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Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7 Days
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7 Days
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Price
$2000.00
Trip Overview
Itinerary
FAQs
Other Tour Details
FAQs
Trip Overview
Overview
The Machame Route (also known as the “Whiskey Route”) is a very scenic hiking route. It leads hikers through the mountain rainforest up to the Barranco Wall. The altitude profile of Machame Route 7 days is ideal for acclimatization, allowing climbers to hike to higher altitudes during the day than they’ll be sleeping overnight.
The Machame Route can be completed in 6 or 7 days. We mostly recommend the 7 days Machame Route Itinerary over the 6 days Machame Route Itinerary to allow more time to acclimatize to the high altitude. While even longer routes might further improve your acclimatization to the high altitude, and thereby your summit success chance, the route has the best altitude acclimatization profile of all 7 days’ routes.
Tour Highlights
- Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Lemosho Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Maps)
- Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
- Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
- Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
- Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
- Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet traveler’s needs
- Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
- Trip Availability: All year round.
Cost Includes/Excludes
- Two way private airport transfers
- All park fees collected by the National Park
- Hotel ccommodations one night before and one night after the expedition
- Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
- All meals on the hike
- All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
- Complete Expedition medical kits
- Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
- Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
- Government taxes
- Crew salaries
- Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
- Purified water while on the mountain
- Portable tented private flush toilet
- Personal Climbing gears
- Tanzania Visa on arrival
- Mountaineering Insurance
- Tips and Gratuities
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Tanzania
On your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport a member of our staff will be at holding a We wild Travel placard. You will then be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame Camp (2980m)
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Moshi and driven to Machame Village. In the village, you can buy mineral water and will receive a packed lunch. From the village, depending on the road conditions, you will either continue to drive from the village to the Machame gate, but if not, the muddy 3 km walk will take about 1 hour to complete. After registering at the gate office, you start your ascent and enter the rainforest almost immediately. There is a strong possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy, and slippery experience. You will have a welcome lunch stop about halfway and will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon.
Your porters (arriving at the campsite long before you) will have erected your tent on your arrival. In the evening the porters will boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare dinner before you retire to your tent for the night. Night temperatures can already drop to freezing point at this campsite.
Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 18 kilometers
Habitat: Montane forest
Day 3 Machame Camp (2980m) – Shira Camp (3840m)
After an early morning breakfast, you will start you ascent leaving the rain forest and entering the heathland moorland vegetation. You will cross many streams and walk over a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau that leads to Shira Camp (3840m). At this campsite, you will be next to a stream and have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and its glaciers in the East. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 9 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland
Day 4 (at 3840m) – Lava Tower (at 4630m) – Barranco camp (at 3950m)
Following an early morning breakfast, you will leave the moorland environment and enter the semi desert and rocky landscape. After 5 hours of walking east, you will be come face to face with the Lava Tower (4630m). Packed lunches are served at the Tower and hikers have the option of climbing the massive Lava Tower weather permitting. At this point of the hike, it is normal for hikers to start feeling the effects from the altitude including headaches and shortness of breath.
After lunch, you will descend from Lava Tower (4630m) to the Barranco Campsite (3950m). The 6800m descent gives hikers a huge advantage to allow their bodies to adjust to the conditions of high altitude. The descent to camp takes around 2 hours to reach. It is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall (“Breakfast Wall”). Drinking and washing water and dinner will be served as hikers view the sunsetting.
Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 5 Barranco Camp (3950m) – Karanga Camp (3950m)
After an early morning breakfast, it is now time to conquer the Great Barranco Wall! Although it may look intimating at first glance, hikers state that this Class 2 hike is usually much easier than they anticipated. At the top of the Wall, you will have a view of Heim Glacier and will be above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley. This is an ideal hiking day for acclimatization.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 6 Karanga Camp (3959m) – Barafu Hut (4600m)
Following breakfast, you will leave Karanga Camp (3959m). The trail intersects with the Mweka Route, which is the trail used to descend on the final two days. As you continue hiking for an hour, you will reach Barafu Hut. This is the last water stop for the porters because there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp (4550m). The word “barafu” in Swahili means “ice” and this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge. Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks so it is important for hikers to familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!
Hiking time: 2-3 hours
Distance: Approximately 4 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 7 Summit Attempt – Barafu camp (4600m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)
Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest and you will ascend over stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. In about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685m), located on the crater rim. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours.
At camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rainforest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is located in the upper rainforest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp.
Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka
Distance: Approximately 7-kilometer ascent and 23-kilometer descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 8 Mweka camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers). After receiving the certificates, you will drive back to your hotel in Moshi.
Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Forest
Day 9 Depart Tanzania
Depart Tanzania or continue your dream with amazing safari extensions.
For trekkers not continuing with a safari, we provide transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport or bus station for your onward journey.
FAQs
Other Tour Details
FAQs
Tanzania FAQ’s
A compiled a list of the Tanzania Most frequently asked questions in general.
We have put together this in a short section to show you what it’s really like traveling to Tanzania.
Payment
We don’t add any extra charges to the listed booking price.
Check the section about what your program fees include. Depending on your chosen program, you can book add-ons.
Generally, your program fees don’t cover visa costs and personal expenses at your destination. We will inform you of any additional costs during your application.
We accept credit cards, but if you want to pay by cash instead, you should use US Dollars . Please note that US Dollar Bills should be not be older than 2009, as these will not be valid. For credit cards, you should bring either MASTERCARD or VISA.
Getting to Tanzania is not that cheap. But the once in a lifetime experience is worth every penny. Costs (usually quoted in USD) will depend on the tour operator and what you need. High end luxuries will cost more. Costs should include transports to and from the parks, full board, porters, guides, cooks, national park fees and permits. Do not choose the cheapest operator, choose an operator who discloses all costs and who offers value for money.
Book your trip early. Ideally, 6 months in advance and 10-12 months in advance if you want to witness the Wildebeest migration in Serengeti
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian shilling as its currency. You can widely use Mastercard and Visa, and many ATMs dispense local currency throughout the country
Accordion Content
Accordion Content
Reservation
Prices are usually based on room-sharing however if you are looking to have a room to yourself, we can advise you on a single supplement cost.
Prior to booking please let us know what your accommodation preference is so we can ensure we incorporate this into the accommodation options.
Most of the lodges and camps are able to offer laundry services, at extra cost to yourself. In our Comfort style accommodations, please note that all laundry is done by hand, and drying relies on sunlight. Please only ask for laundry services when you are staying more than one night. This ensures that there will be sufficient time for your clothes to dry before you depart the camp.
This is primarily dependent on the type of trip you are looking at. For example Kilimanjaro treks will offer limited options compared to a luxurious stay in Zanzibar.
Tanzania however in general has something for all budgets. Whether you are looking for a budget trip or 5 star luxury it has something for you.
We offer Basic, Comfort, Comfort Plus and Luxury style accommodation options.
We only work with the best available accommodations in each category. Basic style accommodation is on public campsites, with shared bathroom facilities. In the other three categories, accommodations include private bathroom facilities. The rooms in these three categories are spacious, furnished with either twin beds or king-size beds, a dressing table and a wardrobe where you can store your luggage. Lodges and tented camps located within the National Parks use generators for power. Please note that although some accommodations have hot showers available 24 hours per day, others only have hot showers at set times in both morning and evening.
Weather
Tanzania has two rainy seasons, with the so-called ‘long rains’ from the end of March to May and the ‘short rains’ from late October to early November through to mid-December.
The Tanzanian dry season usually starts at the start of June and continues through until the end of October. After that, the ‘short rains’ begin from late October/early November until mid- to end December. There is then a respite from late December to Mid of March, and then the ‘long rains’ start at the end of March and last until May.
Of course, weather seasons can vary every year, so you have to be prepared for anything.
Health and safety
Tanzania is mapped by the World Health Organization as a low risk country because no Yellow fever virus has been isolated in the country. However, the abundance of Yellow fever vector and other favorable ecological conditions pose potential risk for Yellow fever if the virus is introduced into the country. Furthermore, being bordered with Yellow fever endemic countries has also increased the vulnerability of Tanzania being infected with the virus.
In order to conform to IHR, 2005 requirements and safeguard public health security in Tanzania, Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to travellers arriving from Yellow fever endemic countries. This condition also applies to travellers subjected to long flight connection (transit) in Yellow fever endemic country for twelve hours (12hrs) or more.
Yes. With its tropical climate, there inevitably are mosquitos in Tanzania. Visitors should take advice from a medical practitioner well in advance of visiting, as courses of antimalarial drugs usually have to begin before your visit start. You should bring mosquito repellent and wear neutral-coloured/khaki clothes. Some accommodations will provide anti-mosquito measures such as mosquito nets or spray your sleeping quarters with repellent,Ministry of health
You can help to avoid these biting flies by choosing to wear neutral-coloured clothing (khali, beige, green, olive, light brown) as the flies are attracted to bright colours. Most people suffer no adverse reactions to the bites of these flies, but a few suffer from itchiness and swelling.
The tsetse fly are primarily present in woodland areas of Tarangire and in certain parts of Serengeti. They are most active during daylight hours.
Food and drinks
The locally brewed beer is good, including Serengeti, Safari and Kilimanjaro. You can also try mbege (homebrew from the Chagga people) or banana beer for something different! Imported beers are excellent too–the Tusker Kenyan variety being one of our favorites.
Whilst most companies offer water purification, it is recommended to drink bottled water during your stay in Tanzania. Bottles are readily available throughout your stay and are also supplied by Easy Travel for Safari drives.
Tired of eating the same old food all day? Get ready for some spice. In Tanzania, restaurants have a variety that will excite your taste buds and leave you feeling full without being weighed down by heavy calories-or cholesterol! The cuisine in this country is very rich due to its diverse geographic locations which also means there’s something here suited just about anyone who visits it: from foreigners looking for an authentic African experience; backpackers on vacation with their families craving Indian meals cooked over open fires.
Flights, insurance, and entry requirements
All visitors must obtain adequate travel insurance before they depart for Tanzania. Insurance policies must be comprehensive, covering for any reason, medical evacuation, cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and loss of baggage.
Several airlines fly directly into Tanzania, either daily or three times per week. Among those with direct flights are KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Condor Charter Flight and Rwandair which fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. Other airlines such as Emirates, South African Airways, Etihad Air and EgyptAir fly into Dar es Salaam International Airport daily.
Yes. The luggage limit, including hand luggage, is 15kgs. The only exception is where an airline uses ATR aircraft on flights between Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam: on such flights there is a 20kg weight limit.
Tanzania
A visa is required when travelling to Tanzania from the United States and Canada. Currently, this can be obtained at arrival airports and border crossings and is valid for 90 days. A valid passport is mandatory. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Tanzania.
The best time to travel to Tanzania is from June to October when the country is at its driest.
With an immense range of wildlife, beautiful beaches and much more there is something the whole family will love in Tanzania! Beaches, game reserves, and world-class national parks and accommodations all await.
Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania, including the Zanzibar Archipelago. As in much of Africa, public displays of affection, regardless of orientation, are frowned upon and homosexuality is a cultural taboo. LGBTQ travellers who choose to visit Tanzania should exercise discretion and be aware of local sensibilities while in the country.
The official languages of Tanzania are English and Swahili.
The East African mobile operator, Tigo Tanzania has revealed their offering to 10 million subscribers to freely use the instant messaging platform, WhatsApp. The platform is now free in Tanzania. Tigo had in the past introduced zero-rate access to Facebook in Swahili, the ethnic language of Tanzania.
About Nihapa Tours
We are experienced travel consultants, well-versed in the leisure and travel business.
We offer Luxury safari and Beach vacation trips to Tanzania and Zanzibar, Camping safari, and Adventure trips to Serengeti and Kilimanjaro.
At Nihapa Tours, we really care. We care about our visitors, we care about safety, we care about our guides, and all our staff. We care about Tanzania, its wildlife and the environment. And we love what we do, we want to be the very best!
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