Marangu Route 5 Days Kilimanjaro Climb
TOUR OVERVIEW
The Machame route 7 days is a camping trip on Kilimanjaro, which allows for excellent acclimatization and a particularly varied landscape. The 7 days Machame route is known as the Whiskey Route, as alcohol is prohibited on Kilimanjaro, we recommend the Machame Route ‘Without the Whiskey’! Our most economical option, this is a popular route that can be busy due to easy access to Moshi.
The Machame route 7 days offers a variety of views, landscapes and experiences. We recommend 6 over 7 days as the extra day makes a big difference to your success rate, improves acclimatization and allows for two easier days before the long summit climb.
- Max Altitude: 5895m
- Transport: To & From the mountain
- Meals: Full board
ROUTE MAP
DAY BY DAY TOUR
If you have chosen the optional airport transfer, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to Panama hotel in Moshi or similar hotel. Pre-trek briefing at the Moshi hotel. You should plan to arrive at least one day before the tour starts. We will spend today with a pre-excursion briefing. We review your equipment and rent the necessary equipment.
After breakfast and orientation, you will be taken to the gate of the Kilimanjaro National Park (approx. 1 hour), register and start climbing. Walk through the rainforest to Mandara Camp. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to explore the area, including northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look for towering eucalyptus trees, birdlife and Colobus monkeys in the rainforest.
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft-2700m/8875ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: lunch and dinner
You leave the clearings of the rainforest and follow an uphill path across the open moorland to Horombo Camp. There are amazing views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peak. Look for giant lobelias and brambles. You may start to feel the effects of the altitude.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft-3700m/12200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Tour time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Going up, we pass the last watering point, walking up to the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Vegetation begins with the upper layer, but then disappears in the “moonscape”. Dinner, rest and preparation for the summit.
- Elevation Gain: 3,700 m/12,200 ft – 4,700 m/15,500 ft
- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- Tour time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: alpine desert
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200f - Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. 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).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at the Marangu gate to take you back to your hotel in Moshi (approx. 60 minutes).
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Exclusions
- Tanzania Visa
- International and domestic flights
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
