7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route
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Overview
The Machame Route, often referred to as the Whisky Route, is one of the most scenic and highly recommended paths for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This popular trail winds through lush forests, gradually ascending to a ridge that leads through the breathtaking moorland zones before reaching the Shira Plateau. The route then traverses beneath the striking, glaciated cliffs of the Southern Ice Fields, eventually merging with the Barafu Route for the final ascent to the summit. Thanks to its longer duration and gradual incline, the Machame Route boasts a higher success rate compared to other routes.
Tour Features for Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trekking:
Scenic Experience: The Machame Route offers a visually stunning journey, passing through lush forests, moorlands, and the dramatic Southern Ice Fields, providing some of the best views on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Private Tour: This trek is arranged exclusively for you, allowing flexibility in pacing and custom experiences while climbing through different climate zones up to the summit.
Flexible Start Dates: The trek is available to begin on any day, depending on availability, giving you flexibility to plan around your schedule.
Customizable Itinerary: Small adjustments to the itinerary can be made, such as adding extra acclimatization days or extending time on the Shira Plateau, to ensure the best experience for you.
Group Requirement: While it’s a private trek, it can accommodate groups or individual travelers who wish for an exclusive climb, enhancing the overall experience with personalized attention.
Age Restriction: The minimum age for the Machame Route trek is 10 years old, ensuring both safety and enjoyment for climbers of different ages.
Tour Plan
Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your lodge in Arusha, followed by a scenic drive to the Machame Gate at Kilimanjaro National Park. After completing the necessary registration formalities, the adventure officially begins.
The trek kicks off with a gradual ascent through the enchanting rainforest, where towering ancient trees, lush ferns, and unique flora such as the Impatiens Kilimanjaro create a magical atmosphere. Keep an eye out for the playful black and white colobus monkeys swinging through the branches.
After several hours of trekking, you will arrive at Machame Camp, your resting point for the night. Here, you can unwind, stretch, and enjoy a warm, nourishing meal before settling into your tent, ready for the next day's adventure.
Today’s early start is not due to a long stretch, but rather to allow you to reach Shira Camp at around mid-afternoon. As you walk you will notice the dramatic change in the landscape – from lush and green rainforest to dry moor and heathland. Arriving at your campsite a beautiful view of the mountain range opens up before you. The glaciers of Kibo glistens in the golden hue of the setting sun as you enjoy another lovingly cooked meal before climbing into your tent.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Acclimatization is on today’s menu. You will climb roughly 800 m but sleep on a level not much higher than the previous night. Starting at Shira Plateau, you will make your way up to Lava Tower. Here you will rest a while, before continuing through the Barranco Valley to the beautiful Barranco Camp. The trek will take approximately 6 to 7 hours, but the various distractions of the alpine desert, as well as the Barranco Valley with its small lobelia plants and giant senecios, will keep your mind off the stretch still ahead. A well-deserved dinner and overnight await you at Barranco Camp.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today the Barranco Wall stands before you to conquer. Some stages will require you to use your hands for a better grip, but no actual climbing is necessary. Your guide will be with you every step of the way to lend a helping hand. The route with its numerous ascents and descents allow for further acclimatization and leads you to the mountain ridge. Walking along the ridge you can take in the beautiful landscape with its stunning contrasts of desert and vegetation, before finally reaching the cloudy Karanga Camp. Your trek will take between 3 to 4 hours, leaving more than enough time to rest and play a game of rummy. Evening meal and overnight at Karanga Camp.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Awakening to the sunlight dancing off the Kibo Summit, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out to today’s destination – Barafu Camp. Most of the day will be spent walking through very dry desertic terrain, with Kibo ever-present on your left side. After 3 to 4 hours you will reach Barafu Camp, where you will have an early dinner and night as the highlight of your trip is only a few short hours away…
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At around midnight you will be woken up by your guide with a warm cup of tea and biscuits to get you ready for your final ascent. The moon and your headlamps will be your only source of light as you make your way up to Stella Point (5,730m), reaching the crater rim in about 5 to 7 hours. Another 1 to 2 hours will take you to Uhuru Peak, where you can enjoy the sun rising over the African landscape, casting a pink hue over the snowy peak and making the glaciers sparkle like diamonds around you. 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.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A scrumptious breakfast is followed by a traditional farewell ceremony from your mountain crew, before you start your final stretch down the mountain. You will once more trek through the rainforest, giving you another opportunity to spot the cheeky colobus monkeys, finally reaching the Mweka Gate. You will be met at the gate and taken back to the Meru View Lodge for a long shower and relaxed day by the pool.
Breakfast, Dinner
Included/Exclude
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Overnight stays in hotels and mountain tents
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)
- Meals according to the itinerary & clean drinking water
- All national park fees
- All mentioned transfer
- Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
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