MACHAME ROUTE | 7 DAYS CLIMBING-ITINERARY is known as the “Whiskey” route, begins in the southern base of Kilimanjaro, within its green rainforest. We climb to the Shira Plateau, then traverse the mountain beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Icefield.
According to statistics from Kilimanjaro National Park approximately 35% of all climbers on the mountain use it.
Duration: 6 nights /7 days Climb
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN TANZANIA.Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Outstanding Tanzania Safari will use a private vehicle from the Airport to Arusha Safari Lodge. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: Bed, dinner, and Breakfast-included.
DAY 2: MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME HUT A short drive brings us to the Machame trailhead (~5,380’). After the climbers and crew have checked in with the park rangers, we will hike up through the montane forests, winding up the mossy jungle, making our way to Machame Hut camp.Hiking: 5-7 hoursOvernight Altitude: ~9,350′
DAY 3: MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily through rocky hills with wide views of the Shira Plateau (11,000 ft). From our camp near Shira Hut (12,600 ft), we take in the unforgettable views of Mt. Meru as she floats among the clouds.
Hiking: 4-6 hoursOvernight Altitude: ~12,500′
DAY 4: SHIRA CAMP TO BARRANCO VALLEY Today is a long day but lots of acclimatization as you climb high, sleep low. We will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (~15,190’) for lunch, before descending to the Barranco valley. For those who have energy, and if time and weather permit, there’s the possibility to scramble up the Lava Tower itself. The scenery is amazing today, passing through different zones of the mountain.Hiking: 6-8 hoursOvernight Altitude: ~13,044′
DAY 5: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP Today you’ll continue to acclimatize and let your body adjust to these higher altitudes, in preparation for your upcoming summit push. Climb the steep Barranco Wall and then go up and down several ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga camp. There will likely be time for an acclimatization hike in the afternoon.Hiking: 4-5 hoursOvernight Altitude: ~13,106′
DAY 6: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP Today you’ll continue your circuit and arrive at your final camp before the summit (Barafu camp). Some ups and downs along ridges and valleys along the way. You’ll have an early supper, sleep for a few hours, and then arise at about 11:00 PM to start tomorrow’s summit ascent.Hiking: 3-4 hoursOvernight Altitude: ~15,331′
DAY 7: BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA CAMP Start hiking at around midnight, using your headlamps to lead the way slowly up to Stella Point and then the summit. Due to the altitude, you will hike slowly, and will need to dress warmly for the cold. After celebrating with photos at the summit, descend down to Mweka camp.Hiking: 6-7 hours ascent to the summit, then 6-9 hours of descentSummit: ~19,341′Overnight Altitude: ~10,500′
DAY 8: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE TO ARUSHA A sustained descent on a well-constructed path takes us through a lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Mweka (5,400 ft); and on through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village, where we are transferred to our lodging in Arusha.[4-6 hours of walking]Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: Bed, dinner, and Breakfast-included.
DAY 9 DEPARTING DAY:After saying bye to our team of guides, then you need a private departure transfer, which is included from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight unless you have an option to have a short safari or any other option we will discuss.
MACHAME ROUTE | 7 DAYS CLIMBING-ITINERARY INCLUDE:• Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees• Return transfers Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha and Arusha to Kilimanjaro airport• Hotel Lodging the night before and the night after the climb, with dinner and breakfast included (double occupancy)• With bed dinner and breakfast• Transfer from your hotel to starting point for your climb and return to your hotel after your climb• Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food• All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits.• Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)• Emergency Oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid)• Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)• Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook• Salaries for the mountain crew as per guidelines set by the Kilimanjaro National Park• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain• Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables & sleeping mattress• Water for washing up daily• Porter to carry your duffel bag (max weight 15kg / 32 lbs) from one camp to the next camp.• Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt• A comprehensive Climbing Kilimanjaro travel info pack• Flying Doctor Service.
MACHAME ROUTE | 7 DAYS CLIMBING-ITINERARY EXCLUDED:• Flights and airport taxes• Items of a personal nature• Compulsory tips for guides, porters and cook (average tip is anything from US $230 to US $ 300 per hiker – depending on the number of days / how many hikers in the group and route chosen)• South African passport holders do NOT require a visa for Tanzania, however, most other nationalities require a visa for Tanzania• Health requirements (Yellow Fever compulsory if travelling to Tanzania recommended)• Highly recommended travel and medical insurance.• Personal hiking/trekking gear – we can rent some of the gear from our equipment store in Tanzania• Optional, but highly recommended Portable toilet• Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets• Meals & drinks not specified and snacks• Tips and any items of personal nature.