The Machame Route by comparison is called the Whisky Route and is considered one of the Wilderness Routes the choice of the more seasoned trekkers because of the camping aspects of the climb and the more remote nature of the trails. It approaches the mountain from the Western side, climbing through rain forest to get to Shira Plateau followed by a three days circuit of the Kibo Massif, before the final push to Stella Point and on to Uhuru Peak. Machame route has a beautiful scenery and can be managed in 6 days. You don’t need any technical climb through this route.
DAY 1:
After breakfast, drive to Machame gate and after all the park formalities you start climb/walking through a thick forest. A stop for lunch will be made halfway to the evening campsite. Arrival at Machame Camp (3000m). It is approximately 6 hours walk from the gate. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 2:
After breakfast, the walk will take you up a steep track through savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rocks, volcanic lava and caves. Lunch will be taken just below the Shira Plateau. Arrival at Shira camp (3800m). It is approximately 6 hours walk from Machame Camp. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 3:
After breakfast, a steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (4600m) descend towards Barranco Camp. The descent takes you through an immense canyon known as Grand Barranco. You will see numerous waterfalls and streams coming from the mountain converging to form Umbwe River. Arrival at Barranco Camp (3640m). It is about 6 hours walk from Shira camp. Diner and overnight.
DAY 4:
After breakfast, continue hiking and cross the floor of the Barranco Valley up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley – the last point on this root. After climbing out of the Karanga valley you trail a ridge to the Barafu Camp (4600m). It is almost 6-7 hours walk from Barranco Camp. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 5:
An early start for the ascention to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, the last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski is useful for balancing. At Uhuru Peak there is a fine view of Mount Meru and the jagged peak of Mawenzi to the East. Descent to the Barafu Hut forrest and lunch before going down to the camp at Mweka Hut. Those with energy may wish to descend to Reutch Crater and visit the dramatic pinnacles of the Eastern Ice field.
DAY 6:
A 3-4 hour descend through the beautiful forest brings you to the park gate and you may wait transport back to the hotel.
VARIATION: Machame route then Uhuru point by Arrow Glacier. This is a really steep – hard but short route to the summit from Arrow Glacier Camp. From December to the February crampons and ice axes may be needed. Cost and details on request.
