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If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Overview
The Machame route begins at Machame Gate, at an altitude of 1800 meters, with an
approach to the south west of the mountain. It passes through majestic rainforest on the
first day, before continuing up the mountain to reach Shira Camp, where the Lemosho
route joins from the west. From here you traverse the southern side of the mountain to
Barranco via Lava Tower, and climb the Great Barranco Wall on your way to Barafu Camp.
After reaching the summit, you will descend by the Mweka trail, rather than retracing your steps along the ascent route.
The Machame route is nicknamed the ‘Whiskey Route’ as it is considered more difficult than the ‘Coca Cola Route’, the nickname for the Marangu route. In reality, it is not more technically difficult, but is longer and in places steeper. The longer distance and the opportunity to ‘walk high, sleep low’ offer much better acclimatisation and as a result a very high success rate.
The Machame route Is a good seven day hike for those who have not trekked much at high
altitudes, with an effective extra day’s acclimatisation, giving a better success rate.
Experienced and already acclimatised mountaineers may opt for the more difficult 6 day ascent along the Machame route.
