Kilimanjaro - Machame Mweka

Tented tour to Africa's highest peak

This so-called "Whiskey Route" is probably the most beautiful route to ascend Mt. Kilimanjaro. The accommodation on the way up and down is strictly camping with mobile tents. In comparison to the Marangu Route, this one is more strenuous and is designed for more adventurous hikers. The Machame / Mweka route normally takes a minimum of 6 days, but you can add in an extra day for acclimatization.

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

Kibo peak

Day 1: Arrival

You will be picked up in Arusha or at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Moshi, the "gateway to the Kilimanjaro". Overnight at a base hotel in Moshi (Half Board).

Day 2: Machame Gate - Machame Camp

Today, you will be transferred to the Machame Gate of the Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park to begin your climb. The path winds through a beautifully lush rainforest, so depending on the weather this can be a moderate or a very demanding day. Overnight in mobile tents at Machame Camp (3,100 m).

Day 3: Machame Camp - Shira Camp

Start early, leave the rainforest behind and climb up a steep ridge for 3 to 4 hours. The trek descends into a river gorge before ascending again up to the moorlands of the Shira Plateau. On a clear day the view is absolutely gorgeous. Overnight camping at Shira Camp (3,840 m).

Beautiful flora in high altitude

Day 4: Shira Camp - Barranco Camp

As you ascend from the Shira Hut, there are good views of the Shira Plateau to the west, Oehler Ridge to the east and the Western Breach to the east. The route now turns east into a semi-desert and rocky environment. Today, you reach an altitude of 4,600 m after a 5-hours walk to Lava Tower. Ascents and descents alternate the whole day, presenting rewarding views of the spectacular Barranco Valley. Overnight camping at Barranco Camp (3,950 m).

Day 5: Barranco Camp - Barafu Camp

The morning starts with a scramble up the almost vertical Barranco Wall to a ridge leading to the Karanga Valley (4,100 m) after 3 hours. After lunch, continue north to reach Barafu Camp (4,600 m) after about 4 hours. Overnight camping at Barafu Camp.

Day 6: Summit Day

Rise around 23:30 hrs., and after some tea and biscuits you will head in a northwesterly direction up the south east valley towards Stella Point (5,685 m)on the crater rim. The 8-hour long walk to Stella Point is a mental and physical challenge, perhaps the most challenging on the route.  At Stella Point, you will have a short rest. If the weather is fine, you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see.  From here, you will set off on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), the highest point in Africa. Do take it slow - there is less than half the oxygen than at sea level. Uhuru Peak provides a unique reward and usually a plethora of emotions. Most people then start returning quite soon after sunrise as the return journey today is quite long. Take a brief respite at Barafu Camp before descending all the way down to Mweka Camp at 3,100 m. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 7: Return to Moshi

After breakfast, descend through the lower heath section that quickly turns into rainforest. Your time on Mt. Kilimanjaro ends at Kibololoni Gate where you will be met and transferred back to the base hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight.

View of the Mawenzi