6 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Trekking Tour

The Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Trekking Tour offers adventurers a challenging yet rewarding 6-day journey to the summit of Africa’s highest peak. Boasting comprehensive services and a meticulously planned itinerary, this tour guides trekkers through diverse ecosystems while providing the necessary support to maximize their chances of success. With experienced guides, quality equipment, and nourishing meals, the tour sets the stage for an unforgettable expedition. However, the true test lies in the determination and resilience of each climber as they push themselves to the limits of their endurance. The summit, with its breathtaking vistas, is the ultimate prize awaiting those who dare to embark on this thrilling adventure.

Key Points

• A comprehensive 6-day trekking tour along the Machame Route, the most scenic and popular route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
• Inclusive package with airport transfers, professional guides, high-quality camping equipment, and nutritious meals to fuel the climb.
• Accommodation in hotels during the tour and a focus on catering to the physical and mental challenges of the trek.
• Exclusions include obtaining a Tanzania visa, international and domestic flights, rental of personal trekking gear, and tips for the support staff.
• The tour starts with a drive to the Machame Gate trailhead, followed by a strenuous 5-7 hour hike through lush rainforests on the first day.

Included in the Tour Package

The Kilimanjaro climbing trekking tour package includes an airport pick-up and drop-off service, along with the salaries of professional and experienced mountain guides, porters, and a cook.

Participants will be provided with quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents on a twin-sharing basis, as well as a sleeping mattress, an emergency oxygen cylinder, and a quality mess tent with tables and chairs.

The package also covers fresh, healthy, and nutritious food, plus clean, purified drinking water.

Plus, conservation, camping/hut, and rescue fees, as well as the 18% VAT charged by the government, are all included.

Climbers will receive a Kilimanjaro summit certificate upon successful completion of the trek.

Accommodation and Meals Overview

This Kilimanjaro climbing trekking tour package also includes accommodation and meals, providing participants with a comfortable and nourishing experience throughout their journey.

Climbers will stay in hotels during the tour, and enjoy a total of 6 dinners, 6 breakfasts, and 6 lunches as part of the package. The nutritious meals will fuel the trekkers as they ascend the mountain, helping them maintain their energy levels and overall well-being.

With high-quality accommodation and a variety of delicious, healthy food options, this tour ensures that participants can focus on the physical and mental challenges of the climb, without worrying about their basic needs being met.

Exclusions From the Tour Package

While the Kilimanjaro climbing trekking tour package covers a range of essential expenses, it doesn’t include several key items that climbers must account for separately.

Travelers must obtain their own Tanzania visa prior to the trip, as this isn’t provided within the tour cost.

Plus, international and domestic flights to and from the starting point in Moshi aren’t included, requiring participants to book and pay for their own transportation arrangements.

On top of that, the package excludes the rental of any personal trekking equipment, which climbers may need to source and pay for independently.

Lastly, tips and gratuities for the guides, porters, and other support staff aren’t part of the included expenses, and climbers are expected to budget for these discretionary payments.

Meeting and Pickup Details

For this Kilimanjaro climbing trekking tour, travelers will meet at the Macpace Tours & Safaris Ltd office in Moshi, where they’ll be picked up and transported to the Machame Gate to begin the hike.

From the office, it’s a short drive to the starting point of the Machame Route. This route is one of the most popular and scenic ways to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The key meeting and pickup details are:

1. Meet at Macpace Tours & Safaris Ltd office in Moshi.
2. Get picked up and driven to the Machame Gate trailhead.
3. Begin the 6-day Machame Route trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

With the logistics handled, adventurers can focus on conquering Africa’s highest peak.

Machame Route Itinerary Day 1

Trekkers begin their Kilimanjaro adventure with a scenic drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate, the starting point of the Machame Route.

From there, they embark on an approximately 5-7 hour hike through the lush, verdant rainforests of the lower slopes, gaining an elevation of nearly 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) before reaching the Machame Camp for the night.

The trail winds through a dense forest, offering glimpses of towering Kilimanjaro looming overhead. Trekkers will need to be prepared for the initial ascent, which can be physically demanding, but the stunning scenery and sense of accomplishment make it a rewarding experience.

Upon reaching the campsite, they’ll enjoy a hearty meal and rest in preparation for the challenges ahead.

Machame Route Itinerary Day 2

After a restful night at the Machame Camp, trekkers embark on the second day’s journey, steadily ascending through the heather and moorland ecosystems that characterize the middle slopes of Kilimanjaro.

The trail winds through a more open landscape, offering impressive vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Trekkers will need to pace themselves, as the gradual ascent can be demanding, but the stunning views of the iconic Kibo summit motivate them to push onward.

The second day’s highlights include:

1. Crossing the Shira Plateau, a vast, high-altitude plateau that showcases the true vastness of Kilimanjaro.
2. Visiting the Shira Cathedral, an impressive rock formation that adds to the dramatic landscape.
3. Reaching the Shira Hut campsite, situated at an altitude of over 12,500 feet, where trekkers can rest and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Machame Route Itinerary Day 3

The third day witnesses trekkers navigating a steady ascent through the moorland and alpine desert ecosystems, pushing ever closer to the imposing Lava Tower at an impressive elevation of over 15,000 feet.

The path leads them through the increasingly sparse vegetation, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. As they climb, the air grows thinner, challenging their bodies to adapt to the high altitude.

Upon reaching Lava Tower, they’ll take a break to rest and refuel before descending to Barranco Camp, where they’ll spend the night.

This challenging hike helps acclimatize the climbers, preparing them for the final push to the summit.

Machame Route Itinerary Day 4

Day 4 brings the climbers to the awe-inspiring Barranco Wall, a formidable obstacle that requires careful negotiation to ascend. Scaling this rocky outcrop demands focus and determination, as they pull themselves up using their hands and feet, navigating the steep terrain with the guidance of their experienced mountain guides.

Once they reach the top, the climbers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers. The day’s journey then continues through the Barranco Camp, where they can rest and refuel before tackling the next challenge.

The highlights of Day 4 include:

1. Conquering the Barranco Wall, a renowned and technical section of the Machame Route.
2. Enjoying panoramic vistas from the top of the Barranco Wall.
3. Reaching the Barranco Camp, a scenic and strategic resting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Success Rate for This Machame Route Tour?

The average success rate for this Machame Route tour is typically high, with most trekkers successfully summiting Kilimanjaro. This is due to the route’s gradual ascent and comprehensive support provided by the experienced guides and porters.

Can I Rent Additional Equipment if Needed During the Trek?

Yes, you can rent additional trekking equipment if needed during the climb. The tour operator provides a wide range of gear that can be rented, including sleeping bags, hiking boots, and other essential items, ensuring you’re fully equipped for the trek.

How Experienced Are the Mountain Guides Leading This Tour?

The mountain guides leading this tour are highly experienced, having led numerous successful Kilimanjaro expeditions. They’re certified, trained in first aid, and committed to ensuring a safe and fulfilling climb for all participants.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Machame Route Trek?

The average group size for this Machame route trek is typically 6-12 climbers. The tour operator selects experienced, certified guides to lead small, intimate groups, ensuring personalized attention and a safe, enjoyable climbing experience for all participants.

Can I Book This Tour as a Solo Traveler?

Yes, travelers can book this Kilimanjaro trekking tour as a solo traveler. The tour operator accommodates solo travelers and they’ll be paired with other solo trekkers, ensuring a shared experience and camaraderie throughout the climb.

Recap

The Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Trekking Tour offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for adventurous trekkers.

With a comprehensive 6-day itinerary, experienced guides, quality accommodations, and nutritious meals, this tour provides the essential services for a successful Kilimanjaro climb.

While international flights and personal equipment rentals are excluded, the tour’s inclusions ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain.