The second most popular option among the climbers, Machame route, also known as “the Whiskey Route”, offers a wide variety of views, landscapes and experiences. The starting point of the route, Machame Gate, is only a 20-minute drive from Aishi Machame Hotel. Located on the southern slope of Mt Kilimanjaro, Machame Gate will lead you to the top along the exciting footpath which starts at the tropical forest, then runs through all the climate zones and finishes with the Arctic desert in the summit area. All guides have "Wilderness First Responder" and "Wilderness First Aid" certificates, along with over 7 years of experience in climbing. At the end of the tour, you will receive an International certificate for a successful ascent!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Machame: Camps along the trek are favourably located for the smooth and gradual acclimatization transition process. On the 3rd day, Machame Route converges with Lemosho and Umbwe at Barranco camp.
Day 1: ARRIVAL KILIMANJARO AIRPORT – ARUSHA AREA (45km – 1hr)
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our representative, and transferred to the hotel. In the evening, join the briefing with the climb representatives, who will share various information or you upcoming climb and ensure you are ready to embark on your adventure (For the kit list please refer to the ‘What do I need to bring section’). Please note the check-in starts at 02:00 pm.
Overnight in Arusha area.
Day 2: MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP (hiking 11km – 5/6hrs)
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's entrance: Machame Gate (1,800 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Machame Camp (3,010 m). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes but also your raincoats. Change in Elevation: Machame Gate (1,800 m) – Machame Camp (3,010 m). Hiking distance: 11 km. Hiking time: 5–6 hours.
Overnight in Machame Camp.
Day 3: MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP (5km – 4/5hrs) / LAVA TOWER – SHIRA CAMP (acclimatization hike 2km – 1/2hrs)
After breakfast, you will start trekking up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp (3,845 m). On this day you will emerge from the rainforest and for the first time be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau laid out in front of you. Physically speaking, the trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude, so pay attention to your body and remember that choosing the proper pace is extremely important for good trekking. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and some rest, after which the group will go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp with a 300-meter gain in altitude. Back down at Shira Camp, you will be served a hot dinner. Hiking from Machame Camp to Shira Camp: Change in Elevation: Machame Camp (3,010 m) — Shira Camp (3,845 m). Hiking distance: 5 km. Hiking time: 4–5 hours. Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m) — Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,120 m). Hiking distance: 2 km. Hiking time: 1–2 hours.
Overnight in Shira Camp.
Day 4: SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – DESCENT BARRANCO CAMP (11km – 6/8hrs)
After breakfast, you will leave Shira Camp (3,845 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be. Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! Next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail. Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m) — Lava Tower (4,630 m) — Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Hiking distance: 11 km. Hiking time: 6–8 hours. Alternatively, you can choose to add an extra acclimatization night (upon an additional cost):
Extra Acclimatization Night (Between Day 4 & Day 5): (Please note that if you select this option, the services will be moved one day ahead). Early wake-up, breakfast and you start conquering the Barranco Wall. We recommend you to start as early as possible to outstrip other groups. Ascending the wall of the gorge is not a complexity at all. It takes only about one hour. After this accomplishment, you will have an opportunity to rest and take some photos, having Kibo volcano as a spectacular background. Then relatively complex trekking awaits you. The rest of the way to Karanga is full of highs and lows, but, no worries, our guide will choose the most optimal trekking speed for you. After you reach the camp, a warm lunch will be offered. After a couple of hours, you will have an additional acclimatization hike up to 300 m towards Barafu and go back to the camp. The ascent from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp: Elevations: Barranco Camp (3970 m) – Karanga Camp (3995 m).Trekking distance: 5 km. Duration of trekking: 4-5 hours. Acclimatization hike: Elevations: Karanga Camp (3995 m) – Setpoint (4270 m).Trekking distance: 2,5 km. The ascent from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp: Elevations: Karanga Camp (3995 m) – Barafu Camp (4673m).Trekking distance: 6 km. Duration of trekking: 4-5 hours. Acclimatization hike: Elevations: Barafu Camp (4673 m) – Kosovo set point (4800 m). Trekking distance: 2 km. Duration of trekking: 1-2 hours.
Overnight in Barranco Camp.
Day 5: BARRANCO CAMP – BARAFU CAMP (hiking 11km – 8/10hrs)
Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano. Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours, you will have to complete ascend to Barafu Camp (4,640 m) where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting. Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) — Barafu Camp (4,640 m). Hiking distance: 11 km. Hiking time: 8–10 hours.
Overnight in Barafu Camp.
Day 6: ASCENT UHURU PEAK – DESCENT MILLENNIUM CAMP (hiking 15km – 8/12hrs)
Departure from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m). Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Millennium Camp (3,820 m). Hiking distance: 15 km. Hiking time: 8–12 hours.
Overnight in Millenium Camp.
Day 7: DESCENT MILLENNIUM CAMP – MWEKA GATE (hiking 12km – 4/5hrs) – ARUSHA AREA
The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,650 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel. Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) – Mweka Gate (1,650 m). Hiking distance: 12 km. Hiking time: 4–5 hours.
Overnight in Arusha area.
Day 8: ARUSHA AREA – DEPARTURE KILIMANJARO (45km – 1hr)
Indulge in a tasty breakfast and then transfer to the airport. Please note that the hotel check-out is at 11:00 am. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee (available as an optional extra).
Passengers arriving in Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Travellers’ cheques are generally not accepted in East Africa. US banknotes cannot be older than 2004 and must have the latest security markings (large portrait of the president).
KIT LIST:
- Small backpack (20–40 litres) for your daily necessities
- Large duffel bag for your belongings, which will be carried by a porter (80–120 litres)
- Sleeping bag (designed for up to −15°C)
- Rain poncho, a water-proof covering for your backpack
- Hiking boots with a water-repellent layer and good protector
- Gym shoes for the first days of the climb and to change at the camp
- Hiking pants for the first days of the climb (2 pairs)
- Waterproof pants
- Warm ski pants (designed for −15°C)
- T-shirts, long sleeve shirts (4–5 pieces)
- Soft-shell or fleece jacket
- Windproof jacket
- Insulated jacket for −15°C is an absolute necessity for the final ascent to the summit
- Thermal underwear for active sports (preferably 2 pairs)
- Light trekking gloves
- Mittens/gloves designed for −15°C for the final ascent to the summit
- Hiking socks (4–5 pairs)
- Gaiters for protection against dust/snow
- Cap/Panama hat/hat to protect your face and neck against the equatorial sun
- Fleece hat
- Balaclava for wind protection during the final summit ascent
- Alpine sunglasses or googles
- Headlamp + extra batteries
- Trekking poles
- Water flasks (2 litres in total); the flask may be substituted by a water bladder installed in your backpack
- SPF 40-50+ sunblock
- Lip balm
- Towel, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush
- Personal medication in case of a chronic disease
- Snacks and energy bars, chocolate and nuts
