6 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE

Tour Overview

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 accomodations 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 on the mountain. However, it is most often tackled over seven days, for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rain forest. 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.

6 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE KILIMANJARO TREKS

Scenically beautiful

Camping Accommodation

ITINERARY

Upon your arrival, our driver from Kilimanjaro Select will be waiting to meet you. You will be escorted to the vehicle, where your luggage will be loaded, and then driven to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After checking in, you will receive a detailed briefing about your trek. Your mountain guide will also conduct an inspection of your equipment. If any items are missing, you will have the opportunity to rent them on this day.

• Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Full Board

Your journey to the top of Africa will start after breakfast. The drive to Machame Gate will take no more than two hours. After completing the required registrations at the gate, your hike will soon start. We leave the park entrance and follow a meandering track up a ridge through the rain forest. The trail may be muddy and slick at lower elevations. This is a fantastic place to use trekking poles and gaiters. After a short while, we arrive at the Machame Camp.

• Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
• Habitat: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone.
• Meals: Full Board

We depart from the rain forest's glades after breakfast and proceed uphill, traversing the valley on a precipitous rocky ridge. After there, the road heads west onto a river gorge, and we reach the Shira campground in the middle of the day. Before the evening, you will eat lunch and unwind at the Camp. Great views of Kibo Peak may be seen around sunset from New Shira Camp. You will be given dinner later in the evening prior to an overnight stay.

Shira Camp– Lava Tower
• Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
• Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
• Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Distance: 3 km | 2 miles
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Full Board

The trek takes roughly five to six hours to finish today, and it is difficult and lengthy. The path heads east toward Lava Tower, where it encounters stony and semi-desert terrain. You will receive lunch at Lava Tower before continuing on your two-hour walk to Barranco Camp. At this point, we proceed to the Barranco Camp. Even though you finish the day at around the same elevation as you started, this day is crucial for acclimatization and will assist your body get ready for summit day tomorrow. Before going to bed, you will be fed dinner in the evening.

• Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Distance: 3 km | 2 miles
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Full Board
Totally exposed to the ever-present gales, the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1,345 m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick, and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries, and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing, it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at around about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep for not more than 5 hours.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
• Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
• Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Full Board

Around midnight, when the lava ash is still frozen and easier to walk on, the ascent starts after a cup of hot tea and a small lunch. Between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, we keep going until we reach the peak. In order to reach Stella Point on the crater rim, you travel northwest and climb through thick scree. You will be rewarded with the most breathtaking sunrise you are likely to ever witness when you pause for a brief rest at Stella Point. Those who hike faster might be able to see the sunrise from the top. The one-hour climb to the peak from Stella Point may be completely covered in snow. You have arrived at Mount Kilimanjaro's highest point, Uhuru Peak, and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will enjoy your last evening on the mountain at Mweka Camp.

• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Half Board

We continue our descent to the Mweka Park Gate to pick up your summit certificates after breakfast. It might get muddy and damp at lower elevations. Trekking poles and gaiters will be beneficial. It will likely be plenty of time to wear shorts and t-shirts (make sure to have warmer clothes and rain gear on hand). To transport you back to your lodging, our car will be waiting for you at the Mweka gate.


PRICE INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

All airport transfers

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi/Arusha hotel

Hotel 2 nights in Moshi/Arusha

Professional, experienced, mountain guides

Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees

Sleeping Mattress

Emergency Oxygen Cylinder

All meals while on the Mountain

Quality Mess tents with table and chairs

Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Clean, purified drinking water

Conservation fees (part of park fees)

Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)

Rescue fees (part of park fees)

VAT (18% charged by the Government)

Kilimanjaro summit certificate

VAT (18% charged by the Government)

• Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc
• Tanzania Visa
• International and domestic flights
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
• Liquors, beers and bottled beverage
• Alls not listed in the itinerary

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