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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Opt for the Machame route, known as the "Whiskey" route, which begins at Machame Gate on the southern base of Mount Kilimanjaro within its abundant rainforest. Climb to the Shira Plateau, then traverse the mountain beneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Icefield before summiting from Barafu Hut. This route combines lush forest trails, high-altitude camps, and the chance to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
This route combines lush forest trails, high-altitude camps, and the chance to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport at any time and drive to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu.
Gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: bed, dinner, and breakfast included.
Complete the necessary registration formalities at Machame Gate and begin trekking through a beautiful, lush forest. You will stop for a picnic lunch en route.
Set up camp at Machame Camp (9,800 ft).
5-6 hours walking
Leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather.
The trail climbs steadily through rocky hills with wide views of the Shira Plateau (11,000 ft).
From your camp near Shira Hut (12,600 ft), take in unforgettable views of Mt. Meru as it floats among the clouds.
4-5 hours walking
A morning of sustained ascent and panoramic views brings you to lunch near Lava Tower (14,900 ft).
The trail then descends to the bottom of Barranco Valley (12,800 ft), where you stay at the spectacular Barranco Camp, sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below.
7-9 hours walking
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields.
The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to your camp at Karanga Camp (13,100 ft), the last water point on the approach to the summit.
5-7 hours walking
Follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) for lunch.
There is a short acclimatisation hike to the plateau at the bottom of the southeast valley (15,700 ft).
The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the early morning final ascent.
3-5 hours walking
Start your ascent at about 1 a.m. to be on the crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags.
A slow but steady pace will take you to Stella Point (18,800 ft) in about five or six hours.
Rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area.
The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshments, it continues down to the final campsite, Millenium Camp (12,500 ft).
11-15 hours walking
A sustained descent on a well-constructed path takes you through a lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong.
Your route winds down to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Mweka (5,400 ft), and through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village.
Head to your lodging in Arusha.
4-6 hours walking
Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: bed, dinner, and breakfast included.
Head to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight.
Where this trip takes you
Machame Gate rainforest, Shira Plateau, Southern Icefield, Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
VAT on tourism activities and park fees
Return transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha and from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport
Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb, with dinner and breakfast included (double occupancy)
Transfer from your hotel to the starting point for your climb, and return to your hotel after your climb
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits
Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only - not as a summiting aid)
Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
Qualified, English-speaking Kilimanjaro mountain guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook
Salaries for the mountain crew as per guidelines set by Kilimanjaro National Park
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables, and sleeping mattress)
Water for washing up daily
Porter to carry your duffel bag (maximum weight 15 kg / 32 lbs) from one camp to the next
Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
A comprehensive Climbing Kilimanjaro travel info pack
Flying Doctor Service
Flights and airport taxes
Items of a personal nature
Compulsory tips for guides, porters, and cook (average tip is anything from US $230 to US $300 per hiker, depending on the number of days, how many hikers are in the group, and the route chosen)
South African passport holders do not require a visa for Tanzania; however, most other nationalities require a visa for Tanzania
Health requirements (Yellow Fever compulsory if travelling to Tanzania recommended)
Highly recommended travel and medical insurance
Personal hiking/trekking gear - some of the gear can be rented from our equipment store in Tanzania
Optional but highly recommended portable toilet
Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets
Meals and drinks not specified, and snacks
Tips and any items of a personal nature
The best months to climb Kilimanjaro:
Normally, March, April, and May are the months with long rains and should be avoided. November is usually the short-rains season, but it does not often rain every day, so climbing is possible. The best months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are January, February, and also August and September. July can be colder, and November to December can be wet. January to February are the warmest months, with skies almost clear of clouds each evening and morning. The success rates with our guides are outstanding compared to the overall success rates for all climbers who attempt to reach the top.
Logistics
Your 9 days finish where they began, in Kilimanjaro Airport Rd.
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