Kilimanjaro Climb - Machame Route

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tourhub | Alaitol Safari | Kilimanjaro Climb - Machame Route | 159799 | Map

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9 Days

From

~~$3955~~

$3757

Kilimanjaro Climb - Machame Route

9 Days Starting and ending in Arusha

Visiting: Arusha, Machame h/trail

Tour operator:

Alaitol Safari

Tour code:

159799

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 12

Physical rating:

High

Age range:

15-80

Special diets catered:

Meat, Halal, Jain, Kosher, Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English , French , German , Spanish

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Luxury, Small Group

Activities:

Climbing-Mountaineering, Trekking

Private Available:

From:

$3955

$3757 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$198

Tour Overview

The Machame route also referred to as the Whiskey route, is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro and a favorite for Alaitol Safaris. Despite being a tough climb compared to the Marangu route, the Machame route has one of the highest summit success rates given the topography of the route which allows climbers to “trek high & sleep low” hence making it a more favorable route for acclimatization. Unlike the Marangu Route which is a gradual ascent, the Machame route has steeper trails, and climbers walk longer distances. This route offers some of the most spectacular scenery while on the mountain. The Machame route starts in the southwest side of the mountain and proceeds steeply north, traversing the Shira plateau and eventually joining the Shira and Lemosho routes at the Shira camp. The Machame route can be done in a minimum of 6 days but a 7-day trek is recommended so climbers are well rested and acclimatized before making the final ascent to the summit.

Highlights

Climb with confidence: 98 percent summit success
Superior, top-of-the-line camping gear and safety equipment.
Quality assured: Alaitol directly employs all chefs, porters, and guides (who are all certified Wilderness First Responders)
Stay in the largest and most comfortable sleeping tents on the mountain, with private toilet facilities
Carry only a daypack, as porters transport your luggage and equipment throughout the climb and descent

Places You'll See

Lake Duluti

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Climb - Machame Route

Lake Duluti

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Climb - Machame Route

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive Arusha,Tanzania

Location: Arusha

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Arusha Serena Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport by our Alaitol Safaris Team and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day. Overnight at Arusha Serena Hotel (or alternative).

Meals: Dinner Included

Day 2 : Trekking From Machame Gate To Machame Camp

Location: Machame h/trail

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Machame Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

One hour’s drive from Moshi lies the gate to the Machame route, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat. overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.

Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi

Approx. time taken: 6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3 : Trekking From Machame Camp To Shira Camp

Location: Machame h/trail

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Shira camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.

Distance covered: 5.4km / 3.4mi

Approx. time taken: 5 hours

Day 4 : Shira To Barranco Camp Via An Ascent To The Lava Tower

Location: Machame h/trail

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Barranco Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.

Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi

Approx. time taken: 8 hrs

Day 5 : Trekking From Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Location: Machame h/trail

Accommodation: Camp, Karanga

Accommodation Name: Karanga Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.

Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi

Approx. time taken: 5 hours

Day 6 : Trekking From Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Location: Machame h/trail

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Barafu Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.

Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi

Approx. time taken: 3 hours

Day 7 : Summiting On Uhuru Peak And Descent To Millennium Camp

Location: Machame h/trail

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Millennium Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.

Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi

Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours

Day 8 : Descent From Millennium Camp To Mweka Gate

Location: Arusha

Accommodation: Hotel, Camp

Accommodation Name: Arusha Serena Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!) before our big celebration. Overnight at the Arusha Serena Hotel (or alternative)

Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi

Approx. time taken: 6 hours

Day 9 : Departure

Location: Arusha

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Arusha town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

*We also welcome you spare an hour of your day to plant a tree, as part of our environmental conservation efforts in the Kilimanjaro region.

*Safari and Zanzibar add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania

What's Included

Meals

8 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 7 dinners
Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
Airport meet & greet, & return private transfers
Entrance fees, taxes & tips
Welcome dinner & farewell lunch

What's Not Included

Flights
Visa

Accommodation

Accommodation at 4* hotel (Arusha Serena Hotel or similar) one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool;
Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern comfortable 4-season North Face VE-25 tents);
Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition, Single supplement is available.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

What equipment do I need to climb Kilimanjaro?

No specialty mountaineering equipment is needed (i.e. ice axe, crampons, helmet, etc.), and most active guests find they already have some of the items we recommend—hiking boots, base layers, fleece hats and gloves, a fleece sweater, etc. Once you’ve joined a trek, you’ll receive a detailed packing list and rental gear list to help you prepare.
How qualified are the Kilimanjaro guides?

Your Tanzanian-born head guides are Wilderness First Responders (WFR) by the Sentinel Outdoor Institute. These seasoned Kilimanjaro experts each have 100-200+ personal summits under their belts. They speak English and Swahili, have extensive experience leading treks with western group dynamics, and carry an arsenal of emergency equipment that they are trained to use.
What if I'm slow?

Don’t worry! Alaitol treks have one guide for every three trekkers, so you can move at your own pace. Besides, guides will remind you to move pole, pole (go slowly) anyways; hiking at a slow and steady pace gives your body a chance to acclimatize to the altitude.
Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next Alaitol Safari trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@alaitolsafari.com and we will send it on to you.
How fit do I need to be?

You don’t need to be an athlete or have experience with technical mountaineering, but you do need to be active, committed to training prior to the climb and ready to persevere on the mountain. Kilimanjaro’s trails are completely nontechnical, but can be very steep at points. Before your trek, we recommend strength training exercises and regular hikes to familiarize your body with the rigors.

What kind of food will I eat?

Highly-trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day. You’ll eat all your meals in a solar-lit dining tent with your fellow trekkers and head guide. Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals can be provided (with advance request). We’re happy to send you a sample menu—just ask!
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

Yes, there is plenty of time to explore places during the tour.
What is the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro?

Weather on the mountain is fairly consistent year-round, but should you plan on attaching a safari to your trek, it’s worth keeping in mind Tanzania’s seasonal shifts. June through October is cooler and drier. December through March is warmer and a bit wetter, with lush, green landscapes throughout the country. We wouldn’t recommend climbing in April, early May,or late November, due to heavy rain
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

private round trip airport transfers are included in this tour.
What is the temperature on Kilimanjaro?

Temperatures on the mountain vary greatly, from 70-90°F in the rain forest to -10°F near the summit. Above the tree line, most days are 30-50°F. Kilimanjaro creates its own weather patterns, and the weather can change dramatically and without warning. Your guides will help you stay prepared for sun, rain, snow, and wind. We recommend layering your clothing and carrying a waterproof shell.
How much gear will I carry?

Porters carry all gear except for your daypack, which usually weighs around 20 lb on Machame treks.
How many people will be in my group?

Our small group treks have no minimum size, so all departures are guaranteed. We take a maximum of 18 on Machame Route treks.
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

Children of 15 age and above are permitted to take part in this tour.
What are the Kilimanjaro accommodations like?

Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp.
What is your summit success rate?

Fully 98% of Alaitol trekkers reach Uhuru Peak (Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit).
What route will I descend?

All Alaitol treks descend via the Mweka Route, on the southeastern slopes of the mountain. Mweka’s well-maintained trail winds through lush forests, giving you a final chance to sight-see before finishing your trek. At the gate, you’ll be awarded your climbing certificate and savor a hearty meal before bidding farewell to your guides and porters.
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

Yes, there s a supplement for a solo traveler
What if I can’t make it to the top of Kilimanjaro?

If you need to descent early, a medically-trained/Wilderness First Responders (WFR) mountain guide will escort you down the mountain. Your guides know a network of shortcuts to help you reach your next campsite as efficiently and safely as possible.
What is the Alaitol safari Safari vehicle look like?

7 seaters 4X4 Custom built – Toyota Landcruiser Pop-up Roof, Opening Sliding windows, Seat Belts, Heavy duty wheels, and Extra Fuel tanks. Refrigerator for cooling drinks, one pair of binoculars per couple, Eco friendly Trash Bag. Wi-Fi on board during safari, Charging Outlets type Plug G for charging Cameras and smart phones
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

Yes, you can join the tour once it has departed.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

About 2 weeks before your travel dates we will send you a final program that will include: • Contact list for accommodation and relevant personnel • The final tour program • Service vouchers (where needed) • Domestic flight tickets (Where needed) • Tipping guide lines • Status report
COVID-19 Health & Safety Measures

• Alaitol Safaris team is full vaccinated against covid. • Face masks required for travelers in public areas. • Face masks provided for travelers. • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff. • Social distancing enforced throughout experience. • Gear/equipment sanitized between use • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized.
Is it safe to go on safari during the COVID-19 pandemic period?

Alaitol Safari are a responsible tour operator and take very seriously the measures required to keep guests and staff safe. Our Standard Operating Procedures set out all the requirements to provide a safe environment from the time of your arrival to your departure; our staff are all trained, and our vehicles are regularly cleaned. In addition, we choose accommodation who happy the same standards.
Tanzania is open for Tourist?

Yes, Tanzania is open and we welcome guests. If you need a break from Covid19 and after weighing the risks, decide to come, we welcome you to the fresh air, the campfires, and the open spaces. Come and rejuvenate in our wild isolation.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

At Alaitol Safaris, a certain percentage of every safari goes towards supporting our charity efforts and developing our communities.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Rayan C United Kingdom

Alaitol Safaris provided an unforgettable 9-day Kilimanjaro trek.

23-Aug-2023

Expert guides, seamless logistics, and a focus on safety made every step a pleasure. The diverse landscapes and summit sunrise were breathtaking. Alaitol's dedication to excellence shines through. Highly recommended for an extraordinary adventure.

Alla G United Kingdom

Adventure of a lifetime

10-Dec-2023

As soon as we started dreaming about Kilimanjaro and reading reviews we knew that Alaitol is the company to go to. It did not disappoint. We felt safe, in professionals hands, everything was taken care of and went smoothly. The rented equipment was of highest quality. We fully trusted our guides during this exciting adventure. Thank you, Exaud, Athuman/Simba, Joseph, Kelvin and Agrey. To be honest, I do not think that anyone else could have made us (inspired, helped, supported) to reach the summit, only Exaud. Exaud was the real captain of our team and I am sure my friend and me reached the summit thanks to him!

chelc

Summiting Kilimanjaro in 9 Days with Alaitol Safaris

05-Feb-2021

Alaitol Safaris is one special company. I've been fortunate to do a significant amount of travel in my life, yet I've never worked with a travel company before. After this experience, my expectations are incredibly high because Alaitol Safaris set the bar at an astronomical level. From the early planning stages, Mary, our Tanzania Specialist with Alaitol Safaris, worked with us nearly a year in advance, every moment up to our arrival, and throughout our entire stay to ensure that we were all set up with transportation, lodging, and that we had the appropriate information to guarantee proper packing. Our flight sequence unfortunately got messed up en route to Tanzania, but Mary reorganized the plans like a true champion! Her responses were always thorough and timely, and she was flexible in working with us when we had to make adjustments as we planned. Not to mention, Alaitol Safaris organizes private trekking groups, so my husband and I had the entire crew all to ourselves! Once we began the trek, we knew we were in for something special. Our guides, Hussen and Reagan, held extensive knowledge and communicated with us along the way to teach us all about the flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro. Once we summited, my husband and I said that we couldn't have made it without them. Their fun, caring spirits and depth of support meant everything to us, and their wealth of experience made sure that we took our time and never gave up. Chui, one of the wonderful crew members, accompanied the guides for our summit day. Chui knew I had a bad back (yay for bulging discs), saw me struggling while zig-zagging in the dark, and offered to take my pack for me for a bit to help me gain more steam. That made such a difference! Their collective kindness is something I am beyond appreciative for. Together, the three of them made for one heck of a summit squad. One of my favorite stories to tell is about Summit Day when we were descending and just a few miles away from our first stop to Kibo Hut. We were struggling to continue putting one foot in front of the other. Unbeknownst to us, our guides had radioed the rest of the crew who were back at camp that we needed some fuel and motivation, so they met us a ways up the mountain with ice cold juices and snacks, singing as they did! I cried tears of gratitude because the mere sight of their faces making such a thoughtful gesture gave us our second wind to continue on. Now, to the food... one word... YUM! Every morning, we were greeted with a hot beverage and some wash water, and then onto breakfast in the dining hall which was always delicious! Our setup consisted of both cold and hot water with options for tea and coffee. The cook always made sure to accommodate my lovely gluten and dairy allergies. I'll admit, I was nervous going into this experience more so due to food than the trek itself because my stomach and I have been at odds for years, but Alaitol Safaris and this super crew ensured my tummy was happy every single day. Meal time was my favorite time... soups, delectable dishes, and more than enough for just my husband and I. We also loved having the guides join us for our meals because it helped solidify those familial bonds that really made this trip special. Each person at Alaitol Safaris took tremendous care of us along the way. Upon our return to town from the mountain, the Alaitol Safaris facility was filled with a victory cake and drinks to celebrate our summit! The employees surrounded us and sang, honoring us with traditional cloths as a gift to complete the experience. They made the entire journey, from start to finish, feel like one giant family vacation, and we still think about our time together and miss them dearly! If you are considering making the trek to summit Kilimanjaro, know that it is certainly long and physically exhausting, but this amazing group of people made it much more entertaining and enjoyable! Thank you, Alaitol Safaris! We love you!

Alex Canada

Alaitol Safaris - Kilamanjaro and 3 Day Safari

21-Jun-2023

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this trip, and Alaitol Safaris as a company. The guides and porters are so knowledgeable, kind, they consistently go above and beyond with everything they do, the last day I had tears in my eyes that in was leaving these special people. The experience itself is amazing and with the staff they employee this is by far the most amazing group to travel with. The porters hired by Alaitol Safaris are also part of the Porters Association Project, which was very important to us, as we wanted to know that the employees were treated fairly. We also did a 3 day Safari prior to our climb and the guide David was amazing also, so knowledgeable and fun to be with for 3 days. This trip will forever hold a special memory in my heart, without the people who took us to this mountain there would be no mountain, and without people like us to climb it there would be no one for them to show it too. Alaitol Safaris blows the experience out of the water.

Steve M United States Of America

Safari and Kilimanjaro summit

10-Oct-2023

Best travel agency the porters staff and Joseph’s team went above and beyond. With out the people there would be no mountain. I will always remember and keep them in my heart.

Monica United States Of America

Alaitol - Where Professionalism and Friendliness Converge

19-Oct-2023

The Alaitol crew crafted a vibe of top-notch friendliness and professionalism, going above and beyond to guarantee an unmatched experience. Their reactions to various situations were not just well-planned but flawlessly executed, showing their thorough training and expertise. Usually, I'd be a bit anxious on such adventures, but with Alaitol Safaris, I could chill and focus on the easy rhythm of one step after another, embracing the "pole pole" approach. With their help, my journey to the roof of Africa turned into an extraordinary adventure, and I can't recommend them enough.

Mackenzie United Kingdom

Exceptional

10-Dec-2023

The Alaitol Safaris team was incredible. We were all so well taken care of and the team made the experience exceptional. Look no further than Alaitol for your Kilimanjaro adventure! They are the best of the best.

Taylor United States Of America

Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari

04-Aug-2023

We did a 9-day hike of Kilimanjaro (Machine Route) and 4 day safari through Alaitol. Our guides for the trek were Abraham, Erick, Beltram, and Tumaini and they were all excellent! Very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend all of them to anyone wanting to do the climb. The safari was also fantastic! Yasin was our guide and he was very personable and had everything prepared for us each day. He was also very knowledgeable and led us to see all of the Big 5 animals (plus many more) on our safari. Overall our experience with Alaitol was great, and I would absolutely recommend them to anyone wanting to do a similar trip!

Kristine P

Thumbs up for Alaitol Safaris and 9 day Machame Route

27-Oct-2023

Just adding another 5-circle review to the pack. We booked a private Kilimanjaro expedition with Alaitol. From the start the communication from Alaitol was excellent. Thorough emails with all the details. Patiently responding to questions, even if they were addressed in the emails (read them!). The actual expedition - what a great support team. 24 people to support the four of us. Wisen and Joseph were our guides. A couple of snafus were corrected quickly. Food was good and plentiful. All of the team were so friendly. Loved their songs. Really appreciated their oxygen policy when a member of our group was struggling. Rented gear was in very good condition with a couple of exceptions. A very good experience.

David Australia

Conquered Kilimanjaro

13-Jul-2023

Conquered Kilimanjaro with the incredible porters and guides from Alaitol. Alaitol takes care of everything. the people in my group of 12 were all strangers from different countries and backgrounds and we became a family. With the support and expertise of the guides they were able to guide me a total novice who doesn’t hike at all to the summit and back to base camp safely. The tents were comfortable the food was great and all the Alaitol people with us each day were great If u want to conquer Kilimanjaro let Alaitol guide you there.

Read all 19 reviews

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Apr 26, 2024 - May 04, 2024

~~$3955~~ $3757 (USD)