Taste Of Mount Kilimanjaro- 7 Days Machame Route

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About this activity

  • Instant Booking
  • Free Cancellation Free cancellation up to 61 day(s) prior departure, after which the tour cancellation policy applies Learn More.
  • Duration:7 Day(s)
  • Activities
    • Backpacking
    • Camping and Stargazing
    • Photography
    • Trekking and Hiking
  • Travel StyleBudget
  • Guiding Type: Live Guide/Instructor
  • Guide Language
    • English
  • Tour Vibe Active
  • Recommended For
    • Couple
    • Family/Kids
    • For Art Lovers
    • Senior
    • Solo
    • Women
    • Youth
  • Destination Country: Africa, Tanzania,
    • Machame Camp
    • Shira Camp One
    • Barranco Camp
    • Karanga Camp
    • Barafu Camp
    • Mweka Camp
    • Mweka gate
  • Pickup

    Airport and Hotel

  • Drop-off

    Airport

  • Age Range 12 - 99 (Years Old)
Tour Highlights

Reaching the summit! Experiencing that incomparable, ‘roof of the world’ feeling

A more relaxed pace than other routes, but longer in time and distance. But very challenging!

The Machame Route is approximately 62 km/ 37 miles from gate to gate.

It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience, but plenty of first time trekker use the route as well and do just fine.

It is rated as one of Kilimanjaro's better routes and thus is recommended.

Tour Introduction

The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.  

ITINERARY

Machame Gate to Machame Camp The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp. Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft Distance: 11 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest

We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp. Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Heath

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatisation. Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft Distance: 7 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft Distance: 3 km/2 miles Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization. Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft Distance: 4 km/2 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft Distance: 12 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi. Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Accommodation
Location Nights Type Property Name Rating Occupancy
Moshi 2 Hotel Chanya 3 Private
Moshi 2 Hotel Chanya 3 Shared
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International airport, you’ll be picked up by a member of our team and transferred to the Chanya Lodge for two night’s of rest and relaxation before your climb begins Situated in Moshi, 29 km from Mount Kilimanjaro, Chanya Lodge features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. 6 km from Aleems Grocery and 8 km from Moshi Highway Supermarket, the property provides a garden and a terrace. The accommodation offers room service, a shared lounge and luggage storage for guests. At the hotel, each room comes with a desk and a flat-screen TV. Rooms have a private bathroom, a safety deposit box and free WiFi, while certain rooms come with a patio and some have garden views. At Chanya Lodge, rooms include a seating area.
Pickup & Drop-Off
  • Airport Transfer

We provide airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to your pre-climb hotel in Arusha. You will be met as you come out of Arrivals by a Claris Tours and Travel representative holding a board saying “Claris Tours and Travel” with your name on it as well. Your transfer from Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha will take about an hour. When you arrive at your hotel you can agree the time for your pre-trek briefing that evening, when your guide will carry out a gear check and also review the route with you.

We will also drop you back at Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for you to catch your flight home.

Guide
  • Our guides Licensed by the National Park and are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR)
  • Our guides conduct health checks twice daily using pulse oximeters to measure pulse and oxygen saturation
  • Also carry emergency oxygen cylinder a portable stretcher and a medical kit on all our Mt Kilimanjaro climbs
Meals
  • Halal
  • Kosher
  • Meat
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Our chefs will serve large, healthy meals to keep you happy and well-fed on your Kilimanjaro climb.Our menus are designed to be nutritionally-dense, with plenty of variety to cater to the energy demands of the trek
  • Breakfast is usually porridge followed by sausage and eggs, toast and marmalade or jams and hot drinks such as tea, coffee or chocolate. Climbers are asked to communicate with the guide as regards their appetites or we will tend to err on the side of caution in providing much more food than necessary.
  • Lunch is usually a packed lunch that you will carry in your daypack. It normally consists of a boiled egg, some sandwiches, a chicken portion, fresh fruit and a cold drink. At the end of the day’s walking, afternoon tea is served with biscuits, peanuts and, best of all, salted popcorn and plenty of hot drinks.
  • Dinner begins with soup, followed by a main course including chicken or meat, a vegetable sauce, some cabbage, and rice, pasta or potatoes, with fresh fruit for dessert .
Transport
  • Van

Before booking transportation to Tanzania and ultimately to the starting point of your climb you need to decide if you are just climbing Kilimanjaro, or are you planning to enjoy other adventures in the Northern Circuit. If you are going to Tanzania just climb Kilimanjaro, the best option is to fly directly to Kilimanjaro International. Although after arrival at Airport a Claris Tours and Travel Representative will pick you and drive to the hotel in Moshi.

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Extra Services

Covid Safety

All Claris and Tours and Travel Staffs have got the COVID19 vaccine.Despite the vaccine they also wash hands frequently with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Availability

  • May2024
  • Jun2024

Tour Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 61 day(s) prior departure, Or traveler will pay 20 % of the tour amount

If you’re obligated to cancel or postpone your tour due to a Corona-virus-related travel ban for travel out of your country of residence or into Tanzania, either by the government of your country of residence or by Tanzanian government, we will adapt our cancellation policy. If you wish to postpone your trip to a later date, the conditions written in article 9 of these Terms and Conditions apply as usual. If you’re forced to cancel your trip, we will reimburse you the full price of your booking minus all expenses that have already been made by Claris Tours and Travel at the time of cancellation and that cannot be recovered. We’ll charge a service fee of 100 USD per group to cover costs related to your booking, such as but not limited to salaries and office costs.

Tour Date Change Policy

Tour Date can be changed 30 day(s) prior departure

Good To Know

Claris Tours and Travel offers Machame Route Climb as a seven day group climb or as a six day private climb. The six day variation combines days four and five, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga.

FAQs

What is included in your prices?

Our prices include: hotel accommodations before and after the climb, transportation from the hotel to the trail and back, all park fees, and meals on the mountain. Prices do not include: flights, lunch, dinner or beverages at the hotel, personal gear or tips. Our prices are listed in US Dollars

What is the difference between a group climb and private climb?

With a group climb, you will be in a party of up to 15 climbers who have booked with us separately . Group climbs are scheduled for set dates on set routes. In a private climb, you will be in a party of people you specifically booked with (friends, family, etc.). Private climbs can be scheduled on any date you choose and on any route. There is no maximum number of climbers for a private climb. The service on the mountain is exactly the same.

Do you accept clients from all countries?

Yes. We are based out of the USA and primarily our clients are from the USA. However, a significant number of our clients are from Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. We have led climbers from all over the world, including Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Kenya, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, China, Japan and more.

If I am a single climber, do I have to share a room and tent with someone else on a group climb?

We pair same sex single climbers to share a double room before and after the climb and to share a three person tent during the trek. You can get a single room and single tent for yourself by paying for a single supplement. Single supplements must be arranged at the time of booking.

What is the best way to increase my chance of making it to the top, during the trip?

Avoiding altitude sickness is key. Do this by walking slowly(Polepole). Drink lots of water and eat enough food. Go on all optional acclimatization hikes. Consider taking Diamox.Also prevent other illnesses by disinfecting your hands after every time you use the bathroom and before any meals.

What gear do I need for my climb?

There is a variety of technical clothing and equipment you will need for your climb. A detailed gear list is available 

How much should my day pack weigh?

Try to keep it under 20 lbs. In fact, try to keep all of your belongings to under 40 lbs.

The weight limit is 15 kgs (33 lbs). The sleeping bag is included in the limit. Porters will carry your duffel bag in a waterproof bag.

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is best climbed when the weather is dry. There are two rainy seasons in Tanzania. The long rainy season is from mid-March to early June. The short rainy season is from November to early December. Therefore the best times to climb Kilimanajro are mid-December to early-March, and mid-June to end of October. Read more https://claristoursandtravel.com/service/weather/

If I climb during the dry season, do I need rain gear?

Definitely. It can rain and snow all year round. The base of the mountain is in the rainforest. A quality waterproof jacket and pants is an absolute must.

How cold does it get on the mountain?

In general, expect to sleep in temperatures as low as 20F and to hike in temperatures as low as -20F. It can be even colder. Be prepared.

How do I shower on the mountain?

You don't. You can use wet wipes if you like to towel off. We also provide wash bins with soap for you to wash your hands and face.

What safety measures are taken by the staff?

Our guides are highly experienced to manage altitude sickness, which is the biggest obstacle on the mountain. They are certified Wilderness First Responders. They conduct twice daily health checks to measure your oxygen saturation and pulse. A rescue plan is in place in the event of an emergency. Bottled oxygen, a portable stretcher, and a first aid kit is carried on every climb.

What happens if someone in my group needs to descend? Does the entire party also have to descend?

No. We bring multiple guides on every climb so that when a climber needs to descend, it does not affect the rest of the party.

If I have to descend early, are the additional nights at the hotel covered?

Additional hotel stays are not covered and must be paid in country.

What do I need to enter Tanzania?

You will need a passport that is valid for at least six more months. You will also need a flight card which you will receive on the plane. Finally you need a Tanzanian visa

Can I obtain my visa at the airport?

USA, Canadian, British and most European citizens can obtain their visas upon arrival at Kilimanjaro National Airport. The cost is $100 for USA passport holders and $50 for others. If you are a citizen of a different country, please check with your embassy whether you can obtain a visa upon arrival.

What vaccinations or immunizations do I need?

Nothing is required but many are recommended. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Tanzania when arriving from countries where yellow fever is present.

Where do I fly into?

Our climbs begin and end in Moshi. Moshi is about 25 miles from Kilimanjaro National Airport (JRO). You should fly into Kilimanjaro National Airport and we can arrange for pick up.

Unfortunately, we do not. With so many different safari options, it is difficult to put together groups who want to travel on the same itinerary on the same dates. Therefore we only offer private safaris.

Can I book a safari on the spot?

No, we must make preparations for your safari before your trip begins. All safaris must be pre-booked.

What gear do I need for the safari?

The only additional item you need for the safari is perhaps binoculars. Other than that, the clothing you have for your climb is sufficient.

Reviews

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g317084-d23223851-Reviews-Claris_Tours_and_Travel-Moshi_Kilimanjaro_Region.html

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