Overview
The second most popular option among the climbers is the Machame route, also known as “the Whiskey Route”. This route offers a wide variety of views, landscapes, and experiences. The starting point of the route, Machame Gate, is only a 40-minute drive from Planet Kia Hotel. Located on the southern slope of Mt Kilimanjaro, Machame Gate will lead you to the top of Kilimanjaro along the exciting footpath which starts at the tropical forest, then runs through all the climate and e, zones, and finishes with the Arctic desert at the summit area.
Camps along the trek are favorably located for a smooth and gradual acclimatization transition process. On the 3rd da,y Machame Route converges with Lemosho and Umbwe at Barranco camp.
You can choose between a six or seven-day climb. The latter one is highly preferred for better acclimatization transition.
- Parking
- Concierge service
- Gift shop
- Meeting/Banquet facilities
- Wheelchair accessible
- Restaurant
- Express check out
- Air-conditioned
- Babysitting/child services (surcharge)
8 days | 7 night | age 10+ |
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Destination: | Kilimanjaro Climbing |
Departure: | Flexible (at any time) |
Language: | English, French, Italian, German and Spanish |
- Note: Check-in : At any Time.
This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:
Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine
Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently)
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 discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor before of potential energies.
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.
ELEVATION 1,800 m to 3,010 m/HIKING TIME 5-6 hours/DISTANCE 5 km/DIFFICULTY Medium/HABITAT Rainforest
Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude automatizing the process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.
Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m) — Destination point on the route to the Lava Tower (4,120 m)
Hiking distance: 2 km/Hiking time: 1–2 hours
ELEVATION 3,010 m to 3,845 m/HIKING TIME 4-5 hours/DISTANCE 5 km/DIFFICULTY Low/HABITAT Moorland
Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! Next, you will be climbing it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail.
Note: If one or more participants feel sick, the group may refrain from passing the Lava Tower and adjust the route, following instead the road for porters. In this case, you will not reach an altitude of 4,630 meters, getting up only to a maximum of 4,400 meters.
ELEVATION 3,845 m to 4,630 m/HIKING TIME 6-8 hours/DISTANCE 11 km/DIFFICULTY Medium/HABITAT Moorland.
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 o,f 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.
ELEVATION 3,960 m to 4,640 m/HIKING TIME 8-10 hours/DISTANCE 11 km/DIFFICULTY High/HABITAT Alpine desert.
Note: Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
ELEVATION 4,640 m to 5,895 m 5,895 m to 3,820 m/HIKING TIME 8-12 hours/DISTANCE 15 km/DIFFICULTY High/HABITAT Arctic
ELEVATION 3,820 m to 1,640 m/HIKING TIME 4-5 hours/DISTANCE 12 km/DIFFICULTY Low/HABITAT Rainforest.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.