Machame Route is the “Whiskey” route. While Marangu know us Coca Cola route. Whiskey Route It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain.
All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside.
It is done over 6 days, so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience. Descent is down the Mweka trail staying at the Mweka or Millennium camp the final night on the mountain.
Day 1: Arrival Day and Welcome to Tanzania
Your first night is to be spent at Masailand Safari Lodge in Arusha. Our driver will be waiting to meet and welcome you and take you to your lodge in Arusha to relax after your flight.
Day 2: Arusha to Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1800m to 2835m, Distance: 11 km, Hiking Time: 4-6 hours, Habitat: Montana Forest
After breakfast our vehicle will transport you from the hotel to Machame gate, takes about 2 hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. At Machame gate you will do the required registration procedures then you will start the trek through the rainforest, at lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are good idea here. We continue until we reach the Machame Camp where you will find the tents are already set up for you. Dinner and Overnight at the Machame Campsite.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: 2835m to 3750m, Distance: 5km, Walking Time 4-6 hours, Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast leave the glades of rainforest and continue ascending by crossing little valleys and steep rock ridge covering with heather plants to the western side of the mountain where the camp is situated. At this camp you will able get the spectacular views of Mount Meru, Shira Plateau, Kibo Peak and sunset. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3750 to 3900m, Distance: 10km, Walking Time: 5-6 hours, Habitat: Semi-desert
This is long and important acclimatization day. From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the shark’s Tooth (elevation 4600m). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3900m to 4675M, Distance: 10km, Hiking Time: 6-7 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco wall (elevation 4150m), through the Karanga Valley (elevation 3995m) to the junction which connects with the Mweka trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angels. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4675m to 5895m to 3100m, Distance: 5km up and 12km down, Hiking Time: 5-7 up, 5 – 6 hours down, Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your one-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro 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 may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last night on the mountain.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha
Elevaton: 3100m to 1646m, Distance: 10km down, Time 3-4 hours’ descent, Habitat: Forest
Today is your last day on the mountain. After breakfast you will descend down to Mweka park gate walking across Montana forest. This descent will take 3 -4 hours. At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5756m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.
From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village where you will be served a delicious hot lunch!! After lunch you drive back to Arusha for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!(2 to 3 hours)
Day 8: Departure – Kilimanjaro International Airport
Today we will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will greet your farewells to Tanzania and its people.
Price per Person
8 Days Machame | ||||||
Persons | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6+ |
USD | 2150 | 1745 | 1650 | 1550 | 1480 | 1450 |
8 Days Machame | ||||||
Persons | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6+ |
USD | 2150 | 1745 | 1650 | 1550 | 1480 | 1450 |
Price included:
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What Gear Do I Need to Bring?
Below is the equipment that you need to bring as your personal kit for the climb.
Technical Clothing 1 – Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood 1 – Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down 1 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell 2 – Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric 1 – Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric 1 – Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended) 2 – Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended) 1 – Fleece Pants 1 – Shorts (optional) 1 – Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended) 3 – Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended) 2 – Sport Bra (women) Headwear 1 – Brimmed Hat, for sun protection 1 – Knit Hat, for warmth 1 – Balaclava, for face coverage (optional) 1 – Bandana (optional) Hand wear 1 – Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended) 1 – Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)Other Toiletries Prescriptions Sunscreen Lip Balm Insect Repellent, containing DEET First Aid Kit Hand Sanitizer Toilet Paper Wet Wipes (recommended) Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional) Pencil and Notebook, miniature, for trip log (optional) Camera, with extra batteries (optional) | Footwear 1 – Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces 1 – Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional) 3 – Socks, thick, wool or synthetic 3 – Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional) 1 – Gaiters, waterproof (optional) Accessories 1 – Sunglasses or Goggles 1 – Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional) 1 – Poncho, during rainy season (optional) 1 – Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended) 1 – Water Bladder, Camelback type (recommended) 1 – Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional) Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate Equipment 1 – Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons 1 – Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional) 1 – Trekking Poles (recommended) 1 – Head lamp, with extra batteries 1 – Duffel bag, for porters to carry your equipment 1 – Daypack, for you to carry your personal gearPaperwork Trip Receipt Passport Visa (available at JRO) Immunization Papers Insurance Documents |
NOTE: If you do not have any among the gears/equipment mentioned in the list above then you can hire them from Hiring stores in Moshi-Tanzania under our assistant to avoid inapplicable higher charges.
What are the Gear that will be provided with Us?
Should I Get a Medical Check Up?
All climbers should have a medical check prior to attempting the mountain. Ask your doctor if high altitude trekking is permissible for your age, fitness level and health condition. Ask if you have any preexisting medical conditions that can cause problems on the climb. Ask if any of your medications can affect altitude acclimatization. Ask whether Diamox can be taken with your existing prescription medicines. Such medical issues include but are not limited to: spine problems; circulation problems; internal problems such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, intestinal or kidney problems; respiratory issues such as asthma; high or low blood pressure; head trauma or injury; heart conditions; blood disease; hearing or vision impairment; cancer; seizure disorders; joint dislocations; sprains; hernia.
What Vaccinations, Immunizations and Medications Do I Need?
Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications
The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to East Africa. Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.
Malaria
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. Humans get malaria from the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite. Your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including cities. All travelers to East Africa, including infants, children, and former residents of East Africa, may be at risk for malaria. Prevent this serious disease by seeing your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites.
All travelers should take one of the following drugs:
Yellow Fever
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Tanzania. Kenya and Uganda when arriving from countries where yellow fever is present.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is required to participate on this trip.