Kilimanjaro Group Climb via 6 Days Machame Route
December 01 to December 08, 2024
Arrival Date: December 01, 2024
Climbing from: December 02 to December 07, 2024
Departure Date: December 08, 2024
The Machame route, also called the “Whiskey” route, is the number one choice for climbers heading up Kilimanjaro. People love it because it’s so beautiful. But, here’s the thing – it’s not a walk in the park. This trail is tough, steep, and a bit challenging, especially because it’s a shorter trip. That’s why it’s best for those who are up for an adventure or already have some experience with high places, hiking, or carrying a backpack.
Let’s break down the journey: The route kicks off on the west side of Mount Kilimanjaro after a really long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. The first two days are all about walking through a rainforest until you reach Shira Ridge. Another way to get there is through the Lemosho route, which is a laid-back, mostly flat stroll across the Shira Plateau from the west to the east. This part of the trek is peaceful with not many people around until you meet up with the Machame route near Lava Tower.
Now, things get even more interesting as the route takes you under Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field. This part is known as the Southern Circuit, and it adds a special twist to your journey, offering a different view of the big mountain. The final push to the top happens from Barafu Camp, a spot picked just right for the big climb to Kilimanjaro’s summit.
Remember, the Machame route isn’t just famous for its beautiful views. It’s also known for being a tough one. The steep paths and tricky trails ask a lot from the people who take them on. That’s why it’s perfect for those who love a challenge, either because they want to test their strength or because they want to feel really close to the amazing landscapes of Kilimanjaro.
For those thinking about trying the Machame route, keep in mind that it’s a shorter trip. This means you have less time to get used to the different altitudes as you climb. So, it’s super important to get ready physically and mentally to make sure you can make it to the top safely.
One interesting part of the Machame route is when it meets the Lemosho route near Lava Tower. It’s like a meeting point for trekkers from different paths. From here on, you’ll start seeing more fellow climbers as you head towards the summit.
Once you conquer the peak of Kilimanjaro, the way down is through the Mweka route. Going down gives you a whole new perspective of the landscape and completes the circle of this awesome adventure. In a nutshell, the 6 Days Machame Route, done 8 times as part of the Kilimanjaro Group Climb, tells a story of courage, exploration, and victory against the backdrop of one of Africa’s most famous peaks. It becomes a lasting memory for those who love taking on challenges and embracing the beauty of the great outdoors.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred 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. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame gate, 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 welltrodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
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.
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.
Our day starts by descending into 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, which is our last stop for fresh water
before the summit. Scree now forms the terrain as we walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu camp.
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically
challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the
darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with
the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the
highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for
lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the
upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the
mountain and a well-earned sleep.
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 hot shower.
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
● Meals: Breakfast Included
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred 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. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame gate, 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 welltrodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
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.
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.
Our day starts by descending into 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, which is our last stop for fresh water
before the summit. Scree now forms the terrain as we walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu camp.
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically
challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the
darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with
the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the
highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for
lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the
upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the
mountain and a well-earned sleep.
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 hot shower.
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
● Meals: Breakfast Included
• Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
• 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi.
• Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
• Park entry fees,
• Camping fees
• Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
• 18% VAT on tour fees & services
• Mountain tents
• Sleeping Mats
• Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
• 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
• Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
• Hot water for washing
• Fair wages for the mountain crew
• Government taxes
• Emergency first-aid kit
– Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
– Travel insurance
– Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 80 for the entire trek.
– Flights
– Laundry (Available at hotel)
– Personal items and toiletries
– Tips for guides, porters and cook
Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group (not per climber):
Read more about tipping here
PRICE OVERVIEW
| Group Size | Price per person |
| 1 person | USD 1950/person |
| 2-3 people | USD 1850/person |
| 4-5 people | USD 1790/person |
| 6-7 people | USD 1750/person |
| 8-9 people | USD 1710/person |
| 10-12 people | USD 1690/person |
Absolutely yes. We will arrange all airport transfers for you from and to the airport so that you don’t have to worry about how to get to your hotel. One of our drivers or guides will come to pick you up and take you back to the airport. This is already included in our offers and services.
Absolutely yes. Our handpicked hotels all offer you to safely store your luggage during your climb. In this way you can leave all gear that you won’t need during your climb at the hotel. That is very convenient if you are planning to go on a safari or to Zanzibar after your hike.
Tanzania Horizon Safaris has worked out a very transparent cancellation policy. In most cases we can offer a voucher if you have to postpone your travel. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Please note that deposits are non-refundable as they have to be used for making reservations for your hotel and transport.
*If a booking is cancelled the client is subject to a cancellation fee as follows:
