$ 2000 / Person
The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accomodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents.
The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is most often tackled over seven days (six nights), for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rainforest.
The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.
One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
Approx. time taken: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.
Distance covered: 5.4km / 3.4mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.
Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.
Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi
Approx. time taken: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.
Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi
Approx. time taken: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Animalia Treks and Safari is the best local agency in Tanzania that you can trust to go on safari with. - Me and my family just visited Tanzania for both 8days kilimanjaro Trekking and 7days wildbeest and Zebras migration safari in serengeti national park, chris and his own company Animali Treks... read more and Safari made our dreams come true, mountain Guides and all porters were very kind, and very supportive, all of us made it to the rooftop of mount kilimanjaro 5895MTS.
If you're planning a trip to Tanzania for kilimanjaro climbing and Safaris please look no further, just keep in touch with Animalia Treks and safari I highly recommend this company.
Trip of a lifetime! - Booking a safari is somewhat of a daunting task as you are putting a lot of faith and trust in the company or person you book with. There are... read more numerous details that require attention and you are trusting that they will be arranged to your satisfaction. Since this type of travel makes me a bit nervous, I am certainly happy we had Chris as our guide. There are other companies that will book your trip but then contract another company to guide the trip, leaving you to wonder who you will actually be with on your safari. This is not the case with Animalia, Chris owns and operates Animalia and he handles all the arrangements as well as being your guide for the entire trip. Chris did a fantastic job with all the details and I was grateful for his advice on locations to visit, it quickly became clear he is a very experienced guide. We booked a 6 day trip that included Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and cultural visits with the Masai, Hedzabe, and Datoga tribes. We flew into Kilimanjaro Airport and Chris promptly picked us up. He thoroughly explained all the details to us and briefed the next day’s events every evening. Highlights for us were the Serengeti and the Acacia Central Camp, really enjoyed the experience. Rest assured whatever locations you choose, you are in good hands with Chris and Animalia!
Incredible Experience!!! - My family booked a safari with Animala Treks and Safari company and it was fantastic! Our guide, Chris was very informative, patient and kind. We visited Tarangire and Serengeti national... read more parks, the Ngorongoro Crater, and also had a local cultural experience with some tribes. From the hotels, the food, and the itinerary, everything was absolutely perfect! My favorite was the lodging in the middle of the Serengeti National Park. While we were safely in our camp at night we could hear the wildebeests and lions. It was so cool! Chris goes the extra mile to ensure guests are happy and having the best experience. Don’t look anywhere else if you want to make sure you have the best safari in Tanzania!!
BEST SAFARI GUIDE IN TANZANIA!!! - BEST SAFARI GUIDE IN TANZANIA!!!! After months of research, my family decided to book a 6-day safari and cultural experience with Chris and it was the absolute best decision we... read more made! This was a once in a lifetime trip and Chris contributed to the unforgettable experience. Communication from the very beginning starting with the planning stage was always clear, honest, and upfront. Chris always responded in a timely manner. From the time he picked us up at the airport to the last day when he dropped us off, he took great care of us. I was so impressed how organized the trip was. Chris took extra time preparing before we arrived in Tanzania to make sure everything went smoothly during our Safari.
During the game drives, Chris made sure we had the opportunity to see so many animals. He got us up close and personal, (safely inside the vehicle) to so many! From a pride of lions to a leopard in the tree with its prey (plus many more types of animals), it was all amazing! Chris is extremely knowledgeable in the animal wildlife and geographical landscape of Tanzania. I don’t think there was a question he didn’t know the answer to. We also had the opportunity to visit 3 different tribes during our trip which I highly recommend. A couple in which many tour guides do not offer as an option to tourists, but Chris does! Don’t hesitate in booking a trek or safari with Animalia, I promise you will not regret it!!!
Worth every penny. Best safari, Trek and tour guide ever. - What can I say . The best tour guide one could ever ask and hope for! Chris knows so much about animals, plants, the region. He taught me, showed me... read more so many things with my family as we ventured out into the Safari. The company did an outstanding job catering to all our wants, needs, allergies, fears, safety . The tents, the Jeep, the hotels, food, shops, everything was amazing and above all our expectations. I know that I will be returning to see more one day again soon. This company and tour guide is worth every penny. Honest. Reliable Our Jeep never broke down or had any issues I loved the ac, the space, the safety, the USB cord chargers . While others, so many I saw broke down. Reliable.. Hard working. Just amazing. Breathtaking views Don't waste another minute looking for a better deal, safari or trek . Animalia Safaris and Trek with the tour guide Chris is the only one to go with. Don't go anywhere else.
HANDS DOWN BEST SAFARI & GUIDE CHRIS BY COMPANY ANIMALIA TREKS AND SAFARIS - First off, let me tell you- I had absolutely no desire to go on a Safari- I told my family, friends even strangers how I hated the idea of going!... read more Our tour guide Chris- he is honest, reliable, well educated, fun, listens- above all he made me feel safe and my kids learned something new everyday! He made me want to come back to learn and see more on the other side for an even longer amount of time! My kids learning, tasting, experiencing a new culture and loving it- is absolutely priceless! What more could a mother ask for?!?!?!? By far the BEST, BEST, BEST GUIDED SAFARI TOUR EVER with the MOST AMAZINGLY WELL EDUCATED great English speaking GUIDE CHRIS! We will be returning again! HANDS DOWN THE BEST TOUR EVER! Worth every penny and then some! Don’t go anywhere else!
p.s. our Safari Jeep had AC, power charging ports by all seats, and Never broke down! Best company and guide ever!!!