TOUR DETAILS

AVT 2.0 MT. KILIMANJARO CLIMB (Machame Route) – 10 DAYS

The Machame, often called the “Whiskey Route”, is a scenically beautiful trail, longer Kili all Team Togetherand much gentler than Umbwe or Rongai Routes. Our itinerary provides valuable acclimatization to the altitude by having extra, but shorter, walking days during the trek to the 19,340 foot summit and return.

TOUR ITINERARY

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Day 1 – Arrival/Arusha
Upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by a driver/guide and transferred to the Ilboru Safari Lodge, just north of nearby Arusha, for the night. The lodge is located on the slope of Mt. Meru, at a higher altitude than Arusha city, in order to begin your acclimatizing before ascending to the higher altitudes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Overnight at Ilboru Safari Lodge.
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Day 2 – Arusha National Park
Visit Arusha National Park to view wild animals found on typical safaris, including buffalo, wildebeests, dik-diks, giraffes, and various primates. Return to the lodge for a late lunch and relaxation. Before dinner, meet with your guide to receive a briefing on the trekking plans, and review the packing of your gear. Overnight at Ilboru Safari Lodge.
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Day 3 – Kili trekking
From Arusha, drive to the Machame Park Gate, and do a gentle climb up through the original montane forest carpeted with unique “busy lizzie” flowers, begonias and ferns. Your first camp will be among the giant heather at 3,000m/10,000ft at Machame Camp. The ascent will be 1,200m/3,600 ft and 5-6 hours of walking. Overnight at Machame Camp.
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Day 4 – Kili trekking
Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through fine open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3,840m/12,650ft. There you will see herds of eland, and maybe an occasional lion! Also, there are fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera which can be viewed during a half hour optional walk in the afternoon. The ascent will be 840m/2,500ft and 4-5 hours walking. Overnight at Shira Camp.
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Day 5 – Kili trekking
From Shira climb towards the main peak, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high altitude desert to volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and under the imposing Western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for mid–way camp at 3,950m/12,900ft. This will be 5-7 hours walking and only a 110m total ascent – after having climbed high and dropping down low to sleep and assist acclimatization. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
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Day 6 – Kili trekking
Climb the steep Barranco Wall, which includes some sections of very easy scrambling, and drop down again to the Karanga Valley at 3,800m/12,700ft. This is a short walking day, 3-4 hours, with an optional acclimatization hike in the afternoon up onto the scree below the glaciers. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
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Day 7 – Kili trekking
Climb up to Barafu Camp, perched high on a rocky bluff at 4,750m/ 15,200ft. Fantastic views across to Mawenzi Peak and a bit less to climb tomorrow morning! This is another short walking day, about 4 hours, 950m, with less exertion and a good rest in the afternoon immediately before the hard summit day. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
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Day 8 – Kili trekking/Summit
Around midnight, enjoy breakfast and start to climb the steep frozen scree. This is unavoidable on any route, but we aim to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise, and in another 40 minutes you will be at the highest point on the continent 5,895m/19,340ft, usually in warm sunshine! Ascend 1,300m/4,000ft over the seven hours trek to the summit. Enjoy standing at the highest point on the African Continent, and then descend over 2-3 hours back to Barafu Camp for lunch. Return on the Mweka descent route. After lunch continue trek descent 1,700m/ 5,000ft over 3-5 hours to the Mweka Camp at 3,000m/10,000ft. This is a long, hard day but you will feel absolutely ecstatic when you have finished! Enjoy dinner and a good night’s rest. Overnight at Mweka Camp
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Day 9 – Kili trekking/Arusha
A morning descent of 4-5 hours through the forest brings us to Mweka Gate, where you collect your well-earned certificate and meet our vehicle for transfer to a hotel in Arusha. Dinner and overnight at the Ilboru Safari Lodge.
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Day 10 – Arusha/Departure
In the morning, you can shop for goods and souvenirs around Arusha, then back to the hotel for lunch, with a dayroom prepared for you to relax and pack. Enjoy an early evening dinner, and afterwards transfer to the airport for departure home, or extend your African experience with one of the available options.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR TREKKERS

Optional extensions include: photo safari to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Serengeti National Parks; walking safari; chimpanzee tracking; Zanzibar adventure

General information for trekkers

Accommodations while camping is in 3-person mountain tents shared by only 2 people. Vehicles or local porters will carry all your gear; you only have to carry a daypack with your personal belongings. During camping, you will not have to participate in camp chores. We buy fresh produce locally, and to ensure good standards of hygiene, all food is prepared by our own staff. We cater for special dietary requirements, and there are no extra food charges. We can also arrange extra hotel bookings and airport transfers for before and after your trip.

Please note

We do not post our pricing on our website so we can customize your trip to fit your exact needs. We pride ourselves on our very affordable and competitive pricing, and the flexibility in scheduling and arranging every detail of your trip. The best way to communicate with us is by email. Please send your contact information, general trip plans and questions to info@elevatetrekkingandsafaris.com to start planning your next adventure. See below for what is included and what is excluded in the price of this trip.

INCLUDES

Price quote includes
All ground transport – 4WD safari vehicles; guarantee of window-seating
Accommodations, as detailed, in comfortable and roomy hotels/lodges or tents when camping
Camping equipment, except sleeping bags and insulation mats, while Kili trekking, and we can arrange to have these items rented
Services of guides, cooks and porters
All national park entrance and camp site fees
All food — breakfasts, (packed) lunches, and dinners
High altitude emergency equipment (Garmow Bag, oxygen and pulse oximeter) during the climb
Private portable flushing and chemical toilet while trekking
Katadyn Combi Microfilter, to filter drinking water while trekking
Flying doctors evacuation service
Price quote excludes
International flights
Travel and personal accident insurance
Visa, passport, vaccinations, medicines
Tips/gratuities
Expenditure for alcoholic drinks and soda at lodges/hotels
Souvenirs and personal items
Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary
Any additional services requested