Introduction
Embarking on the journey to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world, is an adventure of a lifetime. The Machame Route, known as the “Whiskey Route” due to its challenging nature, offers a thrilling experience to trekkers. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive 6-Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro climbing, ensuring you are well-prepared for this incredible adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with your arrival in Moshi, a bustling town in Tanzania. You’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can rest and prepare for the climb. It’s essential to spend this time acclimatizing to the altitude.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Your first day on the mountain begins with a drive to the Machame Gate, where you’ll complete registration and meet your expert guide and porters. The trek starts through the lush rainforest, a habitat for various wildlife and flora. Your first campsite, Machame Camp, is nestled in the heart of the forest.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
As you continue your ascent, the landscape transitions from rainforest to heath and moorland. You’ll cross the Shira Plateau and reach Shira Camp. This is a crucial day for acclimatization, as you’ll gain significant elevation.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Today’s hike will take you to Barranco Camp, situated at the base of the imposing Barranco Wall. The trek offers stunning views of the Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscapes. As you approach the Barranco Camp, you’ll be greeted by the unique Barranco Valley.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
On this day, you’ll ascend the Barranco Wall, a challenging but exhilarating climb. After conquering the wall, you’ll continue your journey to Barafu Camp, your final camp before the summit attempt. Here, you’ll rest and prepare for the ultimate challenge.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Back to Mweka Camp
The summit day is both physically and emotionally demanding. You’ll start your ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, during the midnight hours. As you make your way to the summit, the mesmerizing sunrise will greet you at Stella Point. After reaching the summit, you’ll begin your descent to Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The final day of your adventure sees you trekking through the lush Mweka rainforest. The descend is filled with relief and awe at your incredible accomplishment. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates and be transferred back to Hotel in Moshi.
Day 8: Departure to Kilimanjaro International Airport
After a good night’s rest at your hotel, you will take breakfast ready for the scheduled check-out by 10.00hrs.(If you wish to remain in the hotel during the day, please advise us of this when you book your trip and we will inform you of the cost for a ‘day room’ which allows you to stay until 18:00hrs, and then make the booking on your behalf.)
As the transfer services have been already included in this package, you will be collected from your hotel and dropped off at the airport.
When planning your Kilimanjaro expedition, it is essential to establish a clear budget in advance and take into account additional expenses such as tips for guides and concierge staff. Safari Nuggets is a reputable local tour operator that helps you plan a safe and successful climb with a successful summit rate of over 95%.
What is the price for Kilimanjaro Climbing on 6 Day Machame Route?
Below is a 2024 price list for the Kilimanjaro 6 Day Machame route against the group size of climbers. Look for your expected group size and the price, then make a booking for your upcoming adventure with Safari Nuggets.
|
6 Days Machame Route Prices Per Person |
|
|
Number of Climbers |
Price per Climber |
|
1 |
$2507 |
|
2 |
$2060 |
|
3 |
$1979 |
|
4 |
$1893 |
|
5 |
$1865 |
|
6 |
$1855 |
|
7 |
$1853 |
|
8 |
$1845 |
|
9 |
$1842 |
|
10+ |
$1824 |
The Trekking Package Price Includes:
- Airport pick up and drop off – Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) – Moshi
- 2 Hotel nights accommodation in Moshi (one night before the trek and the night after the trek)
- All park fees for the national park including taxes
- All meals and unlimited drinking water while on the mountain
- Private toilet tent included (1 toilet for every 7 climbers)
- All salaries for guides, assistant guides, chef, porters
- Transport to and from the park gate
- Oxygen for altitude sickness emergencies
- All camping equipment (tents, tables, chairs, cooking equipment, dining tent, sleeping mattress — but not sleeping bag)
The Trekking Package Price Excludes:
- Extra JRO airport pickups and drop offs ($40 per car)
- Sleeping bag – please bring your own or rent one from our equipment rental shop
- International flights & visas
- Travel Insurance
- Mountain climb staff tips
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal travel and baggage
- Telephone/internet bill
- Laundry service
- Any personal items
- Activities not mentioned in the program
Note: For private groups with an even number of participants, the price is based on double occupancy in the hotel in Moshi and in the tents on the mountain. Private rooms/tents are available at an added price. For odd numbered participants, the price for one single hotel room and tent is already factored into the quoted price. Our default policy is to divide the entire price evenly. If you prefer, we can calculate a separate price for those with double occupancy and the person with single occupancy.
Everything you need to know about mountain crew tipping
How many crew members will there be on my climb?
While we will know in advance how many guides, assistant guides and cooks you will have for a climb, we will not know how many porters will be used until the morning of the climb. The maximum weight allowed for each porter to carry is 20kg plus their own gear. Of course, they also need 3 meals a day and a mattress (not all companies supply these for porters, but we do). So once the total weight of all items being brought on the mountain is weighed, we will know the definite crew numbers. Typically for a small group (4 climbers or less), a rough estimate of the number of porters is 4 porters/climber. For larger groups, approximately 3 porters per climber. Marangu route (overnights in huts) will use about 1 porter per climber less. While we can accommodate group sizes of any number, the national park treats groups over 10 people as 2 climbs. This means that for more than 10 in your group, there will be 2 head guides, 2 cooks, etc. The group will still be together as one group on the mountain though.
How much is a recommended tip?
It is through the accumulation of feedback from our clients that the guidelines below have been suggested.
Recommended tipping rates range from:
- For head guide $20 – $30/day
- For each assistant guide $15 – $20/day
- For cook $15 – $20/day
- For each porter $5 – $7/day
Out of the group of porters, some will have additional duties during the entire climb such as tent master, waiter and toilet attendant (if using private toilet tents). We suggest giving an additional amount of $3/day to these porters. There will also be summit porters who will have additional duties during summit day only. We suggest $20/trip for the summit porters. These are only guidelines. It is up to you and your budget if you want to vary from this.
Meals during Kilimanjaro climb
While on the mountain, eating a good diet is essential for a successful climb. The food must be high energy, plentiful, appealing and easy to digest. These are important components since a great amount of energy is required. The most common symptoms of altitude sickness are nausea and loss of appetite. Food that will not disturb the stomach further is essential and since climbers at times have to force themselves to eat. The food must be appealing.
A typical breakfast may have combinations of the following:
Porridge, breads/chapati, plantains, pancakes, eggs, sausage, hot chocolate/ tea/ coffee, fruit
Lunches and dinners:
Pasta, rice, plantains, potatoes, vegetables, meat, bread, soup/stew, fruit, popcorn, peanuts
Our cooks can accommodate special diets such as vegetarian/vegan, food allergies, gluten free, etc. We welcome special requests (before we are on the mountain, please).
There is no food preservation method on the mountain (this gets less important as the temperature gets colder) but we resupply the food part way through the climb to insure freshness.
Booking Your Kilimanjaro Climb
You can book your 2024 Kilimanjaro climb by filling this form and submit your request. Our tour consultant will get back to you shortly with a quote proposal for your climb. Also see what other customers say about Safari Nuggets on TripAdvisor. Read our Kilimanjaro FAQs and Kilimanjaro Packing List.
FAQs
- Is climbing Kilimanjaro safe? Yes, with proper preparation, experienced guides, and adherence to safety guidelines, Kilimanjaro is a safe trek.
- What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route? The best times are January-March and June-October when the weather is most favorable.
- Do I need prior climbing experience? While experience is helpful, it’s not mandatory. Physical fitness and mental determination are key.
- What should I pack for the trek? Essential items include warm clothing, comfortable hiking boots, a good sleeping bag, and a backpack.
- Can I climb Kilimanjaro solo? Most trekking companies require a minimum group size, but solo climbs can be arranged with specialized guides.
