6 Days Machame Route

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.

It is a camping route which offers spectacular views of various landscapes such as Mt. Meru, Pare Mountains, Lake Chala and Lake Jipe. While the 6 day itinerary is very possible, it is very benefit able to have the seven days Machame trek because of having one more extra day for acclimatization and resting before the summit day. Doing this will maximize your chance of reaching the top.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 0: Arrival day
When you arrive you will be met at the airport by our driver- with a sign bearing your name, then you will drive to Kibo Palace Hotel or Masai Land Hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight. In the afternoon or evening your GMExpeditions Mountain Guide will meet you for a Kilimanjaro climb briefing and an Kilimanjaro equipment check

Dinner on your own, overnight at Kibo Palace or Masai Land Hotel

Day 1: Machame Gate (1800m) to Machame Camp (2835m)

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.

Dinner and Overnight at Machame Camp(2835M).
Hiking time:
5-7 hours
Distance: 11km.
Habitat: Montane Forest.

Day 2: Machame Camp (2835) to Shira cave Camp (3750m)

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.

Dinner and overnight at Shira cave Camp (3750m).
Trekking time: 4-5 hours walking, with a packed lunch on the way.
Distance: 5km.
Habitat: Moorland.

Day 3: Shira Cave Camp (3750m) to Barranco Camp (3900m)

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.

Dinner and overnight at Barranco camp (3900m).
Trekking time: 5 – 6 hours walking.
Distance: 10km.
Habitat:Semi-desert.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3900m) – Barafu Camp (4673m)

You leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing up the Barranco Wall and through the Karanga Valley. From Karanga head up a moraine ridge where views can be spectacular. The final stage to Barafu is quite steep, and as always it’s taken it very slowly. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent. (See Machame Route 7 dayes for optional Allimatization Day: Stay a night at Karanga Camp (3995m) before continuing the next day to Barafu Camp.

Dinner and overnight at Barafu Camp (4673m).
Trekking time: 6-7 hours walking.
Distance: 10km.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Day 5: Summit attempt Barafu Camp (4673m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)

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 Barafu for lunch, and after some refreshments, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite at Mweka Camp.

Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp (3100m).
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down.
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down.
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

Day 6: Mweka Camp (3100m) – 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 the Masai Land Hotel for a well-deserved shower.

Dinner on your own, overnight at the Kibo Palace  or  Masai Land Hotel. Trekking time: 3-4 hours, Drive: 2-3 hour.
Distance: 10km/6mi.
Habitat: Forest

Day 7 – Departure Day

Our packages include departure day services. Enjoy breakfast and a morning sightseeing in the city or join us for one of our Safari Adventures. If you are returning home our driver will bring you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to catch your flight home.


Print Itinerary & Gear List

What is Included and Excluded in the package

Price included:

  • 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 at Masai Land Safari Lodge
  • Sleeping mats 2-inch form
  • Private portable toilet
  • Wash basins with hot water each morning and evening
  • Treated drinking water 3L or more everyday

Price Exclude:

  • 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

 
What Gear Do I Need to Bring?

Below is the equipment that you need to bring as your personal kit for the climb.

Technical Clothing
1 – Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
1 – Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
1 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
2 – Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 – Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
2 – Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended)
1 – Fleece Pants
1 – Shorts (optional)
1 – Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
3 – Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
2 – Sport Bra (women) Headwear
1 – Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
1 – Knit Hat, for warmth
1 – Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
1 – Bandana (optional) Hand wear
1 – Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
1 – Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)

 

Other
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET
First Aid Kit
Hand Sanitizer
Toilet Paper
Wet Wipes (recommended)
Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
Pencil and Notebook, miniature, for trip log (optional)
Camera, with extra batteries (optional)

 

Footwear
1 – Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
1 – Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
3 – Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
3 – Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
1 – Gaiters, waterproof (optional)

 

Accessories
1 – Sunglasses or Goggles
1 – Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
1 – Poncho, during rainy season (optional)
1 – Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended)
1 – Water Bladder, Camelback type (recommended)
1 – Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate

 

Equipment
1 – Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
1 – Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
1 – Trekking Poles (recommended)
1 – Head lamp, with extra batteries
1 – Duffel bag, for porters to carry your equipment
1 – Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear

 

Paperwork
Trip Receipt
Passport
Visa (available at JRO)
Immunization Papers
Insurance Documents

 

NOTE: If you do not have any among the gears/equipment mentioned in the list above then you can hire them from us or Hiring stores in Arusha-Tanzania under our assistant to avoid inapplicable higher charges.

What are the Gear that will be provided with Us?

  • All tents for clients and crew on the mountain
  • Mess tents
  • Camping tables and chairs
  • Cooking and eating gears
  • Kitchen tents
  • Oxygen cylinders
  • Oximeters for pulse and oxygen checks
  • Form mats/mattresses

 

Should I Get a Medical Check Up?

All climbers should have a medical check prior to attempting the mountain. Ask your doctor if high altitude trekking is permissible for your age, fitness level and health condition. Ask if you have any preexisting medical conditions that can cause problems on the climb. Ask if any of your medications can affect altitude acclimatization. Ask whether Diamox can be taken with your existing prescription medicines. Such medical issues include but are not limited to: spine problems; circulation problems; internal problems such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, intestinal or kidney problems; respiratory issues such as asthma; high or low blood pressure; head trauma or injury; heart conditions; blood disease; hearing or vision impairment; cancer; seizure disorders; joint dislocations; sprains; hernia.

What Vaccinations, Immunizations and Medications Do I Need?

Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications
The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to East Africa. Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.

  • Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
  • Hepatitis B, especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11-12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
  • Malaria: your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including cities. See your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug.
  • Meningococcal (meningitis) if you plan to visit countries in this region that experience epidemics of meningococcal disease during December through June.
  • Rabies, pre-exposure vaccination, if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities.
  • Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors
  • Yellow fever, a viral disease that occurs primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America, is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The virus is also present in Panama and Trinidad and Tobago. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers to endemic areas and may be required to cross certain international borders (For country specific requirements, see Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by Country.). Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel and at 10 year intervals if there is on-going risk. · As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults.

 

Malaria
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. Humans get malaria from the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite. Your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including cities. All travelers to East Africa, including infants, children, and former residents of East Africa, may be at risk for malaria. Prevent this serious disease by seeing your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites.

All travelers should take one of the following drugs:

  • Atovaquone/proguanil,
  • Doxycycline,
  • Mefloquine, or
  • Primaquine (in special circumstances).

Yellow Fever
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Tanzania. Kenya and Uganda  when arriving from countries where yellow fever is present.

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is required to participate on this trip.

  • Missed connection
  • Travel delay
  • Baggage delay and personal items lost
  • Hurricane and weather
  • Employment layoff
  • Pre-existing medical conditions
  • Emergency medical
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation
  • Financial default
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