Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Machame Route
Safari Overview
Machame Route or the “whiskey route” is one of the most popular routes due to its picturesque views and varied landscapes. However, climbing through Machame Route is a bit difficult as compared to Marangu route. Even though the walk on the Machame route is steeper and longer, still the success rate is higher than the Marangu route. Machame Route is not technically difficult, but the climb is more exhausting as it has many ups and downs crossing a chain of valleys and ridges. Therefore, the route is best suited for people with some hiking or trekking experiences and for those who love adventures. For first-timers the climbers, the route can be tiring. Machame Route starts from the south, heading towards the east, navigating beneath the southern ice fields ahead of summiting. Usually, the minimum days to summit Kilimanjaro through this route is six, but seven days is recommended.
Trekking
Safari Itinerary
After breakfast you will be picked up at the lodge and taken to the entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. While your guide is busy with the registration forms, you can watch the mountain team prepare for the climb and once this is all done, your Kilimanjaro adventure will begin. In no time you will be deep within the magnificent mountain rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana, lichen and moss that carpets the ground and drapes from the trees. You will hear and with a little luck, even spot the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops. After 5 to 6 hours, you will reach today’s destination – the Machame Camp which is situated just above the tree line. Here, at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro, you will have your first dinner followed by an overnight stay in tents.
After an early morning start, the path steepens. The landscape changes into heath and moorland and the open landscape allows you to see the impressive mountain range. Today’s stage is shorter than the previous day and you will arrive at the New Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. The camp has a breath-taking view of the mountain and during sunset, the evening sun lights the rock face and glacier of Kibo.
Today you will climb about 800 m but you will be camping at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatise as a height of over 4,500 m will be reached over the next two days. The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower. The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to an afro-alpine desert. The route passes through the sweeping Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours, you will arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain – the Barranco Camp.
Today’s stretch starts with the climb of the Barranco Wall. Safety is paramount and your guides will assist you wherever necessary. Following the ridge as it traverses up and down, you can enjoy the splendid views of the south glacier of Kibo. In the Karanga Valley you will have lunch, followed by a 2 to 3 hours climb to Barafu Camp. Once at the camp, you can relax, have dinner and call it an early night.
After a cup of hot tea and a light snack, the climb begins at around midnight. By torchlight, you will climb the screes of Kibo. After 5 to 7 hours of ascending in the dark you will arrive at Stella Point (5,730 m), the crater rim of Mt Kilimanjaro. Another 1 to 2 hours climb along the crater ridge will lead you to Uhuru Peak. Here you will see Kilimanjaro in all its glory, enjoying the 360° view over the landscape below as the sun rises. You are now standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The simple descent runs almost along the same route and shortly before midday you should arrive at Barafu Camp, where the porters and the cook will be waiting for you. After a warm meal and a well-deserved break of approximately 1 to 2 hours, you will be on your way down to Mweka Camp where supper and a well-earned rest await you.
The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back to the Meru View Lodge and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to relax, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement.
Route Map :
What's Included & Excluded
Included
12 items- 1 Pre & Post Trek accommodation
- 2 Professional guides, cooks and porters
- 3 Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- 4 Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- 5 VAT fees and Charges
- 6 Double layered Sleeping Mats
- 7 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- 8 Filtered water throughout the trek
- 9 Portable toilets and toilets tents
- 10 Hot Water For Washing Purpose
- 11 Pick up and drop off at the airport
- 12 Fair wages for the mountain crew
Not Included
6 items- 1 International flights
- 2 Tip to the driver guide and hoteliers
- 3 Insurance fees
- 4 Cost of Tanzania Visa.
- 5 Bank charges
- 6 Personal Expenses
