a.s.l. then back to Barafu camp for Lunch. After short rest, continue descending to Mweka camp for dinner and overnight stay. 3100 m. asl
DAY 6:-
Morning after breakfast, descend straight down to Mweka gate and a waiting car will be there ready for transfer back to Arusha via Moshi for hot lunch.
