Machame Route Kilimanjaro 6 Days and 5 Nights or “Whiskey Route”

From

Duration

Tour Type

Overview

Dubbed “Whiskey” Route since it is more difficult than the “coca-cola” Route.In reality, it is not more technically difficult, but is longer and in places steeper. The longer distance and the opportunity to ‘walk high, sleep low’ offer much better acclimatization and as a result a very high success rate.

The Machame route is a good seven day hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes, with an effective extra day’s acclimatization, giving a better success rate.

Our Hiking Tricks

✅ Ski sticks will come in handy during the ascent to the summit. They also help protect your knees when treading downhill.

✅ Filling your bottle at night with hot water provides a comforting heat pad to slip in your bag or beneath your pillow

✅ Powdered drink mix/sport’s mix helps with maintaining hydration(Tang,Gatorade,Lemonade)

✅ Find a hiking pace you can keep all day

✅ Don’t forget to pack some of your favorite snacks for a break on the trail.

 

MORE INFORMATION.

 

ACCOMMODATION

Accomodation on the route is in two person tents or in huts.Choice of lodging is part your preference or part availability.Tents are also erected for you when you arrive although if you want them erected in a particular position it is worth taking charge.

It is also worth noting that huts are generally warmer than tents,however,please note that there may be other trekking parties besides yours in the shelter.

ACCLIMATIZATION

This is important as it helps you avois complications and enjoy your ascent.The Route is planned to optimize height gain although you may still get a headache or feel nauseous.In this case what you should do is hydrate(water) copiously and walk at a very slow pace.

You may also want to use Diamox (a drug) from your doctor which is well proven to help with acclimatization.This is taken as tablets for a few days before and then during your ascent.It is safe and has no side effects.

It is important to remember that one possible effect of attitude is light-headedness and irrational decisions.The danger here is a person who is not well insisting on continuing.Stay on the look out for each other closely.

WATER AND HYDRATION

Water is available at several points and should be purified before drinking.Inquire with your guide about the nearest water points. Washrooms are available in the huts but not in the camps.Some camps have several and so its worth checking for the cleanest.If caught short during the trek,please find a spot as far as possible from the trail and water.Bury your faces and paper

TREKKING FITNESS

There is definitely no avoiding the steep ascents and high attitudes making robust physical fitness a prerequisite for any trip.You will want to consult your physician before undertaking this unforgettable adventure.

MOUNTAIN CUISINE

Menu’s for all climbs are specially prepared to provide a balanced diet.Our menu’s consists of fruits,vegetables,plenty of protein and carbohydrates.Our diets are specially selected and are easy to digest in high attitudes.

Dinner’s are typically a main course and a vegetable and salad.Chicken and fish are also served on some days.

Lunch on the trail consists of cold cuts and vegetables laid out on a table so you can make your own sandwich.Fresh hot soup is served after every meal.

Breakfast of your choice:Granola,fried eggs or French toast

KITCHEN HYGIENE

Our cooks are specially trained and an experienced chefs.We carefully curate and constantly review our menus.

Our cooks are extremely vigilant as far as hygiene practices in the kitchen are concerned.Please note that your own supply of energy chocolate bars is recommended.

Included/Exclude

Tour Plan

Leave Nairobi at 7.30am and drive to Moshi arriving in the evening.Dinner and overnight at zebra hotel
Transfer from your hotel to Machame Gate for registration. Our porters prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent along the forest trail to Machame Camp at 3000m.Overnight at the camp Hiking Time:6-7hrs Meals;BLD
After breakfast we start walking, leaving the rainforest behind, and continue our ascent, crossing a small valley and up to a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather. Our route now turns west into a river gorge until we reach Shira Cave Camp. It will be colder tonight than the previous night with temperatures possibly falling below freezing. Hiking Time;5-6hrs Meals;BLD
Today we will climb up to 4630M to the base of the Lava Tower for lunch and acclimatisation. This will be our toughest day so far and you may for the first time, feel the altitude. After lunch we will descend again to Barranco Camp, following the ‘walk high, sleep low’ golden rue of acclimatisation. Our descent to Barranco Camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall. Hiking Time;6-7hrs Meals;BLD
A short, but fun, day starting with a scramble to the top of the Great Barranco Wall. We then traverse over scree to the Karanga Valley (4400M) beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. We will stay overnight at Karanga campsite. Hiking Time;4 hrs Meals;BLD
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), you continue your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, heading in northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. You will stop for a short rest at Stella Point, where you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From here, you may encounter snow all the way on your ascent to the summit, Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. From the summit, you now make your descent straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, situated in the upper forest, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. You arrive late in the afternoon for dinner and overnight. Meals:BLD Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka, Distance: Approximately 7 kilometers ascent and 23 kilometers descent.
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Arusha.Dinner and Overnight Hiking Time:5-7hrs
After Breakfast, Transfer to Nairobi or Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport

Related Tours

Review Scores

No reviews yet

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

  • Quality
  • Location
  • Amenities
  • Services
  • Price