Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route

Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. The Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route is approximately 62 km/ 37 miles from gate to gate. Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience, but plenty of first time trekker use the route as well and do just fine. Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route is rated as one of Kilimanjaro's better routes and thus is recommended. Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route is the route of choice for many people because it provides impressive views and a variety of habitats. About 50% of all climbers, and most seasoned climbers, choose the Machame route. It is also one of the cheaper routes due to its easy access and shorter itinerary. 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 accommodations 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 success rate is significantly higher when using the seven-day route. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, which is just a short drive from Moshi or Arusha. The hike starts within Kilimanjaro’s lush, fertile, montane rainforest. As you might expect, the lower slopes receive a quite a bit of precipitation. The trail may be steep and slippery, so trekking poles are advised. As the route heads toward the Shira Plateau, the trees disappear and are replaced by low brush in the heather zone. Then the route climbs high to the volcanic plug, Lava Tower, before dropping and circling below the South Icefield. This circular pathway from Barranco to Karanga to Barafu is known as the southern circuit. As it traverses halfway around the mountain, climber’s are exposed to great vistas.