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  • 9 Days | 8 Nights Machame Route Kilimanjaro climbing
Tour Description

The Machame route, often called the Whiskey route, is one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular paths and a top choice for climbers due to its high summit success rate. Though more challenging than the Marangu route, it is favored for its effective acclimatization opportunities, thanks to its “trek high, sleep low” approach. Unlike the gradual ascent of the Marangu route, the Machame route features steeper trails and requires covering greater distances. Along the way, climbers are rewarded with breathtaking views. The journey begins on the southwestern side of the mountain, then ascends northward, crossing the Shira plateau before merging with the Shira and Lemosho routes at Shira Camp.

Tour Itinerary
  • Day1: 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. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

  • Day2: Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)

    One hour’s drive from Moshi lays the gate to the Machame route, 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.

  • Day3: 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Day 6: Karanga 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 at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.

  • 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.

  • 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/Arusha where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!) before our big celebration. Overnight at the Weru Weru River Lodge (or similar accommodation)

  • Day 9: Departure

    If your time in Africa ends today our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked with us a safari or a few days to dissolve into the pristine sandy beaches and tropical waters of Zanzibar, we will be there to help you comfortably transition from your climb into your next Tanzanian adventure.

Included
  • All transfers pick up and drop off
  • Double layered Sleeping Mats
  • Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
  • Meals according to travel plan
  • Mineral water & Selected drinks
  • Overnight stays in safari lodges or public campsites
  • Park fees and government related fees.
  • Camping and concession fees
  • Government VAT 18%
  • Pre & Post Trek accommodation
Excluded
  • Alcoholic or other drinks not listed in the itinerary.
  • Visa fees
  • Flights
  • Tips
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending monies for souvenirs
  • All other extras not promised in the itinerary

From $3,201

PER PERSON

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