The Machame Route Trekking

Often called the Whiskey Route. This is a scenically beautiful trail, longer and much gentler than Umbwe or Marangu. Our itinerary provides valuable acclimatization by having shorter walking days during the trek.

Day 1 - Kilimanjaro Airport
Arrive in Moshi and check into a comfortable hotel. Kibo Palace Hotel / Impala Hotel

Day 2- Kilimanjaro Climb - to Machame Camp
From Moshi drive to the Machame route, often called the Whiskey Route. From the Machame Park gate is a gentle climb up through the original montane forest, carpeted with unique busy lizzie flowers, begonias and ferns. First camp amongst the giant heather at 3,000m. Ascent of 1,200m and 5 -6 hours walking.

Day 3- Kilimanjaro Climb - Machame Camp to Shira Camp.
Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through fine open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3,840m. Herds of eland up here (& occasional lion!) and there are fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera which can be viewed during a half-hour optional walk in the afternoon. Ascent 840m and 4 - 5 hours walking.

Day 4- Kilimanjaro Climb - Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
From Shira, climb towards the main peak Kibo, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and under the imposing western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for mid-way camp at 3,950m. 6 - 7 hours walking and only 110m total ascent. But having climbed much higher and dropped back down assists acclimatization.

Day 5- Kilimanjaro Climb - Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp
Up the steep Barranco wall with some sections of very easy scrambling and drop down again to the Karanga Valley where you take a break for lunch.
After lunch hike on to Barafu Hut 4600m, having hiked a total of 7 - 8 hours and ascended 650m. You have fantastic views across to Mawenzi peak from the camp after having completed a longer day of hiking which now requires you to adequately relax in preparation of the challenging summit hike early the following morning.

Day 6- Kilimanjaro Climb - Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Camp
We'll trek up through the Karanga Valley, the trail turns steadily uphill, following the lava ridge to the Barafu camp. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed flat area on a ridge, acting as a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight tonight. Barafu camp (15,200 feet, 6-7 hours of walking).

Day 7- Kilimanjaro Climb - Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Just after midnight we start of a challenging trek(12-17 hours of trekking). You begin trekking at 12:30 to 1am, passing between the Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers to the rim at Stella Point. The temperatures range from just below freezing at midnight, to between 10 deg. F (-12 deg. C) to –10 F. (-23 deg. C) just before dawn at the summit. As dawn nears, we'll summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19,340 feet. Uhuru will be the culmination of - and the reward for - 6-7 hours of strenuous hiking. We'll then descend back to Barafu Camp, resting for a while before continuing our descent to Mweka Camp (9,840 feet, 3-4 hours of walking on the descent).

Day 8- Kilimanjaro Climb - Mweka Camp to Park Gate, transfer to Arusha
From Rua campsite it is a 4 - 5 hours descent through the forest to Kidia gate (depending on individual fitness) to collect certificates and meet the vehicle. Return to Moshi for night at Kibo Palace Hotel / Impala Hotel

Season: the best times are January to March and June to December.

For all bookings 5 months and more before Arrival we offer up to 10% discount on all kilimanjaro routes!

MT Kilimanjaro climb Machame Route : Prices are in US$ Include from Arusha /JRO; 2 Nights half board at kibo palace hotel, all meals ; accommodation on climb , Park fees , Porters &; Guides
MT KILIMANJARO CLIMB CLIMB,     kIBO PALACE HOTEL,	DATES FROM	DATES TO	PER PERSON SHARING	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
	Machame Route (8 Days)
	01-Jan-10	31-Dec-10	$1654	$60
	01-Jan-11	31-Dec-11	$1654	$60
			Groups of 4 or more less $150 (2010); $150 (2011) per person
			Single Traveller– Single Supplement + $1790 (2010); $1790 (2011) per serson
	Machame Route (7 Days)
	01-Jan-10	31-Dec-10	$1555	$60
	01-Jan-11	31-Dec-11	$1555	$60
			Groups of 4 or more less $150 (2010); $150 (2011) per person
			Single Traveller : $1695 (2010); $1795 (2011) per person
	Supplement for Namanga-Arusha transfer $165 (2010/11) per vehicle one-way
	Supplement for extra day to acclimatize at Horombo Hut or Shira Camp $165 & MUST be arranged prior to climb.(2010/11)

EQUIPMENT TO BRING ALONG FOR MOUNTAIN CLIMBING: At least 3 pairs of socks, hiking boots, 2 pairs of pants, water proof-raincoat and trouser, woolen hat, sun glasses, hand gloves, big rucksack and day pack, sleeping bag & water bottles.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE: Climbing gear, sleeping bags, items of personal nature, laundry, tips and gratuities, mineral water, drinks & travel insurance.

WHAT IS INCLUDED: Return transfers from Arusha, 2 nights at Kibo palace hotel - one night before and 1 after the climb on half board basis, accommodation during the climb, transfers from the hotel to National Park gate and back, climbing fees (Park Fees), porters (3 per person) and guide/s, cook, all meals, climbing fees, hut fees & rescue fees.

 

TIPPING:
Tipping is an accepted part of life in Tanzania, and you will be expected to tip to reward service. You will be briefed on arrival as to when and how much is appropriate, however, depending on the size of your group you should budget on a personal contribution of around $ 45 to $ 50 for your trek guides, cooks and porters on the trek.

There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro - Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain (Mweka is used only for descent). The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north.

Marangu route of Mount Kilimanjaro is a gradual ascent on well-maintained tracks.Marangu Hiking towards the summit there is a steep zigzag scree path up to Gilman's Point. The Marangu route then flattens out to hike around the crater; Marangu 'the coca cola route' is the most popular route. More details can be found on the Marangu Route page

Machame route of Mount Kilimanjaro is a scenic route with the highest summit success rate because of the up and down nature of the climb - hiking high and sleeping low is good for acclimatization. There is a challenging almost sheer wall to climb - Baranco wall. However, it's easier than it looks. More details are available for Machame Route

Rongai route of Mount Kilimanjaro begins with a rough drive to the eastern slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The road can be difficult in bad weather. Easy and gradual hiking for the beginning of the ascent but hiking days get longer. The route joins Marangu route at Kibo Hut for the summit ascent. The Rongai Route program page has more details

Lemosho route of Mount Kilimanjaro starts with a rough drive through western Kilimanjaro to Londrossi gate. Remote and spectacular with dramatic gorges and views of West Kilimanjaro Climbers join Machame route for the summit ascent after a tough hike on Shire Plateau (weather exposed) - see the Lemosho Route for more information

Umbwe route of Mount Kilimanjaro is a spectacular and little used route with steep gorges, glaciers and panoramic views. The trail gains altitude quickly and involves some tough scrambling. Climbers need a good level of fitness and must be prepared for a steep ascent, which may increase problems with altitude sickness. For more information on Umbwe Route check out the program page

Western Breach and Crater Camp - CLOSED

An alternative route to the summit approaches Uhuru Peak from the west, called the Western Breach. The strenuous Western Breach ascends 2,800 ft (850 m) in about 1.25 miles (2 km), and requires some scrambling (climbing on hands and feet) at certain points. This path is very beautiful but also very challenging due to its rocky, steep slope. The Western Breach was gaining popularity by climbers using the Umbwe, Lemosho, Shira and Machame routes until rockfall claimed the lives of three climbers in January 2006. In response, Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) closed the Western Breach.

The Western Breach re-opened in December 2007. However, the route is still considered by prominent Kilimanjaro operators to be unsafe and to carry an unreasonable degree of risk. Ultimate Kilimanjaro no longer utilizes the Western Breach approach due to safety concerns for clients and staff.