The Machame route, also known as the Whisky Route is one of the most scenic and recommended
routes on Kilimanjaro. The Machame route is recommended by us as a 7 day tour. This includes an additional acclimatization day, which significantly increases the success to reach the summit. For experienced and very fit mountain hikers, the 6 day tour is also suitable. The fourth day of the shortened tour walks directly from the Barranco Camp to the Barafu Camp, as the intermediate stage over the Karanga Camp is omitted.
For those who only have six days to climb Kilimanjaro, the Machame route is the best choice because of its acclimatization profile. Compared to other six day routes, the Machame route exposes the climber to higher elevations quicker (day three) which kick-starts the body's adaptation to altitude. However, this route requires that a person be in good shape to be able to tackle the challenging elevation gains and losses.
Arrive in Tanzania via Kilimanjaro International airport (JRO), GIBACO Safari and Tours will pick you up and transfer you to Moshi town where you will spend the first night at a hotel. Those who will arrive through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Kenya, we will pick you up and get you transferred by Shuttle bus to Moshi.
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A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's entrance: Machame Gate (1,800 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Machame Camp (3,010 m). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes but also your raincoats. This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on: 1. Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine. 2. Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently). 3. Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies. At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Change in Elevation: Machame Gate (1,800 M) - Machame Camp (3,010 M) Hiking Distance: Approximately 5 Km. Hiking Time: 5-6 Hours. Habitat: Rain-forest,
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After breakfast, you will start trekking up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp (3,845 m). On this day you will emerge from the rainforest and for the first time be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau laid out in front of you. Physically speaking, trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude, so pay attention to your body and remember that choosing the proper pace is extremely important for good trekking. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and some rest, after which the group will go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp with a 300-meter gain in altitude. Back down at Shira Camp, you will be served a hot dinner. Change in Elevation: Machame Camp (3,010 M) - Shira Camp (3,845 M) .Hiking Distance: Approximately 5 Km, Hiking Time: 4-5 Hours. Habitat: Grassland
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After breakfast, you will leave Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1-2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be. Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,900 M) - Lava Tower (4,630 M) - Barranco Camp (3,960 M). Hiking Distance: Approximately 11 Km. Hiking Time: 6-8 Hours. Habitat: Mountain Grassland
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Early wakeup, breakfast, and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano. Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours, you will have to complete ascend to Barafu Camp (4,640 m) where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting. Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 M) - Barafu Camp (4,640 M). Hiking Distance: Approximately 11 Km. Hiking Time: 8-10 Hours. Habitat: Alpine Desert
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Departure from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m). Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 M) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 M) - Millennium Camp (3,820 M). Hiking Distance: Approximately 15 Km. Hiking Time: 8-12 Hours. Habitat: Arctic
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After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you a transfer back to the hotel. Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 M) - Mweka Gate (1,650 M). Hiking Distance: Approximately 12 Km. Hiking Time: 4-5 Hours. Habitat: Rain-forest.
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Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport. End of the climb.
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1. All taxes/VAT
2. Park fees
3. Accommodation as mentioned in final itinerary
4. 1 - 3 meals a day as described in final itinerary
5. Bottled water during game drives
6. Transportation as mentioned in the tour description,4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game driving days and Toyota minivan or Landcruiser for airport transfers
7. All activities as mentioned in the tour description
8. A professional driver/guide
1. International flights
2. Tips
3. Visa fees
4. Travel insurance
5. Drinks
6. Cigarettes
7. Other personal items
8. Laundry and Vaccination
