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Per PersonThe Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route offers a variety of habitats, stunning landscapes, and a gradual acclimatization profile, making it a favorite among trekkers.
Included and Excluded
- Accommodation on mountain.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunches & Dinner
- Professional mountain guides for trekking.
- Porters to carry equipment and supplies
- Cook Staff to prepare meals during the trek.
- Kilimanjaro Park Fees
- Environmental and Conservation Fees
- Airport Transfers
- Tents and cooking equipments
- Safety Equipment
- Rescue Services
- Medical Support
- Achievement Certificate: Upon reaching Uhuru Peak.
- International Flights: Airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Visa Fees: Tanzanian visa on arrival (if applicable).
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance, including coverage for high-altitude trekking.
- Tipping: Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
- Personal Equipment: Clothing, hiking boots, and other personal trekking gear. Sleeping bag (can be rented).
- Meals in Arusha|Moshi: Lunch and dinner before and after the trek in Moshi | Arusha (unless included in the hotel stay).
- Optional Tours: Any additional activities or tours before or after the trek, such as safaris or Zanzibar trips.
Key Features
- Scenic Beauty: Known as the "Whiskey Route," Machame is considered one of the most beautiful routes on Kilimanjaro, offering a variety of landscapes from rainforest to moorland, and alpine desert to the summit.
- Challenging Yet Rewarding: The route is more challenging than the Marangu Route but provides better acclimatization due to the "climb high, sleep low" approach, increasing summit success rates.
- Diverse Flora and Fauna: You'll trek through diverse habitats, each with unique vegetation and wildlife, providing rich biodiversity throughout the journey.
Itinerary
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha / Moshi. Relax and prepare for the trek with a pre-trek briefing from your guide. The guide will also check your equipment to ensure you are ready for the climb.
- Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Arusha / Moshi.
After breakfast, you'll depart from Arusha to Machame Gate, where you’ll complete the registration formalities. The trek begins in the lush rainforest, with chances to spot blue monkeys and other wildlife. As you gain elevation, the forest thins out, giving way to heathland. You'll arrive at Machame Camp in the late afternoon.
- Elevation: 1,800m to 3,000m (5,905ft to 9,843ft)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Overnight: Machame Camp.
The day begins with a steep ascent through the moorland zone, offering spectacular views of Mount Meru in the distance. You’ll traverse a rocky ridge and cross several streams before reaching Shira Camp on the Shira Plateau. The plateau offers stunning panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscape.
- Elevation: 3,000m to 3,850m (9,843ft to 12,600ft)
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
- Habitat: Moorland
- Overnight: Shira Camp.
Today’s hike is long and challenging, but crucial for acclimatization. You’ll trek through the alpine desert, passing the Lava Tower at 4,600m (15,090ft) where you’ll stop for lunch and acclimatization. Afterward, you’ll descend into the Barranco Valley to Barranco Camp, surrounded by towering cliffs and stunning views.
- Elevation: 3,850m/12,600ft to 4,600m/15,090ft to 3,900m/12,800ft
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 10km/6 miles
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Overnight: Barranco Camp.
Start the day by tackling the Barranco Wall, a steep climb that requires some scrambling but offers breathtaking views from the top. Continue through the Karanga Valley, where you’ll take a short but important hike to Karanga Camp. This day is shorter to aid with acclimatization.
- Elevation: 3,900m/12,800ft to 3,995m/13,106ft
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 5km/3 miles
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Karanga Camp
After a hearty breakfast, the trail continues through the alpine desert to Barafu Camp. Upon arrival, you’ll rest and prepare for the summit attempt, which begins around midnight. Dinner will be served early to give you enough time to sleep before the final ascent.
- Elevation: 3,995m/13,106ft to 4,673m/15,331ft
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 4km/2 miles
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp
You'll start the summit attempt at midnight, ascending through the steep, scree-filled slopes of Kibo. After 6-8 hours, you’ll reach Stella Point, and from there, it’s a gentle slope to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After capturing the moment at the summit, you’ll begin the descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your last night on the mountain.
- Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m to 3,100m (15,331ft to 19,341ft to 10,171ft)
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours (summit day)
- Distance: 5 km ascent, 12 km descent (7.5 miles total)
- Habitat: Arctic to rainforest
- Overnight: Mweka Camp.
After breakfast, it’s a gentle descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll complete park formalities and receive your certificate of achievement. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Arusha / Moshi.
- Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m (10,171ft to 5,381ft)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Arusha / Moshi (optional).
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your departure, or you can continue your adventure with a safari or a trip to Zanzibar.
Mt. Kilimanjaro Frequently Asked & Question
Marangu Route: Known as the "Coca-Cola" route, it offers hut accommodations and is the only route with this feature. It's relatively easy but has a lower success rate due to the shorter acclimatization period.
Machame Route: Also called the "Whiskey" route, it is more challenging than Marangu but offers stunning scenery and a higher success rate due to better acclimatization.
Lemosho and Shira Routes: These routes are scenic, less crowded, and offer good acclimatization. They merge with the Machame Route before the summit.
Rongai Route: Approaches Kilimanjaro from the north and is less crowded. It's a good option during the rainy season.
Umbwe Route: The most challenging and steepest route, recommended only for experienced trekkers.
Dry Seasons: The best times to climb are during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. During these periods, the weather is more predictable, and the trails are less muddy.
Wet Seasons: April, May, and November are rainy seasons, making the trek more challenging and less enjoyable due to wet and slippery conditions.
Altitude Sickness: Also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), it occurs when your body cannot adjust quickly enough to the reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes.
Prevention:
- Ascend slowly to allow your body to acclimatize.
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol.
- Eat a balanced diet, rich in carbohydrates.
- Consider taking medication like Diamox (consult your doctor first).
- Listen to your guide and don’t ignore any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Physical Fitness: While you don’t need to be an athlete, a reasonable level of fitness is required. Cardiovascular training, strength conditioning, and stamina-building exercises are recommended.
Mental Preparation: Climbing Kilimanjaro is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. A positive mindset, determination, and mental resilience are crucial.
Clothing:
- Layered clothing for varying temperatures.
Thermal base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket and pants.
- Warm hat, gloves, and socks.
- Footwear: Broken-in, waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support.
Gear:
- Daypack for personal items, with a waterproof cover.
- Sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures.
- Trekking poles, headlamp, and sunglasses.
Other Essentials:
- High SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
- Refillable water bottles or hydration system.
- First aid kit, including blister treatment and altitude sickness medication.
Summit Night: The final ascent to Uhuru Peak is the most challenging part of the trek. It involves trekking in the dark, cold temperatures (as low as -20°C/-4°F), and steep terrain.
Timing: You will start around midnight to reach the summit by sunrise. The climb can take 6-8 hours up and 4-7 hours down.
Preparation: Stay hydrated, go slowly, and keep warm. Your guide will set the pace.
Success Rates: Success rates vary by route:
- Marangu: 70-75%
- Machame: 85%
- Lemosho/Shira: 90%
- Rongai: 80-85%
Factors: Longer routes with gradual ascents typically have higher success rates due to better acclimatization.
Team Composition: A typical trekking group will include a lead guide, assistant guides, porters, and a cook.
Porters: They carry your main luggage, camping equipment, and supplies. You will carry a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers.
Meals: You’ll be provided with three meals a day. Meals are designed to be high-energy and nutritious, including soups, vegetables, pasta, rice, and fruits.
Water: Treated water will be provided by your guides. It's essential to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Hut Accommodation: Available only on the Marangu Route, which offers dormitory-style huts with bunk beds.
Camping: On other routes, you will sleep in tents, set up and taken down by the porters.
Guides: Professional guides are trained in first aid and are familiar with the signs of altitude sickness.
Medical Kits: Your team will carry a first aid kit and an oxygen cylinder for emergencies.
Rescue Services: In severe cases, you can be evacuated by stretcher or vehicle. Helicopter evacuation is also available in extreme emergencies.
Tipping: Tipping is customary and expected as a sign of appreciation for your guides, porters, and cook.
Travel Insurance: Yes, comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m) and emergency evacuation is essential. Ensure it includes trip cancellation, medical expenses, and lost baggage coverage.
Guided Treks: Climbing Kilimanjaro without a registered guide is not allowed. Park authorities mandate that all trekkers be accompanied by licensed guides.
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