Machame Route

Hello guys, here's some info on Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey route. Hmm i wonder why it's called the whiskey route heh. Basically it's a popular route following steep paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the south face of Kibo providing superb views of the Southern Icefields.

1. Drive to the Machame Park Gate at 1800m, from where steepening trails lead through natural rain forest to a campsite in a clearing on a ridge, (3000m, 5h.).
2. The path continues up a moorland ridge through giant heathers. It gradually becomes rocky before levelling out on the Shira Plateau. (3840m, 4-5h.).
3. A rocky path leads east up towards the Lava Tower, dramatic views of the Breach Wall precipices. Shortly beyond this it descends to Barranco campsite (3950m, 4-5h.).
4. Scramble easily to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over screes and ridges to the Karanga Valley campsite (3h, 4000m.), beneath the icefalls of the Southern Glaciers.
5. The trail ascends a ridge to a campsite by the Barafu Hut, an airy location with little vegetation (3h, 4600m.),
6. Start just after midnight for the ascent of the screes leading to Stella Point (6h, 5725m.). From here a further 40mins. leads to Uhuru Peak. Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and brunch before continuing down to camp at Mweka Hut at 3100m, (11-14h total walking time).
7. A 3-4 hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to the Park Gate.

Ok now for some nice pictures of Kili to whet your appetite : )

Kilimanjaro from Moshi Town in the evening


Sunset on Decken Glacier



camping on Kilimanjaro!


The beautiful African Sunset- This is why we should all go for a safari, if not the Serengeti Trail ;)