Machame route Kilimanjaro climb
| country: | Tanzania |
| location: | Kilimanjaro |
| trip type: | Very challenging trekking holidays |
| departures: | 2008: 13 Jul, 27 Jul, 10 Aug, 24 Aug, 7 Sep, 21 Sep, 14 Dec, 28 Dec 2009: 11 Jan, 25 Jan, 8 Feb, 22 Feb, 8 Mar |
| price: | From £1270 (10 days) excluding flights. Single supplement available. We can arrange flights from the UK. |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Ascending Africa’s highest peak through lush rainforest, alpine meadows and barren ‘lunar’ landscapes is a truly memorable experience. The Machame route offers fantastic views, a great variety of vegetation and, most importantly, an improved chance of reaching the summit as it includes two extra acclimatisation days.
The Machame route is the most scenic on the mountain and is also longer – you will circle halfway around the peak, enjoying great views from all perspectives. If you are physically fit and have some hiking experience, then this is the route for you.
For nearly 30 years, we have lead the field in small group adventure travel. See the iconic sights as well as get off the beaten track to discover the 'real' country, and come away understanding something more of the world. Our innovative and interactive itineraries include as much as possible to ensure that you get the most out of your valuable time away, but also contain plenty of time to relax and explore by yourself.
Traveling in small group, and by private transport, means that you will have the company of other like-minded travelers, your holiday will be safe and stress-free and that the impact on environment and community is kept to a minimum. As part of our responsible travel policy we also employ local leaders and actively avoid international hotel chains, preferring to give our patronage to authentic, centrally-located and owner-managed establishments whenever possible. Our locally born and raised leaders are great fun and will be a great part of your holiday because of their intimate knowledge of the sights, culture and customs, history and language of their homeland. Once you have traveled with a local leader you will understand that there is no better way!
Includes: mountain guide, arrival transfer, transport and services of porters/cook on mountain, personal trek equipment (sleeping bag, duvet jacket, sleeping sheet, kit bag), accomodation (3 nights comfotable hotel, 6 nights spacious dome tent) and most meals (9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners).
The Machame route is the most scenic on the mountain and is also longer – you will circle halfway around the peak, enjoying great views from all perspectives. If you are physically fit and have some hiking experience, then this is the route for you.
For nearly 30 years, we have lead the field in small group adventure travel. See the iconic sights as well as get off the beaten track to discover the 'real' country, and come away understanding something more of the world. Our innovative and interactive itineraries include as much as possible to ensure that you get the most out of your valuable time away, but also contain plenty of time to relax and explore by yourself.
Traveling in small group, and by private transport, means that you will have the company of other like-minded travelers, your holiday will be safe and stress-free and that the impact on environment and community is kept to a minimum. As part of our responsible travel policy we also employ local leaders and actively avoid international hotel chains, preferring to give our patronage to authentic, centrally-located and owner-managed establishments whenever possible. Our locally born and raised leaders are great fun and will be a great part of your holiday because of their intimate knowledge of the sights, culture and customs, history and language of their homeland. Once you have traveled with a local leader you will understand that there is no better way!
Includes: mountain guide, arrival transfer, transport and services of porters/cook on mountain, personal trek equipment (sleeping bag, duvet jacket, sleeping sheet, kit bag), accomodation (3 nights comfotable hotel, 6 nights spacious dome tent) and most meals (9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners).
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive Nairobi and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2: | Private transfer from Nairobi to Arusha and then on to Moshi to our hotel. The final stretch of travel from Arusha to Moshi should offer views of this magnificent snow-capped mountain, really whetting your appetite for the forthcoming ascent. |
| Day 3: | Drive to Mt Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1800m). Trek to Machame Camp (3100m, 5-7 hours), gradually ascending through forest to a ridge between two streams, before eventually emerging into heather. |
| Day 4: | Trek to Shira Camp (3850m, 4-6 hours). Trekking through open moorland, the peak lies straight ahead of you, giving you inspiration on what is, at times, a rough days walk. |
| Day 5: | Acclimitisation day. Trek to 4250 metres, then on to Barranco Camp (3950m, 5-7 hours). The trek today takes you through high altitude desert, with glorious views of the Western Breach of Kibo. |
| Day 6: | Trek to Karanga Camp (4200m, 4 hours). Wonderful views are to be had of Kibo's southern glaciers if the weather is clear. |
| Day 7: | Trek to Barafu Camp (4600m, 4 hours). Barafu is the Swahili for 'ice' and it can be very cold here at night. |
| Day 8: | Summit Uhuru Peak (5895m, 6-8 hours). Descend to Mweka camp (3100m, 7-8 hours). |
| Day 9: | Trek to Mweka Park Gate and Mweka Village (1830m, 3-4 hours). Drive to Moshi for a a swim, a beer and a well deserved hot shower. |
| Day 10: | Private transfer from Moshi to Arusha and on to Nairobi. Tour ends upon arrival in Nairobi. |
how this holiday makes a difference
 Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and experience this epic adventure with the help of your local mountain guides and porters, who are proud to take you through this amazing part of the world that they live in. By scaling Africa’s most spectacular peak, travellers are made aware of the delicate nature of this beautiful and yet fragile environment and also the importance of preserving the area, so that it can be experienced by future generations. In their continuous support of tourism in Tanzania this operator is training their tour staff on a variety of issues, from environmental awareness to First Aid. This not only assists in the conduct of the trip but also provides them with important life skills. By employing staff born and bred in the region, they are supporting the local economy. Through offering employment and steady revenue, tourism can ultimately make a real positive difference to local communities. All their trekking staff are fully equipped with proper clothing, boots and trekking equipment. They are fully insured and are given medical assistance if required. In terms of safety, clients and staff are treated equally. On treks that venture beyond habitation this operator is one of very few companies that provides their porters with all their meals, tented accommodation, sleeping bags and insulated mats. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've lead the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |