MACHAME ROUTE

The Machame Route, or "Whiskey Route," is a popular 6-7 day trek to Mount Kilimanjaro's summit, covering 62 kilometers. It offers stunning scenery, from rainforests to glaciers, and views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau. With a higher success rate due to its acclimatisation strategy, the moderately difficult route includes rewarding challenges like the Barranco Wall and well-established campsites. Less crowded than the Marangu Route, it provides a more solitary and immersive experience, making it an excellent choice.

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6/7 Days

GROUP TREK: £2,295 (7-day)

DURATION: 6/7 Days

GROUP SIZE: 12 people max

DIFFICULTY: Moderate/Challenging

MAX ELEVATION: 5,895m

ITINERARY OVERVIEW (9-Day trip/ 7-Day Route)

Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Hotel

Airport transfer to hotel
Welcome dinner
Kit check and trek brief

Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation: 1,640 meters (5,380 feet) to 2,835 meters (9,300 feet)
Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
Trekking Time: 5-7 hours

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation: 2,835 meters (9,300 feet) to 3,750 meters (12,300 feet)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Trekking Time: 4-6 hours

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Elevation: 3,750 meters (12,300 feet) to 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) (Lava Tower) and down to 4,000 meters (12,800 feet)
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Trekking Time: 6-8 hour

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 4000m (13,000ft) to 4050m (13,250ft)
Distance: 5km (3mi)
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

Day 6: Karanga to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4050m (13,250ft) to 4700m (15,350ft)
Distance: 4km/2mi
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then descent to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4,640 meters (15,220 feet) to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) (Uhuru Peak) and down to 3,080 meters (10,100 feet)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles) ascent, 12 km (7.5 miles) descent
Trekking Time: 10-14 hours

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3,080 meters (10,100 feet) to 1,640 meters (5,380 feet)
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Transfer back to Hotel
Farewell dinner

Day 9: Hotel to Kilimanjaro Airport

Transfer back to Kilimanjaro Airport

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JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

The optimal time to embark on a trek to Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, specifically from January to mid-March and from June to October. These periods offer the most favourable weather conditions, characterised by clear skies, moderate temperatures, and dry trails, ensuring both safety and stunning vistas.

The January to mid-March season is slightly warmer, making it an excellent time for those who prefer milder conditions. The June to October season is the most popular, coinciding with summer holidays and providing the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in Tanzania.

Trekkers are advised to avoid the long rainy season from March to May and the short rainy season in November due to heavy rainfall, which can make trails slippery and obscure the magnificent landscapes. The rainy seasons also increase the risk of altitude sickness due to the damp and cold conditions. Thus, timing one's trek within these optimal windows not only maximises the visual splendour and safety of the expedition but also enhances the overall experience on the mountain.

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Physical Fitness for Climbing Kilimanjaro

Preparing physically for Kilimanjaro is essential, as the trek is demanding and requires stamina, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Begin regular exercise at least three to six months prior to the climb. Focus on activities such as hiking, running, cycling, and strength training. Building endurance with long hikes, ideally with a weighted backpack, will help simulate the conditions you'll face on the mountain. Incorporate hill training to prepare for the varying inclines and descents. Additionally, core and leg strength exercises, such as squats, lunges, and planks, will enhance your stability and overall fitness, ensuring you're ready for the rigours of the trek. Please note that we are not fitness experts and everyone is different, you will need to adjust this training plan to suit your body.

Suggested Training Plan for Climbing Kilimanjaro

Around 6 Months Before the Climb

Months 1-2:

Cardio:
- Frequency: 2 times per week
- Activities: Gentle jogging, brisk walking, or cycling
- Duration: 20-30 minutes

Strength Training:
- Frequency: 1 time per week
- Exercises: Bodyweight squats, lunges, and step-ups

Months 3-4:

Cardio:
- Frequency: 3 times per week
- Activities: Jogging, brisk walking, or cycling
- Duration: 30-40 minutes

Strength Training:
- Frequency: 1-2 times per week
- Exercises: Squats, lunges, step-ups, planks, and push-ups
- Repetitions: 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps

Hiking:
- Frequency: 3 time per month
- Duration: Half-day or full-day hike on varied terrain

Months 5-6:

Cardio:
- Frequency: 3 times per week
- Activities: Jogging, brisk walking, or cycling
- Duration: 40-50 minutes

Strength Training:
- Frequency: 2 times per week
- Exercises: Squats, lunges, step-ups, planks, push-ups, with weights if comfortable

Hiking:
- 1 times per week
- Duration: Full-day hike on varied terrain

General Tips

Flexibility: Incorporate gentle stretching to prevent injury
Rest: Ensure you have at least one full rest day per week.
Listen to Your Body: Adjust the intensity based on how you feel, and ensure you recover well between sessions.

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Inclusions:

All transportation to and from the mountain and your hotel in Moshi

Skilled and seasoned mountain guides

Porters and cook

Waterproof, four-season tents (twin-sharing)

Sleeping mattresses

All meals during the climb, breakfast in Moshi
Generous portions of fresh, nutritious food
Clean and boiled drinking water

Conservation fees (included in park fees)

Camping or hut fees (included in park fees)

Rescue fees (included in park fees)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Hotel in Moshi
Welcome dinner and celebratory dinner
Private toilet (1 per 5 people)

Exclusions:

Personal costs (e.g., laundry, telephone calls, beverages, etc.)
Optional hotel stays
International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa
Gratuities and tips
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Optional transfers
Personal trekking gear like sleeping bags, hiking boots, and clothing (available for rent)
Alcoholic beverages, including beer and bottled drinks
Travel insurance

Why choose Machame?

Choosing the Machame Route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro offers several advantages:

Scenic Beauty: The Machame Route is renowned for its stunning landscapes. Trekkers pass through diverse environments, including lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, offering breathtaking views throughout the journey.

Acclimatisation: This route follows the "climb high, sleep low" principle, which is beneficial for acclimatisation. The varied altitudes each day help climbers adjust to the higher elevations, increasing the chances of successfully reaching the summit.

Challenging and Rewarding: While the Machame Route is considered challenging due to its steeper paths and longer trekking days, it is also one of the most rewarding. Trekkers often find the physical challenge to be a fulfilling part of the adventure.

Popularity and Sociability: As one of the most popular routes, Machame attracts many climbers. This can be advantageous for those who enjoy meeting fellow trekkers and sharing the experience with others.

Diverse Wildlife: The initial days of the trek, especially through the rainforest zone, offer opportunities to see diverse wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and other forest creatures.

Well-established Infrastructure: Given its popularity, the Machame Route has well-established campsites and infrastructure. This makes for a more comfortable trekking experience with reliable support from guides and porters.

Summit Success Rate:The route's acclimatisation profile and manageable day hikes contribute to a higher summit success rate compared to some other routes.

Photographic Opportunities: The varied landscapes and stunning vistas provide ample opportunities for photography. Highlights include views of Mount Meru, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and the Barranco Wall.

Overall, the Machame Route is an excellent choice for trekkers looking for a combination of scenic beauty, physical challenge, and a higher chance of summit success.

Why choose Summit Wild to plan your climb?

Expertise: We offer specialised knowledge and extensive firsthand experience in organising Kilimanjaro climbs. Unlike many tour operators who rely on third parties, we have personally been on the mountain. This allows us to provide firsthand insights and invaluable tips for a successful climb.

Personalised Service: Enjoy customisable itineraries tailored precisely to your preferences and fitness level.

Small Group Sizes: We prioritise small group sizes to ensure personalised attention and minimise environmental impact.

Environmental Responsibility: We are dedicated to sustainable practices and actively support local communities.

Comprehensive Support: Receive thorough assistance with pre-trip planning, including expert gear recommendations and flexible itinerary adjustments.

Post-Climb Experience: Extend your adventure with optional safaris or beach vacations in Tanzania, enhancing your journey beyond the summit.

KILIMANJARO FAQ'S

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