Destination
Tanzania: Arusha, Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut ,Duration
6 DaysPrice
Starting from $4,233Year
2024 / 20257 Day Machame Route
Embark on an extraordinary journey with EXCELLENT GUIDES Tours as we lead you on the Machame Route, a captivating path to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This picturesque route offers a unique adventure, allowing you to traverse both the southwest and south sides of this iconic mountain. One of its distinctive features is the ascent on one route and descent on another, adding to the thrill of your expedition. The Machame Route, affectionately known as the "Whiskey Route," is tailored for the adventurous spirit and promises even more breathtaking vistas than its counterpart. From the mesmerizing late afternoon sunsets at Shira to the mystical beauty of Kibo's grand Barranco Wall, this route treats intrepid hikers to a continuous scenic spectacle.
Itinerary
Download ItineraryArrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Transfer to Moshi, and Overnight at a Comfortable Lodge with Bed and Breakfast. Your adventure begins as you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You'll be met by our friendly team who will whisk you away to Moshi, your home base for the upcoming trek. After the journey, settle into a cozy lodge where you can relax and recharge with a delightful bed and breakfast.
Altitude: 1,800 m - 3,010 m Hiking Distance: 11 km Hiking Time: 6 hoursYour trek commences with an early start, starting with a briefing session followed by a nourishing breakfast. Afterward, embark on a 45-minute drive from Moshi (at 910 meters) to the Machame Park Gate. Here, you'll receive a packed lunch to fuel your journey and can sip on bottled water you acquired at your hotel in Moshi. The forest portion of the trail may be damp, transforming it into a muddy and slippery adventure should rain befall the area. As the day progresses, the porters will prepare drinking and washing water, while the cook gets ready to prepare a delicious dinner. As night falls, temperatures may drop to freezing point at Machame Camp, situated at an elevation of 3,010 meters.
Altitude: 3,010 m – 3,840 m Hiking Distance: 5 km Hiking Time: 4–5 hours Your second day starts with an early rise at Machame Camp, followed by a hearty breakfast. You'll hike for approximately one hour through the forest, reaching the top and transitioning into the moorland zone for the next two hours. After a brief lunch break and rest, the trail leads you to a rocky ridge that opens up to the breathtaking Shira plateau. As you ascend, your view to the east reveals the Western Breach, adorned with its magnificent glaciers. Your day's journey concludes at Shira Camp, nestled at an altitude of 3,840 meters. Here, the porters will prepare drinking and washing water, and a well-earned dinner will be served. Expect even colder temperatures at this exposed camp, with the mercury plummeting well below freezing during the night.
Altitude: 3,840 m – 3,960 m Hiking Distance: 11 km Hiking Time: 7–8 hours Today's route turns eastward, guiding you through semi-desert terrain and rocky landscapes that encircle the Lava Tower. After approximately five hours of trekking, you'll reach an altitude of 4,630 meters. Lunch is served at a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4,630 meters). Following lunch, you'll descend nearly 680 meters to arrive at the Barranco camping area. This descent to Barranco Camp, which takes around two hours, offers exceptional opportunities for capturing stunning photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. Your campsite is nestled in a valley below the imposing Breach and Great Barranco Wall, providing a memorable backdrop for a serene sunset. Enjoy dinner and settle in for the night at Barranco Camp.
Altitude: 3,960 m – 4,035 m Hiking Distance: 5 km Hiking Time: 5 hours After a satisfying breakfast at Barranco Camp, your journey continues as you ascend the Barranco Wall, a thrilling climb that typically takes around an hour to conquer. From there, you'll proceed to Karanga Camp, navigating through various ascents and descents along the way. In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy an acclimatization hike, an essential part of your preparation for the upcoming challenges of higher altitudes.
Altitude: 4,035 m – 4,640 m Hiking Distance: 5 km Hiking Time: 5 hours Today, your journey takes you to Barafu Camp, a location perched on a narrow, stony ridge at an altitude of 4,640 meters. Here, the environment is exposed and challenging, presenting the need for familiarity with the terrain to avoid accidents, especially after nightfall. With the summit now a further 1,345 meters above you, the final ascent awaits on the same night. Take the time to prepare your equipment, including ski sticks and thermal clothing, readying yourself for the summit attempt. Ensure your headlamp and camera batteries are replaced, and consider having spare sets on hand. To prevent water from freezing, it's wise to carry it in a thermal flask. Your night's rest, beginning around 19:00, is crucial, with no more than five hours of sleep anticipated.
Altitude: 4,640 m – 5, 895 m – 3,090 m Hiking Distance: 17 km Hiking Time: 15+ hours Your summit day begins around 23:30, commencing with a light meal of tea and biscuits. Under the cover of night, you'll head in a northwesterly direction, embarking on an ascent through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This six-hour journey to Stella Point is often regarded as the most mentally and physically challenging part of the entire route. At Stella Point (5,685 meters), you'll pause for a brief rest, greeted by the awe-inspiring spectacle of a sunrise that may be one of the most magnificent you'll ever witness, weather permitting. From Stella Point, you'll typically encounter snow throughout your two-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. After experiencing the summit's majesty, the return journey to Barafu will take about three hours. Here, you'll enjoy a well-deserved but short rest, collect your gear, and descend to Mweka Camp for dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Altitude: 3,090 m – 1,650 m Hiking Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Following breakfast, your descent from Mweka Camp begins, leading you toward Mweka Park Gate. This portion of the journey is characterized by a muddy terrain and is often lengthy. Upon arriving in Mweka Village, you'll be driven to a lodge where a hot lunch and a well-deserved hot shower await. Overnight in the lodge is recommended, and tipping your dedicated team is highly appreciated. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point (5,685 meters) are presented with green certificates, while those who conquered Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) proudly receive certificates.
After an early breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to Kilimanjaro and make your way to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure flight, concluding your remarkable adventure. This marks the end of our service, and we hope you carry the memories of this extraordinary journey with you for a lifetime. Safe travels!
- Two nights’ accommodation, first and last breakfast inclusive
- Transportation to and from the Airport/pick up point as well as starting and the finishing point on the mountain
- Qualified guides with mountain crew
- National park feed
- Hut/tent fees & Rescue fees
- Flying Doctor Coverage
- Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
- Boiled water on the mountain
- Cutlery/ crockery/eating utensils
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain..
- Single room supplements at Chanya lodge except on the 1- person climb (private climb)
- Guides, porters, cook and waiters Tips
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Gear for your climb\items of personal nature.
- Entry visa to Tanzania
- Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
- TIPS to your guide, hotel staff, and porters
- Emergency oxygen
CLICK ON A DEPARTURE AVAILABILITY FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DATE | DEPARTURE | FROM | AVAILABILITY |
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Mar 3 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Mar 10 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Mar 17 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Mar 30 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Apr 7 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Apr 14 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Apr 21 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Apr 28 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
May 3 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
May 12 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
May 19 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
May 26 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Jun 2 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Jun 5 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Jun 9 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Jun 12 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Jun 16 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Jun 19 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Jun 23 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Jun 26 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Jun 30 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
July 3 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
July 7 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
July 10 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
July 14 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
July 17 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
July 21 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
July 24 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
July 28 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
July 31 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Aug 4 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Aug 7 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Aug 11 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Aug 14 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Aug 18 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Aug 21 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Aug 25 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Aug 28 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Aug 31 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Sept 1 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Sept 4 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Sept 8 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Sept 11 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Sept 15 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Sept 18 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Sept 22 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Sept 25 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Sept 29 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Oct 2 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Oct 6 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Oct 9 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Oct 13 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Oct 16 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Oct 20 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Oct 23 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Oct 30 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Nov 3 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Nov 10 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Nov 17 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Dec 8 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Dec 11 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Dec 15 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Dec 18 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Dec 22 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Dec 25 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Dec 29 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Dec 30 | Classic | $4,233 | Available |
Availability 2024 - 2025
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