Mt Kilimanjaro: Machame Route

Tanzania

An East African country known for it's vast wilderness areas

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro, with it's three volcanic cones, is a dormant volcano in Tanzania

1,700 $

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 trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of the mountain, within its lush, fertile rainforest.

The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.

DAY 1 Arrive in Tanzania

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day. Meals: No Meals Included

DAY 2 Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)

One hour drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot. Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi Approx. time: 6 hours

DAY 3 Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)

Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance. Distance covered: 5.4km / 3.4mi Approx. time: 5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 4 Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude. Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi Approx. time: 8 hrs Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 5 Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)

Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong, we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night. Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi Approx. time: 5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 6Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up between 11 pm and 12 pm to start the climb to the summit. Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi Approx. time: 3 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 7 Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)

We start off at around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest. Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi Approx. time: 12 – 15 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 8 Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)

A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower. Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi Approx. time: 6 hours Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included Day 9: Depart Tanzania The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some gifts shop before heading to the airport. *Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania Meals: Breakfast Included

DAY 9 Depart Tanzania

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some gifts shop before heading to the airport. *Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania Meals: Breakfast Included

Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi

YES

2 nights of accommodation in Moshi

YES

Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate

YES

Park entry fees

YES

Camping fees

YES

Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees

YES

18% VAT on tour fees & services

YES

4 Season mountain tents

YES

Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter

YES

Government taxes

YES

Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)

YES

Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters

YES

3 hot meals daily while on the mountain

YES

Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek

YES

Hot water for washing

YES

Emergency first-aid kit

YES

Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel before and after the climb

NOT

Travel insurance

NOT

A portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges of $ 70 for the entire trek

NOT

Flights – Laundry (Available at the hotel)

NOT

Personal items and toiletries

NOT

Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain

NOT

Basic Terms & Conditions

  1. On payment options, the REFERENCE or DESCRIPTION part should be filled with your full names or the name of the Safari Package.
  2. 50% of Payments must be deposited for reservation.
  3. Prices are in assumption of full payment before the trip commences.
  4. Prices are in assumption no changes in current Park fees or Park regulations.
  5. It any unexpected changes in park or camps fees there will be a surcharge.
  6. Personal documents may be requested to verify payment it necessary or requested by the online gateway provider e.g Bank.

Refund Policy or Cancellation

Depositing money to us is an indication of readiness to make use of the tour and travel arrangements and accommodation we reserve on your behalf. All cancellations are subject to a certain charge based on estimated losses properly calculated as follows:

  • If you cancel your trip 91 days to departure, 20% is forfeited.
  • 61 days to 90 days, 30% of the safari cost is forfeited.
  • 40 days to 60 days 60% of the tour cost is forfeited.
  • 31 days to 39 days, 80% of the safari cost is forfeited.
  • If cancellations are done one month (30 Days) to the trip or No show, 100% of the safari is forfeited.
  • For payments not paid in full to the date of the departure, and failure of making final payments, reservations will be cancelled and no refund will be availed.

Make Reservation Now


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