Kilimanjaro - Machame Route
| Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is one of the most highly sought after trekking peaks in the world and is the highest peak on the African continent, making it one of the coveted seven summits (the highest peak on each continent). The Machame Route has become more popular over the past few years as it can be completed in seven days, while still giving you an excellent acclimatization schedule. The Machame Route is one of the more beautiful routes on the mountain, giving you exceptional views throughout your journey. As with the Lemosho Glades Route, the Machame is strictly camping accommodation, allowing the trekker scenic evenings looking out at the stars. |
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A little bit more about the trekOn arrival in Kilimanjaro International Airport, we will head straight to Moshi for our first night’s stay in Tanzania. After an early breakfast the next morning in Moshi, we will then head to the Machame Village, where we begin trekking through the beautiful and lush rainforest towards the Machame Hut.From the rainforest we will head to the Shira Plateau and up towards the Lava Tower at 4,600m (15,092ft). From there we descend to the Barranco Camp where we are then faced with the Barranco Wall, a steep 300 m (948ft) winding trail up to the mountain’s southern face. The route continues underneath the Decken and Rebman Glaciers to the Karanga Camp and then on to the Barafu Camp, our last stop before the summit. We will leave around 11 pm in the evening for the steady but very strenuous ascent to Uhuru Peak. Our final day of trekking will see us heading towards the Mweka Gate and back to Moshi for some much deserved hot showers and warm beds! |
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| The Machame Route is probably one of the most beautiful routes up Kilimanjaro. All our equipment and supplies are portered up the mountain and a cook prepares all our meals. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. This makes Machame (also referred to as the "Whiskey route") better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, rewarding him/her with a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall, the Machame route offers the adventurous hiker a stunning scenic "slide show" over 7 days. |
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What people said“In October of last year, I joined a team of 10 people led by experienced mountaineer Ian Taylor. To prepare to climb Kilimanjaro in January 2010. We trained in the Wicklow mountains at weekends, during which time, Ian instilled a great confidence and team spirit within the group. Prior to our departure we were well prepared both physically & mentally, thanks to Ian's knowledge and attention to detail. On arrival in Africa it was fascinating to see the whole dynamics & organisation required for the Kili Climb. On the mountain itself, the weather was very pleasant and each day brought a new experience and landscape. After an incredible seven days climb, the whole team summited on January 30th at 07.00am. Thanks to Ian for his generosity with his time and knowledge. It was truly a trip of a lifetime.”Martin Gleeson, Kilimanjaro 2010 “Ian Taylor is Inspirational. His dedication towards my training was first class. Not only was his training brilliant but his words of encouragement was key to my successful achievement of conquering my goal of climbing Kilimanjaro.” Geraldine Sharkey, Kilimanjaro 2011 “I wanted to take on a challenge in 2009 and a friend of mine referred me to Ian Taylor. From the very first contact Ian was very interested in me and what I wanted to achieve, the service was fantastic and all my fears erased. I took on the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro and had the experience of a lifetime, I didn't achieve the summit, but enjoyed the journey. Looking forward to reaching Everest Base Camp with Ian Taylor Trekking next year.” David Ormstom, Kilimanjaro 2010 |
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Itinerary |
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Day 1 Pick up from the lodge after breakfast and transfer to Machame gate where we will register before starting the climb. From the park entrance gate (Machame), we will walk for about two to three hours through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers, and other tropical vegetation. A stop for hot lunch will be made halfway to this evening's campsite before we continue our ascent, where we will find that the tropical forest has given way to tall grasses and giant heather. As we continue along the ridge, to the left there is the Semira stream, and on the right, the Weru Weru. This initial stage of the climb is tranquil and relatively easy, so depending on the pace of the group, arrival at Machame Camp is usually between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. We always recommend clients to walk at a slow, controlled pace as this will aid in the acclimatisation process. We will sleep tonight at the Machame Camp at 2,980m (9,777 ft).Day 2 On this and subsequent mornings, wake-up call is at around 6:00 AM. We will be greeted with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, and weather permitting, by a fabulous view of Uhuru peak! Today's trek takes us up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock, and bearded heather. Lunch will be taken just below the Shira Plateau, about three to four hours from Shira Camp. The hike to the next campsite takes approximately six hours and you should arrive between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Tonight, we will camp at the Shira Camp located at 3,840m (12,598ft) above sea level.Day 3 After breakfast we will start crossing the Bastains stream, where we will begin to descend towards Barranco Camp, along an immense canyon called Grand Barranco. Along the way, you will see numerous waterfalls, which are fed, by streams coming from the mountain, converging here to form the Umbwe River. We will stop for lunch near the highest point yet reached near the Lava Tower at 4,630m (15,190ft). Today's trek lasts for about six hours and arrival at the Barranco Camp (3,950m/ 12,595ft) is between 4:30PM and 5:30PM.Day 4 We have a slightly more leisurely start to today as this is our day to acclimatise. After breakfast we can see the Great Barranco Wall and have a leisurely walk to Karanga camp through the Karanga Valley. We reach the Camp for lunch and have a relaxed afternoon with opportunities for walks or just relaxing. We consider this day vital in giving you the maximum chance acclimatising and completing your end goal of summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro. Tonight we sleep at the Karanga Camp at 3,900m (12,795ft).Day 5 The scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on a moraine with a view of Mawenzi peak towering majestically to the right, and overhead, Kibo peak seemingly just out of reach. The alpine desert terrain encountered at this point is mostly a mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Lunch will be taken half way and we should arrive into the Barafu Camp at 4,550m (14,928ft) early in the afternoon. We will all go to bed extremely early today as tonight we will leave for our summit attempt.Day 6 We will awake at midnight and after a light breakfast, start climbing at around 12:30 AM. It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult and climbers should carry as little as possible on this portion of the climb. Temperatures will range from -4° to 5° Fahrenheit. Making our way up a path that is flanked by the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, we will climb for about six hours before reaching the edge of the crater, between Stella and Hans Meyer points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit. Uhuru stands at 5,895m (19,340 feet) and is the highest point on the continent of Africa. It is now time for the decent back to Barafu Camp after about three hours from the time you left the summit. We will take some time to have a quick rest and some lunch before we pack up all our remaining things and head further down the mountain to Mweka Camp at 3,100m (10,170ft) for the night.Day 7 After breakfast then continue to head down to Mweka gate where we sign each of our names and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. We will then return to Moshi, where it is a welcome treat to sleep in a bed, take a hot shower and celebrate! |
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Ready to go?Does this information excite you to take the next step towards achieving your goals in the mountains? If so, get in touch today. We prde ourselves on making sure that our clients have every opportunity to succeed on the mountains, including professional training advice, gear lists and video links on how to pack your bag, and much more. We are always available to answer any questions you may have by email, phone or skype, so contact us today! |
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