Machame Extra Acclimatization
Tour Highlights
The Machame or “Whiskey” route is a popular option on Mount Kilimanjaro. This route offers the good scenic variety of five vegetation zones, the Shira Plateau, to the great Barranco Valley well known for its ancient Giant-Groundsel (Senecio) trees. You will take in the extraordinary views extending hundreds of miles including views of the magnificent southern Ice fields and Mawenzi Peak. When trekking Machame route, we strongly recommend this 7 day option which offers much better acclimatization – and therefore better summit success rates – than Machame 6 day option.
Client feedback on this route:
Climb: Exceeded expectations. We had K2 as our main guide. Tumaini was his assistant guide. They were fantastic, we couldn’t ask more from them. The cook was great, and he had to make an extra effort as two of us are gluten intolerant so he did a great job. From Roddy M, July 2014
Climb: Exceeded Expectations. Agger was awesome. He is knowledgeable, genuine and an all around good guy. Many of the other guides were also helpful and nice to talk with. I liked the opportunity to get to know them. From Harman N, May 2014
Climb: Exceeded Expectations. Overall, had an incredible trip. Am so impressed with the level of attention to detail and the care that our group received from SPS. Would not climb Kili with any other group. Incredible guide service, gave us such personalized attention. Really knowledgeable and everyone went above and beyond to make sure that we had a great trek. Incredible food on the mountain; cannot believe what the chef was able to pull off at such high altitudes. Anonymous, 2014
Safari Itinerary
A short drive brings us to the Machame trailhead (~5,700’). After the climbers and crew have checked in with the park rangers, we will hike up through the montane forests, winding up the mossy jungle, making our way to Machame Hut camp.
Hiking: 6-8 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~9,900′
After breakfast, our hike continues through the forest. We will take our time, soaking in the scenery as we make our way through the moorlands. We will be treated to spectacular views of Kibo peak.
Hiking: 6-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,500′
Today is a long day but lots of acclimatization as you climb high, sleep low. We will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (~15,000’) for lunch, before descending to the Barranco valley. For those who have energy, and if time and weather permit, there’s the possibility to scramble up the Lava Tower itself. The scenery is amazing today, passing through different zones of the mountain.
Hiking: 6-8 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~13,500′
Today you’ll continue to acclimatize and let your body adjust to these higher altitudes, in preparation for your upcoming summit push. Climb the steep Barranco Wall and then go up and down several ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga camp. There will likely be time for an acclimatization hike in the afternoon.
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~13,500′
Today you’ll continue your circuit and arrive at your final camp before the summit (Barafu camp). Some ups and downs along ridges and valleys along the way. You’ll have an early supper, sleep for a few hours, and then arise at about 11:00 PM to start tomorrow’s summit ascent.
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~15,100′
Start hiking at around midnight, using your headlamps to lead the way slowly up to Stella Point and then the summit. Due to the altitude, you will hike slowly, and will need to dress warmly for the cold. After celebrating with photos at the summit, descend down to Mweka camp.
Hiking: 6-7 hours ascent to the summit, then 6-9 hours of descent
Summit: ~19,341′
Overnight Altitude: ~10,500′
We make the final descent through the rain forest to Mweka Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner.
Hiking: 3-5 hours
INCLUSIONS
Group climb prices are in US Dollars, per person, based on twin or double occupancy. Our prices include ground transportation to and from the trailhead, guides, porters, park fees (these and any government mandated taxes/fees are subject to government increase after booking), 2 nights lodging before the climb and one night after the climb (usually at Planet Lodge, but other options are possible too), all meals during the climb and some meals while staying at hotels/lodges, portable camping toilet in a privacy tent, safety/emergency gear including Gamow bag (hyperbaric chamber), oxygen (brought for emergencies not routine use), pulse oximeter, group first aid kit. Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro or Arusha town airports, or hotels/bus station in Arusha) are included but only if you arrive and depart on the assigned group dates. For arrivals and departures on other dates we charge airport transfer fees extra.
Single Supplement
If you request a single room/tent, we charge a single supplement of $700 US Dollars. If you are traveling solo and willing to share a room/tent, we charge a single supplement of $700 US Dollars but it is waived if a room-mate/tent-mate can be found for you (ie someone else in the group of the same gender is available and willing to share). In the rare case of a climb with only one person in the group, the client may eat meals in the cook tent rather than having a separate mess tent, table and chairs just for one person.
EXCLUSIONS
Our prices exclude flights, tips/gratuities, bottled water/beverages at lodges, and travel visas.
