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Duration
8 days -
Max People
30 -
Min Age
6+ -
Pickup
Airpot
The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is a popular and challenging trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. This route is known for its scenic beauty, diverse landscapes, and challenging terrain, and is considered one of the most scenic routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
The Machame Route is a 8-day trek that starts at the Machame Gate and ends at Mweka Gate. During the trek, hikers will pass through several different ecosystems, including tropical rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert, providing a unique and diverse trekking experience.
The first two days of the trek are spent acclimatizing to the altitude, as the trail takes hikers from the Machame Gate to Machame Camp, and then from Machame Camp to Shira Camp. On the third day, hikers will continue their journey to Barranco Camp, and on the fourth day, they will make their way to Karanga Camp.
On the fifth day, hikers will continue their ascent to Barafu Camp, which is the last camp before the summit push. On the sixth day, hikers will make their final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, before descending to Mweka Camp on the seventh day. On the eighth day, hikers will make their way down to Mweka Gate and be transported back to Moshi, where the trek officially comes to an end.
The Machame Route is a challenging trek, but the stunning views and diverse landscapes along the way make it a worthwhile and memorable experience. It is important to be well-prepared physically and mentally for the trek, and to have proper gear, equipment, and supplies to ensure a safe and successful climb.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a representative from the trekking company who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
The rest of the day is at leisure to relax, acclimate to the new environment, and prepare for the upcoming trek. You can also explore Moshi town and its surroundings, do some last-minute shopping, or visit the local market to purchase any essentials you might need for the trek.
In the evening, you will attend a pre-climb briefing, where your guide will provide information about the trekking route, the equipment required, the local culture, and other important details.
After the briefing, you will have an equipment check to ensure that you have all the necessary gear for the climb. Your guide will also check that your gear is in good condition and that you have everything you need for the trek.
Overnight at the hotel in Moshi.
On the second day, you will be driven from your hotel in Moshi to the Machame Gate, which is the starting point of the trek. You will need to bring your passport and park fees to register at the gate.
After completing the registration process, you will start the trek to Machame Camp, following the well-defined trail that takes you through the lush rainforest. The trail is steep and rocky, but the vegetation provides ample shade and a breathtaking backdrop.
You will be walking for approximately 6 to 7 hours, covering a distance of around 12 kilometers and gaining an altitude of around 1,180 meters.
Machame Camp is located at an elevation of 2,980 meters and is surrounded by towering trees and lush vegetation. Here, you will set up camp, have a hot dinner, and spend the night.
Your guides will provide a briefing on the next day’s itinerary and offer advice on how to prepare for the next stage of the trek. Overnight at Machame Camp.
On the third day, you will leave Machame Camp and continue your journey towards Shira Camp. The trail from Machame Camp to Shira Camp is relatively easier compared to the previous day, but the altitude gain is more significant.
You will cross several streams and rivers, pass through some small villages, and have an opportunity to see some local wildlife along the way.
The trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp is approximately 5 to 6 hours and covers a distance of around 10 kilometers, with an altitude gain of around 860 meters.
Shira Camp is located at an elevation of 3,840 meters and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Here, you will set up camp, have a hot meal, and spend the night.
Your guides will provide a briefing on the next day’s itinerary and offer advice on how to prepare for the next stage of the trek. Overnight at Shira Camp.
On the fourth day, you will leave Shira Camp and make your way to Barranco Camp. The trail from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp takes you through the Shira Plateau, which is known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
You will trek for approximately 5 to 6 hours, covering a distance of around 8 kilometers and gaining an altitude of around 120 meters.
The trail from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp is relatively flat, but there are some steep descents and ascents that require a good level of physical fitness.
Barranco Camp is located at an elevation of 3,960 meters and provides stunning views of the Barranco Wall, which is a sheer cliff that rises high above the camp. Here, you will set up camp, have a hot meal, and spend the night.
Your guides will provide a briefing on the next day’s itinerary and offer advice on how to prepare for the next stage of the trek. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
On the fifth day, you will leave Barranco Camp and continue your journey towards Karanga Camp. The trail from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp takes you up the Barranco Wall, which is a steep ascent that requires a good level of physical fitness.
The trail from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp is approximately 4 to 5 hours, covering a distance of around 4 kilometers and gaining an altitude of around 410 meters.
After reaching the top of the Barranco Wall, you will continue on a relatively flat trail that takes you through the Karanga Valley. The valley is known for its stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Southern Ice Fields of Kilimanjaro.
Karanga Camp is located at an elevation of 4,370 meters and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Here, you will set up camp, have a hot meal, and spend the night.
Your guides will provide a briefing on the next day’s itinerary and offer advice on how to prepare for the next stage of the trek. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
On the sixth day, you will leave Karanga Camp and make your way to Barafu Camp. The trail from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp is relatively steep, but the views of the surrounding landscape are breathtaking.
The trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp is approximately 4 to 5 hours, covering a distance of around 4 kilometers and gaining an altitude of around 500 meters.
Barafu Camp is located at an elevation of 4,870 meters and is the last camp before the summit push. Here, you will set up camp, have a hot meal, and prepare for the final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Your guides will provide a briefing on the next day’s itinerary and offer advice on how to prepare for the summit push. You will also be advised to get a good night’s rest, as the next day is the most challenging and physically demanding day of the trek. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
On the seventh day, you will begin your final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. The summit push from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak is a challenging and physically demanding journey that takes approximately 6 to 8 hours.
The trail from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak is approximately 6 kilometers, covering an altitude gain of around 1,200 meters. You will start the ascent in the middle of the night, while it is still dark, to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and to reach the summit before the sun rises.
The summit push is a steep and strenuous hike, but the views from the summit are truly breathtaking and make all the effort worth it. After reaching the summit, you will take some time to admire the views and celebrate your achievement before starting the descent to Mweka Camp.
The descent from Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, covering a distance of around 10 kilometers and a descent of around 2,100 meters.
Mweka Camp is located at an elevation of 3,100 meters and is the final camp of the trek. Here, you will set up camp, have a hot meal, and spend your last night on the mountain.
The following day, you will descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, where your trek will officially come to an end. Your guides will help you arrange transportation back to your starting point, and you can rest and celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro trek.
On the eighth day, you will leave Mweka Camp and make your way down to Mweka Gate, which marks the official end of the trek.
The descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, covering a distance of around 10 kilometers and a descent of around 1,000 meters.
Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will receive a certificate of completion from the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, which is a recognition of your successful climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
After completing the formalities at Mweka Gate, you will be transported back to Moshi, where you can rest, celebrate your successful trek, and recuperate from the physical demands of the journey.
In Moshi, you will have the opportunity to visit local markets, shops, and restaurants, where you can purchase souvenirs and taste local foods. You can also arrange for a hot shower, laundry services, and a good night’s rest at a hotel or guesthouse of your choice.
The following day, you can make your way back home, with memories of a lifetime of your successful climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Inclusions
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
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
Exclusions
Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
2 Pax 2540
4 Pax 3…
6 Pax
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