THE MACHAME ROUTE
The Machame Route, commencing at the southwestern Machame Gate of Mount Kilimanjaro, presents an exhilarating six-day trek that showcases a remarkable variety of landscapes and altitudes. From lush rainforests to scenic moorlands, climbers experience the awe-inspiring journey towards the summit of Africa’s highest peak.
The Machame Route begins at the Machame Gate, located on the southwestern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Over the course of six days, climbers embark on an adventurous journey through diverse landscapes and varying altitudes.
>>Arrive in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you are met after passing through customs. Transfer to Mount Meru Hotel and have a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with your climbing manager and your guide. Overnight at Mount Meru Hotel.
>>DAY 1 : MOMELLA GATE (1500 M) –MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M)
Leaving early in the morning from your accommodation in Arusha and driving to Momella gate in Arusha National Park. Driving takes about 1 hr from Arusha. At the gate you will clear your trekking permits, meet up with your porters, guide, cook and game ranger, and start climbing. You will pass open grassland which will give you a good opportunity to see buffaloes, warthogs and other grazers.
You will cross the Ngare Nanyuki River and continue climbing through mountain forest. There you will have chance to see many different kind of birds and black and white colobus monkeys. Finally you will reach Miriakamba Hut where you will stay overnight.
>>DAY 2: MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M) – SADDLE HUT (3570 M)
Second day climbing is quite short but demanding. You will start early in the morning and ascent steeply through lush mountain forest full of birds to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. There you can see the crater. After 3 to 5 hours climbing you will reach Saddle Hut where you will have lunch.
In the afternoon you will have another hiking to Little Meru (3794 m) for superb views before sunset. Then you will return to Saddle Hut for overnight. It is good to go to sleep early so that you get enough rest for the next day’s hiking.
>>DAY 3 : SADDLE HUT (3570 M) – RHINO POINT (3850 M) – PEAK ( 4566 M) – RHINO POINT (3850 M) – SADDLE HUT (3570 M) – MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M)
You will start climbing between 1 to 2 at night. The route is very steep towards Rhino Point (3850 m) and from there towards the summit along very narrow ridge. You will reach the mount meru summit, Socialist Peak, (4566 m) right at the sunrise.
The sceneries there are stunning; you will see Mount Kilimanjaro in close distance. After taking photos on the summit you will descent back to Saddle hut.
Note: On icy conditions or strong wind it is not necessarily possible to pass the ridge between Rhino Point and summit. You guide will decide if the conditions are not good enough to continue.
>>DAY 4 : MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M) – MOMELLA GATE (1500 M)
You will leave about at 8.00 in the morning and descent to Momella gate. You can choose longer or shorter route down. On the longer way down you have very good changes to see wildlife and the ash cone. Once at the gate, it’s time to tip your porters, guide, cook and game ranger. After that your transportation back to Arusha will be waiting for you.
>>DAY 5: Departure
