10- Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route & 2-day Safari to Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater
Highlights
Group Tour
10 Days
Easy
English, French, German, Spanish, Swahili
Languages
English, French, German, Spanish, Swahili
Description
Whiskey Route
In an overall comparison of routes to scale Kilimanjaro, this is one of the best, both for acclimatization and cost. The Machame route is considered difficult and is better suited to more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.
The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity, there are increased numbers of trekkers, and it loses some of its splendor. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.
In certain sections, this route is steeper than the Marangu and Rongai routes and physically more demanding, but is easier overall. Great for acclimatization with lots of walk-high, sleep-low opportunities. Challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones.
Then, we will join on a two-day adventure into the Tanzanian safari parks on a quest to discover the hundreds of magnificent species of birds and animals that make this beautiful landscape their home. We’ll visit the most vibrant parks, including the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Tarangire National Park, from the numerous herds of African elephants to the colossal termite mounds and the ancient baobab trees.
Itinerary
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Arrival in Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by our friendly guide, who will accompany you on a scenic drive to the lively town of Moshi. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, serving as a majestic backdrop to your adventure. After checking into the Hotel, take some time to check your gear. If anything is missing will go to the shop to hire. As an option, you may also explore the vibrant streets of Moshi, experiencing the local culture and the renowned hospitality of the Tanzanian people.
Main Destination: Moshi (Town)
Accommodation: Camping
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Hotel to Machame Gate 1830m/6000ft to Machame Camp 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Drive from the hotel to Machame Gate The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We depart the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
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Machame Camp 3050m/9950ft to Shira Camp 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, you will start trekking up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp. On this day you will emerge from the rainforest and for the first time be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau laid out in front of you. Technically speaking, trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude, so pay attention to your body and remember that choosing the proper pace is extremely important for good trekking. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and some rest, after which the group will go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp with a 400 m /1,312 f gain in altitude. Back down at Shira Camp, you will be served a hot dinner.
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Shira Camp to Lava Tower 3850m/12,600ft to Barranco Camp 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
After breakfast, you will leave Shira Camp and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower. This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over Portions of the trek may be difficult, and it is common to experience some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here. For this reason, our groups enjoy lunch at the top of Lava Tower.
After lunch, you will descend to Barranco Camp. Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! The next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail is not intimidating at all.
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Barranco Camp 4000m/13,000ft to Barafu Camp 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/6mi
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Your group will have an early start this morning, after enjoying a filling breakfast you will begin climbing Barranco Wall. Wwe recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups, which can slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
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 hours you will have to ascend to Barafu Camp where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.
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Barafu Camp 4700m/15,350ft to Summit to Mweka Camp 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
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Mweka Camp 3090m/10,150ft to Mweka Gate 1680m/5500ft to Hotel
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
We make the final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to the hotel in Arusha for a hot shower, a celebratory dinner, and overnight. As we continue on a safari the following day, well, that’s another adventure, and get ready, relax, and have a good sleep for another adventure tomorrow.
Main Destination: MoshiAccommodation: Camping
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Arusha to Tarangire National Park
We will depart for Tarangire National Park early in the morning. Once we arrive in Tarangire, we will begin exploring the enormous termite mounds and the ancient baobab trees. This park is renowned for its diverse bird species and extensive population of elephants.
There are regular sightings of ferocious lions, giraffes, warthogs, ostriches, impalas, cheetahs, mongooses, buffaloes, and mischievous baboons. After viewing the wildlife in Tarangire in the afternoon will continue and be transferred to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Arusha
Accommodation: Camping
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Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
In the morning, after breakfast will transfer to Ngorongoro Crater, this unique natural wonder is home to an incredible array of wildlife, from herds of grazing antelope to majestic lions and towering elephants. Journeying through the crater on a game drive, you'll have the chance to spot some of the park's most iconic species, including black rhinoceros, hippos, and wildebeest. Your experienced guide will share insights into the ecology of the region, as well as stories and facts about the fascinating behaviors of the park's many species.
The Ngorongoro Crater is a particularly special location for a game drive due to its enclosed nature. Surrounded by towering walls, the crater forms a natural amphitheater that makes it easy to spot a wide range of wildlife. You'll travel through lush forests and open savannahs, taking in breathtaking views of the crater floor and its many inhabitants. As your safari adventure concludes in the afternoon, we'll drive en route to Arusha for your dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Arusha
Accommodation: Camping
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Arusha – Arusha/Kilimanjaro Airport
Today, after breakfast, relax at the lodge, and if you have free time, take a short tour in Arusha for shopping with our guide. Then you'll be transferred to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
| Adult | |
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| 1 to 6 | /person |
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This is a group tour |
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