7 Days Machame + Kosovo Camp
Overview
The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is better suited for the more adventurous hiker and is one of the more scenic routes up Kilimanjaro.
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 0: Welcome to Tanzania
When you arrive, you will be met at the airport by our driver- with a sign bearing your name, then you will drive to Tulia Boutique Hotel & pro in Arusha for dinner and overnight.
Day 1: Machame Gate (1800m) to Machame Camp (2835m)
Hiking time: 7 hours
On the way to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park the journey passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you leave the park gate you will walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until you reach the Machame Camp.
Day 2: Machame Camp (2835) to Shira cave Camp (3750m)
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Shortly after leaving the Machame camp you will leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path to a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather. The route then turns west onto a river gorge onto the Shira Campsite.
Day 3: Shira Cave Camp (3750m) to Barranco Camp (3900m)
Hiking Time: 7 hours
From the Shira Plateau, you will continue to the east up a ridge eventually passing the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, you come to the second junction which brings you up to the Arrow Glacier and continuing on to the Barranco campsite.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3900m) – Karanga Camp (3995m)
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads to the trail on the south-eastern side of Kibo, along the southern ice fields. You will enjoy the unique vegetation as you transition from the moorlands to the high alpine desert. The Barranco Wall does involve a fair bit of scrambling up the rock face, while not a technical climb, many see this a some of the most challenging terrain. From the top of the wall, there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga.
Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp (3995m), the last water points on
the way to the summit.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours walking
Day 5: Karanga Camp (3995m) – Barafu Hut (4673m) – Kosovo Camp (4850m)
Spend the morning climbing steadily up to Barafu Camp, which is Swahili for ice, and then continuing up a rocky slab to Kosovo. This small camp is located on the ridge below the summit cone. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views from many different angles. The walk will take around 4-5 hours, meaning you will arrive at Kosovo in time for lunch and a full summit briefing, before spending the afternoon resting. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.
Day 6: Summit attempt Kosovo Camp (4850m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Millenium camp (3790m)
We start our ascent at about midnight to 1 am, depending on the fitness and speed of the climbers, so that we can be up on the crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree and nice graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5756m), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. For those are still feeling strong we will continue with the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m), passing close to glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. Following ample time for pictures at the summit, we begin the descent back to Kosovo camp for lunch, and after some refreshments, we continue to descend to reach Millenium campsite.
Dinner and overnight at Millenium Camp(3790m).
Trekking time: 10 -12 hours walking (it is a very long day!)
Day 7: Millenium Camp (3790m) – Mweka Gate (1640m)
A sustained descent on a well-constructed path takes us through a lovely tropical forest alive with bird-song, Our route winds down to Mweka gate at 1640m. We will have lunch at the Gate, a ceremony with the porters congratulating you as you receive your certificate, issued at the gate. We will then drive back to Tulia Boutique Hotel & pro in Arusha for a well-deserved shower.
Dinner on your own, overnight at the Hotel in Arusha.
Trekking time: 2-3 hours, Drive: 2-3 hour.
Day 8: Departure or join us for a safari
After breakfast, you will join our guide on safari.
Included/Exclude
- National park permits
- Camping / hut fees
- Rescue service
- All meals while on the mountain
- Guides and Porters wages
- Round trip airport transfers between Arusha and JRO
- Round trip transfers between Arusha and mountain gates
- Hotel stays in Arusha for pre and post trek (2 nights in total) on bed and breakfast
- Sleeping mats 2-inch form
- Private portable toilet
- Wash basins with hot water each morning and evening
- Treated drinking water 3L or more everyday
- International or Local flights
- Rental gears
- Tips for guides, porters and other staff
- Meals and drinks at the hotel in Arusha
- Travel Insurance, Visa and Medical Insurance
