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The Machame Route is one of the most scenic routes and popular trails on Mount Kilimanjaro due to its high success rate.
According to Kilimanjaro National Park statistics, about 60% of climbers ascend Kilimanjaro using the Machame Trail. The route is very scenic, providing trekkers with incredible views and varying landscapes.
A wonderful trip in 7 days and a great chance to climb to the top. The climb starts from Machame Gate at 1800 meters and approaches the southwest side of the mountain. The first day involves a climb through the majestic rainforest to Machame Camp. before continuing up the mountain to reach Shira Camp, where the Lemosho route joins from the west. From here, you traverse the southern side of the mountain to Barranco via Lava Tower and climb the Great Barranco Wall on your way to Barafu Camp. After reaching the summit, you will descend by the Mweka Trail rather than retracing your steps along the ascent route.
The Machame route is nicknamed the ‘Whiskey Route’ as they considered it more difficult than the ‘Coca Cola Route’, the nickname for the Marangu route. In reality, it is not more technically difficult but is longer and, in some 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.
Transport: Private transfer (0.8 hour, 40 km)
Accomodation: Hotel
Transport: Private transfer (0.8 hour, 30 km)
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Ascent: 1200 m
Max. altitude: 3000 m
Accomodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Ascent: 850 m
Max. altitude: 3850 m
Accomodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Ascent: 750 m
Descent: 650 m
Max. altitude: 4600 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Transport: Private transfer (0.8 hour, 30 km)
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Ascent: 1200 m
Max. altitude: 3000 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Transport: Private transfer (0.8 hour, 30 km)
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Ascent: 1200 m
Max. altitude: 3000 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Hiking time: 14 – 16 hours
Ascent: 1295 m
Descent: 2795 m
Max. altitude: 5895 m
Accomodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Transport: Private transfer (0.5 hour, 17 km)
Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
Descent: 1300 m
Max. altitude: 3100 m
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Transport: Private transfer (0.8 hour, 40 km)
Meals included: Breakfast
DIFFICULTY
The Machame route is considered relatively tough. Depending on your level of fitness, you will be trekking for 6-7 hours nearly every day, at increasingly higher altitude. For the summit ascent, you will need to be prepared for a whopping 12-15 hours on your feet! Climbing up for 6-8 hours and descending back down for 6-7 hours. Arriving in great physical conditionand with a tough mental “Kandoo” attitude will be your key to success!
Novice climbers are sometimes nervous about how they will cope with the Great Barranco Wall, but this is just a short scramble that is really not that tricky – you will be helped by your guide every step of the way. One stride around a rock outcrop is the most precarious part you will experience. Thousands of climbers safely travel this route each year, let alone the Kilimanjaro porters carrying heavy loads.
FOOD & DRINK
Staying well-fed on your climb is absolutely vital, especially when conditions are such that you might not want to eat or drink as much as you should. Because so many climbers experience a loss of appetite at altitude, our head chef has developed special menu plans that are appealing, healthy, and filled with all the energy you need to make it to the summit. By default, our meals include fresh fruit and vegetables every day. You will have fresh meat for the first part of the trek and on the southern routes where it is feasible we resupply the group at Karanga Camp. As a special reward after your summit ascent, we’ll have an “All Day English Breakfast” ready and waiting for you when you arrive back at Base Camp – just let our cook know how you like your eggs done! And before you leave the mountain, you also get to sample some of the local Tanzanian cuisine such as Njegere and Machalari.
ACCOMMODATION
TRANSPORT
LUGGAGE
CLIMBING BAG WEIGHT
On 1st June 2019, Tanzania introduced a ban on all single-use plastic bags. Please support this fight against plastic by using more sustainable alternatives in your luggage, such as packing cubes and dry bags. Passengers with plastic bags in their luggage may be asked to surrender them on arrival at the airport.
The zip-lock bags required to carry liquids and toiletries in cabin baggage on airplanes will still be permitted.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
FITNESS AND TRAINING
Please take some time to read our Kilimanjaro Training Guide which is full of helpful tips on how to get physically prepared for your climb.
BUDGET & CHANGE
TIPS
We work closely with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project and they have recommended the following tipping procedure. To give you a guide, KPAP recommended tips for porters are in the range of $6-10/day per porter. For other roles we recommend $20/day for guides, $12-15/day for assistant guides and $12-15/day for cooks. These figures are per group, not per climber. You will be sent a copy of the tip recommendations and the estimated crew numbers for your group. The size of your crew can only be confirmed on the first day of the climb once all the bags and equipment have been weighed at the park gate. At the first camp you will be advised of the final number of crew and their position on the climb.
You may also find on your summit attempt that some of the porters accompany the group to provide additional assistance. This is an additional task that they carry out in order to support you having the best chance of reaching the summit. Please show your appreciation for any help you receive by tipping these porters directly. We would suggest an extra tip of $20.
The tipping announcement will take place on the last night on the mountain when all the crew will gather together to celebrate with you. One representative from your group should say a few words of thanks, which will be translated by the lead guide into kiSwahili.
Due to recent thefts on Kilimanjaro, we no longer advise our clients to carry cash with them during the climb, so the actual tip money will be presented when you return to your hotel. Your group will be supplied with envelopes to assist with the distribution of tips – one envelope for the porters and a separate envelope that you can use to tip your lead guide, assistant guides and cook. Three porter representatives will come to the hotel to accept the tip envelope on behalf of all the porters, and they will distribute the money themselves.
PASSPORT
All travellers will need a passport which will remain valid for at least 6 months longer than your expected visit. You will also need to present proof that you have a return ticket, and proof that you have sufficient money to support yourself during your stay in Tanzania.
Each traveller is responsible for sorting out their own passport and visa requirements, and we cannot offer much assistance in this matter. If you do not yet have a passport, apply for one early, as they can take some time to arrive. If you already have a passport, double check when it expires.
Novice climbers are sometimes nervous about how they will cope with the Great Barranco Wall, but this is just a short scramble that is really not that tricky – you will be helped by your guide every step of the way. One stride around a rock outcrop is the most precarious part you will experience. Thousands of climbers safely travel this route each year, let alone the Kilimanjaro porters carrying heavy loads.
VISA
While Tanzania is a Commonwealth country, UK citizens definitely do need a tourist visa to enter. This is also true for citizens of Australia, New Zealand, India, United States, Canada and most EU countries. Citizens of countries not mentioned should contact their nearest embassy or high commission to check visa requirements. Visas usually cost in the neighbourhood of USD50 (around GBP40), but some visas from the US can cost USD100. Tanzanian visas expire three months after they are issued, so be careful not to apply too soon.
Visas can be purchased upon arrival at Kilimanjaro international Airport (IATA code: JRO), but the immigration authority has recently changed the procedure and you can expect long queues, and for the process to take two hours or more. The Tanzanian High Commission has stressed that they have the right to deny visas applied for on arrival. We have never had a report of this happening, but it is a danger best avoided.
For these reasons, we highly recommend that travellers get their visa in advance if at all possible.
It is also now possible to apply for your Tanzania visa online. Please read the Visa Application Guidelines carefully before beginning your application to ensure you apply for the correct type of visa, and that you are planning on entering Tanzania through one of the approved entry points.
Where to obtain a Tanzanian visa
– Any Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission
– The Tanzania Immigration Services website
– Entry points to Tanzania: Any gazetted entry point, including international airports.
– In Dar Es Salaam: The Office of the Director of Immigration Services
– In Zanzibar: The Office of the Principal Immigration Officer
Please be advised that, whilst we make every effort to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information, travel requirements can change quickly and sometimes without notice. We urge you to double check the visa and passport requirements for your trip, consult with an embassy or consulate, or use a reputable visa agency, such as www.thevisacompany.com.
VACCINATIONS
INSURANCE
HEALTH
Malaria and Mosquitoes
The entire Kilimanjaro region is the home of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, and you are at risk of contracting malaria at least until you climb above 3000 metres. Above that, mosquitoes can not survive. A bout of malaria can ruin your entire trip and end your climb early, so it is best to protect yourself.
Your doctor can prescribe anti-malarial medications, but we also recommend wearing long sleeves and trousers, as well as using a good mosquito repellent that contains DEET the entire time you are below 3000 metres.
Avoiding diarrhoea
Make sure that your hygiene is as good as possible to avoid picking up a stomach upset. Needless to say, a bout of diarrhoea can make a week-long strenuous ascent unpleasant or even impossible.
On the climb itself, we make sure that your food is pure and uncontaminated, and that all of your water is treated with WaterGuard purification tablets. Before your trek, though, you will have to protect yourself.
Make sure you follow these simple rules at all times:
If you are not absolutely certain water is pure, do not drink it.
Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, and before eating or handling food of any kind.
Do not eat raw vegetables or salads. Cooked, preferably boiled veggies only.
Avoid any cold drinks, and ice of any kind.
Water from sealed bottles is generally fine, as are fizzy drinks, wine and beer. Hot tea and coffee are good, as they have just been boiled.
If you do get diarrhoea, the most important thing you can do is to stay hydrated. The best thing to drink is a rehydration solution like Dioralyte. Read more about dehydration below.
Over the counter medicines like Immodium (or anything containing loperamide) are only for short term, mild diarrhoea. Some doctors recommend taking a single, 500mg dose of Ciprofxin, or any ciprofloxacin antibiotic in an emergency situation. This is a prescription medicine, and you should discuss it with your doctor before your trip.
Preventing dehydration
Even if you avoid diarrhoea, you can easily become dehydrated at high altitudes. The lower air pressure forces you to breathe more quickly and deeply, and you lose a lot of water through your lungs. You will also be exerting yourself, and sweating.
The upshot is, as you might expect, that you will have to drink more water. You need to drink at least 3 litres of fluids every day while climbing. Even when you don’t feel thirsty you have to drink this amount as a minimum – preferably more. This is particularly important on the final day when you attempt the summit and could mean the difference between success or failure.
On summit night you should drink at least half a litre (preferably a whole litre) before you set off. We will also supply you with 2 litres of water to fill your own water bottles or hydration bladder. Make sure it does not freeze! Wrapping the bottles in thick socks or otherwise insulating them is usually enough.
Stay on the look-out for signs of dehydration in yourself and your fellow climbers. The most common symptoms include thirst, dry lips, nose or mouth, headache and feeling fatigued or lethargic. If you think you may be dehydrated, there are two ways to tell:
The colour of your urine. Clear or light straw-coloured urine means you are probably not dehydrated. Yellow or orange wee means you have not been drinking enough, and you need to up your fluid intake quickly.
Pinch or press firmly on an area of exposed skin. If it does not spring back instantly, or stays pale and bloodless for more than a second or two, you are probably dehydrated.
Remember to keep drinking on the way down the mountain, as well.
Sunburn and UV Protection
While a high climb is hardly a day at the seaside, you will be vulnerable to sunburn if not properly protected. The thin atmosphere at high altitudes blocks much less UV radiation, even on cloudy days.
The three most important things you can do to avoid sunburn are:
Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to your face, nose and ears at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun, and reapply regularly. High SPF lip balm is also a must.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, nose and ears.
Wear UV-protective sunglasses, category 2-4.
At higher altitudes the sun’s rays are intensified and even on a cloudy day they can penetrate through and still burn you. And do not forget that the sun is at its strongest between 10:00-14:00 hours each day.
Eating well
Many climbers experience loss of appetite at high altitudes. This is a real problem, as you will be burning an extra 2000 or more calories a day, and not replacing them can cause real problems, especially when you attempt the summit.
Just like staying hydrated, you have to eat heartily even if you are not hungry. Meals heavy in carbohydrates are best, because they are easier to digest at high altitudes and provide long-term energy.
The summit ascent is different. You will not have a big, heavy meal which might slow you down on the most intensive part of the climb, but rather a light snack and a hot drink. It is important to keep plenty of small snacks with you on this leg, as you will have to keep your energy levels high. Also, make sure they do not freeze – so keep them in pockets underneath your jacket, or in an insulated bag like your daypack.
Summit snacks should be chosen carefully. Take a favourite treat to make it easier to eat when you do not feel hungry, but avoid anything with honey or syrup, or anything chewy as they are likely to freeze tooth-crackingly solid above 5000 metres. Chocolate, nuts and seeds, biscuits, savoury snacks and boiled sweets are generally better choices.
Body temperature
Every mountain has its own climate, and Kilimanjaro has several different weather zones at different heights and on different faces of the mountain. Conditions change quickly, and you will be moving between zones as well. A hot and dry day can be followed immediately by snow or rain. Wearing a layered outfit is generally the wisest way to make sure you stay healthy and reasonably comfortable in all conditions.
Above all, make sure to wear warm, wind-and water-proof, breathable clothing on your climb. Get high quality gear too, as this is definitely the real thing. Storms, high winds and freezing temperatures must be expected, and poor quality equipment will fail.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), hypobaropathy and soroche, is an illness caused by exposure to the low air pressure, especially low partial pressure of oxygen, which many climbers experience at high altitudes.
AMS is caused by exerting yourself at high altitudes, especially if you have not been properly acclimatised. It is most common at altitudes above 2400 metres. Kilimanjaro is nearly 6000m above sea level. At this height, the air pressure (and the amount of oxygen it contains) is less than half that at sea level, and has been said to be comparable to working with only one lung.
AMS can be serious, especially as it can be debilitating, and it generally occurs far from places where medical treatment can be easily administered.
Not everyone suffers from AMS, of course, and it is very difficult to predict who is or is not vulnerable to it. Generally speaking, a fit person is less vulnerable than an unfit person, because their cardiovascular system can operate at low pressures longer without as much strain. Even so, anyone can be vulnerable at altitudes above 3500 metres, no matter their fitness level, if they have not spent some time getting used to the low atmospheric pressures first.
Avoiding Altitude Sickness
1. Walk high, sleep low. It is best to gradually climb higher each day, then descend lower to sleep. This lets you gradually become accustomed to lower pressures, and then recover somewhat overnight.
2. Slow and steady. You need to keep your respiration rate low enough to maintain a normal conversation. If you are panting or breathing hard, you must slow down. Overworking your heart and lungs substantially increases your chance of becoming ill.
3. Drink much more water than you think you need. Proper hydration helps acclimatisation dramatically. You need to drink at least three litres each day. As dehydration presents many of the same symptoms as altitude sickness, your chances of being allowed to continue are best if you stay hydrated.
4. Diamox. The general consensus of the research is that Diamox is helpful in avoiding AMS. We use it when climbing Kilimanjaro. We recommend you google Diamox and its effects yourself. It is a prescription drug, and you should consult with your doctor before taking it.
MEDICATION
Your guide carries a first aid kit at all times but we recommend you carry the following items: – Painkillers – Anti-inflammatory tablets/gel – Second Skin Elastoplast (to prevent blisters)/ bandages – Sunscreen for lips and skin – After sun cream (for sunburn) – Any personal medication
EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED BY KANDOO ADVENTURES
If you’ve decided to rent gear, then below is a list of equipment available. Just let our team know what you’d like to hire at your Pre-Climb Briefing. All payments are made locally in US Dollars (cash only).
CLOTHING TO BRING
UPPER BODY
FEET
Visas can be purchased upon arrival at Kilimanjaro international Airport (IATA code: JRO), but the immigration authority has recently changed the procedure and you can expect long queues, and for the process to take two hours or more. The Tanzanian High Commission has stressed that they have the right to deny visas applied for on arrival. We have never had a report of this happening, but it is a danger best avoided.
For these reasons, we highly recommend that travellers get their visa in advance if at all possible.
It is also now possible to apply for your Tanzania visa online. Please read the Visa Application Guidelines carefully before beginning your application to ensure you apply for the correct type of visa, and that you are planning on entering Tanzania through one of the approved entry points.
Where to obtain a Tanzanian visa
– Any Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission
– The Tanzania Immigration Services website
– Entry points to Tanzania: Any gazetted entry point, including international airports.
– In Dar Es Salaam: The Office of the Director of Immigration Services
– In Zanzibar: The Office of the Principal Immigration Officer
Please be advised that, whilst we make every effort to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information, travel requirements can change quickly and sometimes without notice. We urge you to double check the visa and passport requirements for your trip, consult with an embassy or consulate, or use a reputable visa agency, such as www.thevisacompany.com.
EQUIPMENT TO BRING
Strongly Advised Vaccinations
– Hepatitis A: This can be spread via contaminated food and water.
– Tetanus: Tetanus is often present in the soil, and can contaminate open wounds easily. Tetanus vaccine should be used every ten years if travelling.
– Typhoid: Typhoid can also be spread via contaminated food and water, and poor hygiene.
– Diphtheria: This potentially fatal disease is spread mainly via spit, but occasionally through contact with cuts on the skin.
– Yellow Fever: This can be contracted by being bitten by a contaminated mosquito. This vaccination is not essential if you are arriving directly in Tanzania. You do need it though if you plan to arrive through any country that is subject to yellow fever. Simply stopping over at an airport in an affected country should not require vaccination, but leaving the airport even briefly would make it necessary
Sometimes Advised Vaccinations
– Hepatitis B: This illness is spread via contact with blood or bodily fluids. It is many, many times more virulent than HIV/AIDS. Some 8% of the population of Tanzania are believed to carry the virus.
– Rabies: Rabies is spread via contact between the saliva of any infected animal and an open wound (including bites, but also licking existing wounds). Rabies is fatal unless treated, and treatment of an unvaccinated rabies patient can be very difficult in many parts of Tanzania.
– Tuberculosis: TB is generally contracted through inhaling airborne sputum.
– Cholera: Cholera is spread via contaminated food and water, and poor hygiene.
– Measles: This disease is spread through inhaling sputum.
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. We recommend you only book a trip that reflects your ability.
ExcellentBased on 6 reviewsWilton Backer2023-04-23A new Northern adventure At a moment, I thought why wouldn't I do it again, the Northern circuit could be the best experience, I decided to go with Hike Kilimanjaro, and everything and I was amused of how the team they had generosity and great experience, the services are top notch, healthy and fresh food each day. I am truly glad I had another spectacular journey to the Mountain Tanzania is my home now.steven t2023-04-20Lemosho Route -Kilimanjari hiking. A few weeks ago my friends and i had a great adventure organized by The HK -Hiking Kilimanjaro company, following the lemosho trail. Guides Sam and Bone, a long with the rest of the group (inredible Chef Hassan, eric Mr Tembo, were such a pleasure to be around. Definitely made its to be the summit because of them! From the tent, to the selicious meals (2/4 of us are vegetarian and this was no problem- would really reccomended the veggie option:) washy washy and walking routes, daily briefings-everthing was great. We really enjoyed our experience and would highly reccommend to book with Hiking Kilimanjaro Company Hk.Paul S2023-04-20Our hike with The Kilimanjaro fighters team (HK) preparing for our hike, Hiking KilimanjaroCompany (HK) provided us with a detail list of supplies needed and if you followed their list you had everything you needed. Our 4 guides were experts at their jobs and payed close attention to each of us and our needs. R success climbing the mountain was because of their guidanceThe Kilimanjaro fighters team are some of the hardest workers I have ever met and all so kind and did the best job. Our food made by our chef was always good and he also accommodated to each of our needs as the aroseHiking Kilimanjaro (hk) went above and beyond with their kindness and helpJohn N2023-04-20Highly recommend Hiking Kilimanjaro [HK] for climbing Kilimanjaro What an amazing adventure! Hiking Kilimanjaro [HK] The Kilimanjaro fighters Team provided us with the greatest guide, cook and porter staff we could have asked for. Safety was their number one priority and because of that, all 8 of my climbing group summited together! Cannot recommend this group enough. If you go, ask for Samuel as your guide!George Ballis2023-03-02great experience best guides I don’t even know where to start; I feel so fortunate to have Jordan as our leading guide on the trip, Knowledgeable and very smart, The porters were so kind and made our life great felt like am going to another part of life, The people here are so friendly and bent over backward to help us.All in all, this trip was magical. It was so much more than a hike! I recommend Hiking Kilimanjaro without any reservation and if allowed I would have given them 10 starsTianye Li2023-03-02A very great experience Very good experience. Great and so friendly warm heart stuff! Definitely worth it !!! Will absolutely come back and recommend to others!
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