6 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE - KILIMANJARO
- Free Cancellation
- No booking or credit card fees
- E-ticket/Mobile voucher
About this activity
- Instant Booking
- Free Cancellation Free cancellation up to 3 day(s) prior departure, after which the tour cancellation policy applies Learn More.
- Duration:8 Day(s)
- Activities
- Mountaineering Tours
- Trekking & Hiking Tours
- Travel StylePremium
- Guiding Type: Live Guide/Instructor
- Guide Language
- English
- Spanish
- German
- French
- Tour Vibe Active
- Recommended For
- Couple
- Family/Kids
- Senior
- Solo
- Women
- Youth
- Destination Country: Africa, Tanzania,
- Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Ilboru Safari Lodge
- Pickup
Kilimanjaro International Airport
From: To:
12:00 AM 11:59 PM - Drop-off
Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha
From: To:
12:00 AM 11:59 PM - Age Range 10 - 90 (Years Old)
Climbing Kilimanjaro in 6 days through Machame Route, the so known as “Whiskey” route which means challenging route. When climbing Kilimanjaro in 6 days, Machame is among the best routes. It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain. All climbers sleep in tents and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. It is done over 6 days, so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience. Descent is down the Mweka trail staying at the Mweka or Millennium camp the final night on the mountain. Below is 6 Days Kilimanjaro climb-Machame route itinerary
ITINERARY
If you have chosen to be picked-up by us from Kilimanjaro International Airport, your driver will be waiting to meet at the airport and take you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha to relax after your flight. Your Kilimanjaro guide will meet you at the hotel for gear check and climb briefing. It is good time to interact and know each other before your hike
Machame Gate to Machame Camp Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft Distance: 11 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest In the morning, we depart from our base hotel at approximately 8:00 AM for the Machame village where you begin the trek. From the park entrance gate (Machame), you will walk for about two to three hours through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers, and other tropical vegetation. A stop for picnic lunch will be made halfway to this evening’s campsite. As you continue your ascent, you will find that the tropical forest has given way to tall grasses and giant heather. You will be walking on a ridge, to the left of which is the Samira stream, and on the right, the Weru Weru. Depending on the pace of the climbers, arrival at Machame Camp is usually between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Your camp is set up near some old metal huts, which were once used for shelter. This initial stage of the climb is tranquil and relatively easy. There is no point in rushing to get to the camp, as there is little to do there. Guides tend to recommend a slow ascent, even at this point, for gradual acclimatization. Do not try to keep up with your porters, who will usually bind ahead. Instead, take time to admire the beauty of the rainforest.
Machame Camp to Shira Camp Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft Distance: 5 km Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Moorland On this and subsequent mornings, wake-up call is at around 6:00 AM. You will be greeted with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, and weather permitting, by a fabulous view of Uhuru peak. Today’s trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock, and bearded heather. You will encounter giant groundsels as you hike through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves, and foamy streams. Lunch will be taken just below the Shira Plateau, about three to four hours from Shira Camp. The hike to the next campsite takes approximately six hours and you should arrive between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Most climbers tend to pace themselves, walking slowly and resting about every half-hour.
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Semi Desert The entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning with sweeping vistas across to Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (15,000 ft), where you stop to have lunch. Crossing the Bastains stream, you will begin to descend towards Barranco Camp. The descent takes you along an immense canyon called Grand Barranco. Along the way, you will see numerous waterfalls, which are fed, by streams coming from the mountain, converging here to form the Umbwe River. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as the night before. Today’s trek lasts for about six hours and arrival at camp is between 4:30PM and 5:30PM.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft Distance: 9km Hiking Time: 8-10 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert This morning you begin your hike to Barafu Camp via Karanga Camp, which is on the same altitude as Barranco Camp. You will encounter a bit of a climb at Barranco Cliff and spend the rest of the trek climbing up and down the slopes of the mountain most of the way to camp. The climbing is not considered difficult and you should arrive in time for lunch (approximately 1:00PM) having trekked for about four hours. In the afternoon you have to hike in the Karanga Valley where giant senecios and lobelia grow; then continue with the scenic climb to Barafu which is mostly on a moraine with a view of Mawenzi peak towering majestically to the right, and overhead, Kibo peak seemingly just out of reach. The alpine desert terrain encountered at this point is mostly a mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Climbers arrive at Barafu Camp at around 3:30PM. Climbers who choose to ascend the peak will go to bed very early this night, as the next day is the longest one.
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft) Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent Habitat: Arctic You will be awakened at midnight and after a light breakfast, start climbing at around 1:00 AM. It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult. Here, very few will not be suffering from altitude sickness in some form or another; and climbers should carry as little as possible on this portion of the climb. Temperatures will range from -4° to 5° Fahrenheit. Making your way up a path that is flanked by the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, you will climb for about six hours before reaching the edge of the crater, between Stella and Hans Meyer points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit. Uhuru stands at 19,340 feet and is the highest point on the continent of Africa. The track around the edge of the crater is rocky and icy. Concentrate on your feet, and follow your guide very closely for this portion of the journey. The descent is not easier than the ascent. You will reach Kibo Hut after about three hours (around 11:30 AM). Climbers will be given the opportunity to rest and have some refreshments before continuing on to Mweka Camp for the night. Arriving into camp at around 5:00PM, you will have trekked a total of thirteen hours today
Mweka Camp to Moshi/Arusha Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest On the final day of the journey, climbers descend from Mweka camp to the base. The descent to the gate will take approximately 4 hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival at the gate climbers will be rewarded with certificates attesting their success at climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and then get transferred back to your base hotel.
Your trip in Tanzania is now over. After a good night rest at your hotel, there will a breakfast ready according to your request while a scheduled check-out in most hotels is 10.00am. (If you wish to remain in the hotel during the day, please advise us of this when you book your trip and we will inform you of the cost for day room which ends at 18:00hrs. If you have booked an airport transfer to the airport, you will be collected from your hotel and dropped off at the Kilimanjaro International Airport if you wish airport transfer arrangement; your airport transfer driver will meet you at the hotel. However, those travelers who have booked with us to go on safari, your Alkebulan Travels guide will be meeting you in the evening for safari briefing.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
| Location | Nights | Type | Property Name | Rating | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arusha | 2 | Lodge | Ilboru Safari Lodge | 3 Star | Shared |
| Mount Kilimanjaro | 5 | Camping | Kilimanjaro campsites | Unrated | Shared |
While traveling in Tanzania, according to your itinerary you will be accommodated at the accommodations specified in your itinerary unless you have advices otherwise whereas in this case;
Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha has been welcoming guests to Tanzania for seventeen years. Annelies van Beest, current owner, manages the lodge with a hand’s on approach that has been a huge success with guests. Annelies brings her sense of style and many years of experience in the Tanzanian hospitality industry to every aspect of the lodge.
Born in Holland, Annelies was a successful international entrepreneur when fate stepped in and she was given the opportunity to assist legendary wildlife documentary cinematographers Anton van Munster and Hugo van Lawick in Serengeti National Park in the early years of this century. This serendipitous encounter changed her life forever; Africa became home and she went on to create a life of safari, adventure, wonder and excitement.
After several ventures including helping build one of the most prestigious lodges in Africa, team member for other successful safari lodges, opening a raw food emporium and creating her own fine line of designer bags, she came to roost along with her two children on the slopes of Mt Meru in Arusha, taking over management of Ilboru Safari Lodge in early 2014.
- Airport Transfer
There will be a ready arranged transport to pick and drop you off the airport
You will have guides and porters throughout your trip. Number of guides depends on the number of climbers. This is due to the mountain climbing policy already in place in Tanzania.
- Halal
- Meat
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
Your full board meals plan will be in accordance to specification discussed between you and the company prior to your climb.
- Private Vehicle
If you are arriving at Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport, then airport transfers to and from those airports are included in your trip if you have confirmed and paid for your transfer, we strongly suggest you to email your flight ticket to your Tour Agent / Tour Consultant so we can arrange your transfers accordingly. Our driver will display your name on an Alkebulan Travels signboard. These procedures ensure that you are picked up by the correct driver, rather than by some of the airport taxi drivers who are looking for business.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
- Flights
- Insurance
- Extra Services
Other Excluded:
- Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours (short or long safari after your climb etc.)
- Tips for guides and porters and any items of personal nature.
- International and domestic flights
- Beverages and alcohol
- Sleeping bags and personal items
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation and meals in Moshi
Covid Safety
(i) All employees should be trained, exercise and adhere to COVID-19 preventive and control measures as advised by MoHCDGEC including; a) Maintaining a distance of at least one (1) meter from one person to another whilst interacting with each other; b) Hand washing with running water and soap or use hand sanitizer; c) Wearing mask as appropriate.
(ii) Contact COVID-19 liaison officer while on duty if having any respiratory symptoms associated with COVID-19. If at home, call emergency short code 199 (free call) for further health care assistance.
For Tourist
(i) Tourists will be checked their temperature at Point of Entry (PoE) before they are allowed to enter the country and other tourist destinations in the country;
(ii) Tourists should adhere to COVID-19 preventive and control measures as advised by MoHCDGEC including; a) Maintaining a distance of at least one (1) meter from one person to another whilst interacting with each other, 6 b) Hand washing with running water and soap or use hand sanitizer, c) Wearing mask as appropriate.
(iii) All travelers are supposed to provide trustworthy information for their destination including phone numbers and hotel for ease follow up.
Availability
- Mar2023
- Apr2023
- May2023
- Jun2023
- Jul2023
- Aug2023
- Sep2023
- Oct2023
- Nov2023
- Dec2023
Tour Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 3 day(s) prior departure, Or traveler will pay 20 % of the tour amount
Tour Date Change Policy
Tour Date can be changed 5 day(s) prior departure
Good To Know
Scheduled trekking:
Kilimanjaro via Machame Route
From: Kilimanjaro International Airport
To: Kilimanjaro International Airport / Arusha
Min. number to guarantee tour: 1
Max number of participants: 10 per group
Single Supplement: 60 USD (hotel only)
FAQs
How big can I expect the group to be and where are the other climbers from?
- Groups can be anywhere between 1 and 10 and climbers come from far and wide.
Is there an age limitation for this climb?
- According to the national park authorities, children under the age of 10 years are only allowed to hike until Shira Camp (3845 m). There are no official restrictions for children above the age of 10 years but because the chances of children succumbing to mountain sickness are a lot higher than they are with adults, we recommend a minimum age of 14-16 years. Please note that children of all ages have to be accompanied by one of their parents at all times. Although there is no maximum age restriction, a medical check-up is advisable for climbers above the age of 60.
Do I have to be extremely fit?
- Africa’s highest peak is one of the only mountains of this magnitude that can be conquered without you being an experienced alpinist. However, it goes without saying that you should be healthy and fit to master the 4-6 hour daily hikes as well as the 12-14 hour hike on the night of the summit. In addition thereto, strong willpower and endurance is required.
What kind of weather is to be expected and when is the best time to travel?
- The warmest time with the least rainfall is between December and February, followed by the main rainy season from March until the beginning of June. Between June and October, temperatures are moderate with almost no rainfall. November is regarded as the small rainy season and daily short rainfalls with cloudy views are common.
- The best time to travel is between the end of June and the middle of October and although it is possible to climb Kilimanjaro in the main rainy season, we strongly discourage anyone from doing so.
What can I expect from the route?
- The Machame Route, commonly known as the “Whiskey Route” is regarded as one of the most beautiful routes, offering hikers breath-taking views of the summit. On the other hand, it is also the route that is most susceptible to unpleasant weather conditions such as rain, clouds and fog. But it is thanks to these weather conditions that the vegetation is so dense and beautiful. Due to all the ascents and descents, the route is also physically more demanding than the Marangu or Rongai Route. Climbers will descend on the Mweka Route.
Where will I sleep?
- You will overnight in two-man mountain tents equipped with sleeping mats. Single travellers often share a tent with another group member of the same gender, but single tents can be requested at extra cost.
What about ablution facilities?
- Apart from very basic long drops (simple latrines), there are no further ablution facilities. Climbers are however provided with a bowl of warm water for their daily wash.
What meals will be provided and what type of food can I expect?
- Meals are included as mentioned in the itinerary.
- For breakfast there will be a choice of fruit, scrambled eggs, porridge, toast, jam, hot chocolate, coffee or tea. Lunch will be provided in form of a lunch box containing sandwiches, boiled eggs, chicken etc.
- For dinner you will enjoy soup and bread followed by meat or poultry along with starch (i.e. chips, mashed potatoes, pasta or rice) as well as vegetables.
- While breakfast and dinner are served in a mess tent equipped with a table and chairs, lunch is enjoyed en-route.
- Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements or food allergies and we will do our outmost to cater for them (only possible with advanced notification).
How do I cope with the altitude?
- Almost everybody climbing Kilimanjaro will be affected by the altitude in some or other way. Top athletes are just as much at risk of suffering from it as are people who are out of shape. Headaches, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea are all signs of possible mountain sickness. Symptoms are mostly mild, enabling you to continue your hike and only in very few instances are symptoms more acute, making an immediate descent unavoidable. Severe altitude sickness is a serious matter and you should bear in mind that it can be life threatening and at worst lead to death. It is also important to replace lost body fluids due to physical activity by drinking enough water. We suggest two to four litres per day along with magnesium to prevent muscle cramps.
What happens in the event of an emergency?
- Mountain rescue services in Tanzania can in no sense be compared to the ones found in the European Alps for example. If you find yourself unable to walk, you will either be carried or transported on a wheeled stretcher. As this is by all means a very unpleasant experience, it is important that you only push yourself as far as your body allows. Helicopters are hardly ever deployed as they can only land at a lower altitude.
- Please also make sure your health insurance covers you while travelling. If you are not adequately covered, we urge you to take out suitable travel insurance assuring all your medical expenses including rescue and repatriation costs are covered.
Should I bring some extra money?
- Yes you should bring some extra money for tips, souvenirs and other personal expenses.
- If you are bringing USD, please make sure the bills have been be printed after 2004 as any earlier printed ones will not be accepted.
What about tipping?
Tips for the mountain crew are common practice. Gratuities are a large portion of the crew’s income and thus highly appreciated. Below are some recommendations from our side (per group, not per person):
Guide: 15-20 USD per day
Assistant Guide: 12-15 USD per day
Cook: 8-10 USD per day
Waiter: 7-9 USD per day
Porter: 6-7 USD per day
What kind of clothes and gear do you recommend?
- There are a few things you should pack for a Kilimanjaro climb and as the list is quite extensive, you will receive a detailed packing list from us once you have confirmed the booking.
- For your convenience we also rent out all essential clothing items and other gear.
What are Tanzania's visa requirements?
- For most travellers it is possible to obtain a visa upon arrival but nevertheless, it is every visitor’s obligation to check the latest visa regulations with their respective embassies.
- Every traveller is responsible to be in the possession of the required travel documents.
What about vaccinations and malaria?
- Officially, no vaccinations are required by the Tanzanian health department. However, Tanzania is a yellow fever region and thus we advise that you get yourself vaccinated for this.
- In general we also recommend that you have all other shots such as Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Hepatitis A & B up to date.
- Malaria is present in Tanzania but there are no mosquitoes at high altitude. It is your own choice if you wish to take any precautionary medication, but we suggest that you consult your doctor or travel clinic in this matter.
Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ By Elius Faustine
A billion dollar experience on top of Africa 7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek I started planning my long-awaited tour to Kilimanjaro by enquiring online and Alkebulan Travels Manager impressed me by providing prompt responses and professional advices as well as reasonable price. My solo tour was accompanied by Mountain guide Charles who has summitted Kilimanjaro More than 200 times with rich experiences. He and his team guided me all the way from rain forest, moorland, alpine desert to the snow capped summit with delicious and high energy food and hot water everyday. On the day of summit, thanks to the perfect guidance and encouragement of Charles, I was the first to reach the summit at 6:21 am on that day, much faster than any other climbing team, which was an unbelievable achievement for myself. Charles and another porter sang Hakuna Matata on top of Africa just for me to celebrate the moment! After summiting, Alkebulan Travels even organized a celebration party for me In Arusha, with all the porters, chef, waiter coming to share a cake of congratulations and the joy with me. Looking back, every detail of my trip was so perfect and I must attribute all my accomplishment during the tour to Impatiens tours, the best travel agency at the foot of Kilimanjaro
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ By Yesaya JacksonThank you Alkebulan Travel for a Safari of a lifetime! With the help of Charles and Daniel, we were able to achieve the most amazing and incredible trip, the most incredible guide Thomas we had, full of wildlife and its surrounding knowledge. From the beginning We had lots of communication through email and our trip was designed specifically to all of our requests. We had accommodation arranged at several lodges according to our itinerary, that surely raised our expectations. The accommodation offered very delicious meal choices that complimented our stay. It was a family trip, we traveled with our 79 year old mother and everyone was very kind to him. We honestly couldn’t have imagined a better experience. We saw the big 5 (and lots of them), and well as all other animals we were hoping to see and more. We were able to add on a hot air balloon ride which was brilliantly followed by champagne breakfast. We are also very happy that we drove from each location to the next, as we were able to see so many different aspects of the country. Some of the drives were long, but they were broken into shorter, more manageable sections with stops or meals. If you’re thinking about a safari, let Alkebulan Travels take care of the planning- you won’t regret it!
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