Machame Route

Name: Machame Route
Brand: Bookatrekking
Price: 1425.00 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (1611 reviews)

Duration: 6 days

Trails: T3 trails

Distance: 10 - 15 km per day

Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

Kilimanjaro

,

Summit Climb

Overview
Itinerary
What's Included
FAQ
Reviews

> Faster version of Bookatrekking.com bestseller

> Same route, skipping the night at Karanga Camp

> Guaranteed departure for every date on the calendar

The Machame Route doesn’t only hold a special place with Bookatrekking.com’s Team Kili. We are not alone because the Machame Route is one of the most frequented climbing routes on Kilimanjaro, with about 35% of all climbers using this route. Often referred to as the "Whiskey Route," in contrast to the “easier” "Coca-Cola Route" (Marangu), it offers a unique blend of features that contribute to its distinct allure. Sierd and Rintsje chose the Machame Route for their 2022 ascent. Check the video below.

The 6-day version of the Machame Route skips a night at Karanga Camp. Like all Bookatrekking.com packages, the 6-day Machame Route includes transfers to and from the airport, guide(s), porters, meals, and essential camping gear. You can find an extensive list of what is included below.

Why choose Bookatrekking.com?
At Bookatrekking.com we care for our staff, we think and act local, and we make sure that everyone makes it home safe. We only make use of certified local guides and porters, we don't do nonsense, we eat well, and we don't like hidden costs. Uhuru is Swahili for Freedom. We like Freedom.

Itinerary

Day

1

Machame Gate (1,790m) – Machame Camp (3,010m)

Duration: 04:40 h

Distance: 10.3 km

Ascent: 1200 m

You will be picked up by your guide and assistant guide. There’s a fair chance that the majority of the team will be joining you in the van. The others will be met at the gate. All the stuff that is carried by the porters needs to be weighed at the gate. To kill time and to get you properly fueled, the cook will already cook up a small meal for you. You won’t be alone here. There are likely a few dozen climbers waiting to start. The guide will ask you to fill out some paperwork and then you’re off.

Soon you will be hiking through the lush rainforest with its large ancient trees, primeval ferns, and endemic flowers, like the Impatiens Kilimanjaro. You might also spot black and white thumbless colobus monkeys peeking through the leaves. Reaching the campsite, you will have time to relax, stretch your legs, and enjoy a hearty meal before snuggling into your tent for the night.

Machame Camp

Info

Day

2

Machame Camp (3,010m) – Shira Camp (3,845m)

Duration: 02:50 h

Distance: 4.75 km

Ascent: 850 m

Descent: 30 m

The cook’s assistant will wake you up and bring you your tea or coffee. He’ll ask you for your bottles, so he can fill them up for you. 15 minutes later there will be a complete breakfast ready for you. Climbing Kilimanjaro is perhaps hard, but the good care and food definitely make it a whole lot easier. Think eggs, pancakes, toast - whatever you want. Vegetarian? No problem. Gluten-Free? Coming right up.

Today you will ascend to Shira Camp. You will notice the dramatic change in the landscape as you get out of the rainforest and find dry moor and heathland. It may not look like it, but Shira Camp is at a whopping 3,845 metres or 12,616 feet. You can take the whole day for your trek, enjoying the views on the way, chatting to fellow climbers, and listening to the interesting stories from your guide(s). The easier you go, the better you will acclimatize.

Every night you can expect a scrumptious meal prepared with the freshest local ingredients. At Bookatrekking.com we’ve even enjoyed freshly caught fish from Lake Victoria. And are you could? Hang out with the porters in their tent when the cook is preparing food for everyone. Good conversations and warmth are guaranteed.

Shira Cave Camp

Info

Day

3

Shira Camp (3,845m) – Lava Tower Hut (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Duration: 05:10 h

Distance: 9.7 km

Ascent: 770 m

Descent: 650 m

Today is a beautiful day. After breakfast and the usual “wishy-washy”, which is the tub of warm water and soap you get given every morning, you head off in the direction of Lava Tower. You might already start feeling the effects of thinner air. It can for example fool with your maths skills. Try to do some subtractions and multiplications. It’s good fun.

Ascending will go a bit more gradual from here onwards. The views will blow your mind as the landscape is slowly but surely changing. Other routes, like the Lemosho Route and the Northern Circuit, will join you on this stretch. This day is not only beautiful, it’s also a crucial day for acclimatization. Lava Tower at 4,640 metres or 15000 feet is the highest point. Here you will have lunch before you will descend to Barranco Camp at 3,960 metres (12,992 ft.), pretty much the same altitude as Shira Camp. Having spent some time in Lava Tower will have helped your body to adapt to higher altitude later this week. In Barranco Camp you will get ready for the Barranco Wall. Get some good rest.

Barranco Camp

Info

Day

4

Barranco Camp (3960 m) – Barafu Camp (4640 m)

Duration: 01:45 h

Distance: 2.91 km

Ascent: 360 m

Descent: 30 m

Today you will climb the Barranco Wall, where you will need a firm grip. Luckily, the guides will be nearby to give you a hand and assist you whenever you need it. We leave Barranco, and at the top of the Barranco wall, wonderful views await us. Then we descend through the Karanga Valley, where we stop for lunch. After a 2-3 hour hike, we arrive at Barafu camp (4640 m). In the camp you will be able to rest, have dinner and go to bed early. You have earned it.

Barafu Camp

Info

Day

5

Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5,895m) (midnight start) descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Duration: 10:50 h

Distance: 16.6 km

Ascent: 1220 m

Descent: 2790 m

Your guide will wake you up in the middle of the night. There will be a light breakfast and a warm beverage ready for you. How do you feel? Chances are, you are not feeling that great. The altitude does funny things but food and water will help you get ready. The moon and your headlamps will be your only source of light as you make your way up to Stella Point, reaching the crater rim in about 5 – 7 hours. From Stella Point, it’s another deceiving 1 to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak. Depending on how you feel, this is not easy. But you’ve made it. You are at the highest point. on one of the Seven Summits. Enjoy the sun rising over Africa.

After capturing this incredible view and achievement on film, you will start your descent along the same route back to Barafu Camp, where your team awaits you with some snacks and refreshments. Rested and relaxed you will make your way to Mweka Camp for your last night on the highest mountain in Africa. A massive day, but it all went so quickly. From camp you look up to Kibo and you start to realize that you were up there that same morning. Incredible. One more wishy washy, one last dinner on the mountain.

And, most likely, the tipping ceremony. This is the moment to thank your guides and porters for their share in successfully summiting Kilimanjaro. There’s no need to give cash now, but it is a good moment to let your guide know how much the staff can expect. Get in touch with our Kilimanjaro expert to learn more about tipping and receive a guideline for fair tipping.

Mweka Camp

Info

Day

6

Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m) to Moshi

Duration: 03:40 h

Distance: 8.7 km

Descent: 1420 m

The more you descend, the better your oxygen intake. The better your oxygen intake, the better your body and mind work. It’s all sinking now. You’ve ascended Kilimanjaro. You will once more trek through the rainforest, giving you another opportunity to spot the cheeky colobus monkeys, finally reaching the Mweka gate in about 2 – 3 hours. In Mweka, after some paperwork, another meal awaits you. You may as well add a Kilimanjaro beer to that. While you’re at it, your guide will present you with your climbing certificate. Well done!

After some good food and a celebration, you will be taken back to your hotel. It’s time to rest those legs. Jump in the pool, eat, drink and sleep.

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Included

Private transport to and from airport to your hotel

Your trekking company is able to pick you up from the airport and bring your to your hotel. A transfer back to the airport is also included in the package.
Transportation to and from the start/end point

The transport from your accommodation to the start point is taken care of. This also applies to the way back.
Four Season Mountain tents

On Mount Kilimanjaro you're staying in our strong and well maintained four season mountain tents. Every time you arrive at your camp the tent has already been set up.
Double Layered Sleeping Mats

Double layered mats provided by your trekking company will put you to sleep in no time.
Hot meals daily while on the mountain

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared during the trek. Your trekking company is bringing their own cook. Don't be surprised when you see an exclusive three course dinner on your plate.
Treated and filtered water

During the trek you won't have a shortage on drinking water.
Hot water for washing

Don't expect an extensive shower, but there will be the possibility to use hot water for a decent wash.
Altitude Sickness & First Aid Kit

The guides carry an altitude sickness kit to monitor your pulse rate, oxygen saturation and heart rate twice a day (very useful for monitoring the symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS) at altitude). Also emergency portable oxygen is carried along. On top of that the guides are qualified Wilderness First Responders.
KINAPA Rescue Fee

The fees for the Kilimanjaro Rescue Team are covered. This is managed by KINAPA, Kilimanjaro National Parks. Interesting fact: Kinapa means “We carry each other” in Swahili.
Park fee, camping fee, VAT and other taxes

The park entry fees, the crater fee, camping fee and value added tax are included in the price.
Fair salary, food, insurance and accommodation for guide and porter(s)

The total amount covers not only your own basics, but also those of your guide and porter. No unpleasant surprises.
Your own team of porters and guides

Per person you generally have a team of 1 guide, 1 cook and 8 porters who will support you in your climb. If you are part of a group of four, you will be able to enjoy 2 guides, 1 cook and 12 porters. Although there will always be enough hands on deck, the exact amount of support staff varies per route.

Excluded

Visa for Tanzania

Visas are required for all visitors, and cost about $50. For most nationalities it is possible to get a visa upon arrival when you arrive at the airport in Tanzania. Check with your local Tanzanian embassy or consulate to see what the requirements are.
Flights to and from Moshi

The total amount is also exclusive of flights to and from Tanzania. To get an idea of which airlines are visiting Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), it is best to have a look at their website.
Personal expenses

All personal expenses such as drinks at the bar, washing and other similar expenses are for your own account.
Travel Insurance Including Repatriation

Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Tanzania.
Tipping

Tips for guides and porters are excluded. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous and read about tipping when you are planning to go trekking in Tanzania.
Portable flush toilet

Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for USD 70 for the entire trek.
Accommodation before and after the trek

Whether you stay in Moshi, Arusha or anywhere else, before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation and meals.