The most popular route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro these days is Machame route, and for good reason. This trail offers stunning views, a reasonable challenge, and plenty of time to acclimate, making it a good choice for those who have a bit of extra time in their schedule.
Machame route has been nicknamed the "Whiskey Route" because it is often perceived as being tougher than Marangu route, which is often referred to as the "Coca-Cola" route. Unlike that trail however, camping is allowed on Machame, which means trekkers will be sleeping in tents all the way to the summit.
The itinerary below describes the 6 nights/7 day Kilimanjaro climb via the Machame route. To shorten the below itinerary to six days you skip the night in the Karanga Valley and instead walk straight from the Barranco Huts to the Barafu Huts in one day.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, you will be greeted by our representative who will accompany you to the hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your trek. Your guides will be there to provide you with details on your trek and will also check your trekking gears.
A short drive brings us to the Machame trailhead (~5,380'). After the climbers and crew have checked in with the park rangers, we will hike up through the montane forests, winding up the mossy jungle, making our way to Machame Hut camp.
After breakfast, our hike continues through the forest. We will take our time, soaking in the scenery as we make our way through the moorlands. We will be treated to spectacular views of Kibo peak.
Today is a long day but lots of acclimatization as you climb high, sleep low. We will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (~15,190') for lunch, before descending to the Barranco valley. For those who have energy, and if time and weather permit, there's the possibility to scramble up the Lava Tower itself. The scenery is amazing today, passing through different zones of the mountain.
Today you'll continue to acclimatize and let your body adjust to these higher altitudes, in preparation for your upcoming summit push. Climb the steep Barranco Wall and then go up and down several ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga camp. There will likely be time for an acclimatization hike in the afternoon.
Today you'll continue your circuit and arrive at your final camp before the summit (Barafu camp). Some ups and downs along ridges and valleys along the way. You'll have an early supper, sleep for a few hours, and then arise at about 11:00 PM to start tomorrow's summit ascent.′
Start hiking at around midnight, using your headlamps to lead the way slowly up to Stella Point and then the summit. Due to the altitude, you will hike slowly, and will need to dress warmly for the cold. After celebrating with photos at the summit, descend down to Mweka camp.
We make the final descent through the rain forest to Mweka Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.
» Private transport from the hotel to the Park s gate (starting point for the climb)
» All National Park entry fees
» All camping fees
» 2 night's hotel the night before and the night after the climb, with breakfast included
» Hut fees [ Marangu route]
» Friendly and competent Trained Mountain Guides, assistant guides, porters and professional cooks.
» 3 full fresh meals daily. We provide fresh food on the mountain in plentiful and well prepared by skilled professional cooks(we also consider your choice of food that you would prefer -Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian). Menu especially designed for climbers.
» Hot drinks on the mountain and Hot water for washing will be provide everyday on the mountain.
» Quality specious tents, sleeping mats, camping tables ,camping chairs and Mess/Dining Tent.
» Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
» Qualified medical guides
» Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
» Salaries for Guides, cook and porters.
» Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees)
» Government taxes
» Pickup and drop off to Airport
» Evacuation services
» Supplementary Portable Oxygen and Complete First Aid Kit (used in case of emergency only)
» ulse oxy-meter carried by all chief guides
» 3-4 liters of mineral/treated water (per Climber) provided daily during the climb
» Portable toilet available at an additional cost (There are public toilets on the mountain)