Overview
The Machame route, also called the “Whiskey Route,” is a popular and scenic path up Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its excellent acclimatization profile and higher summit success rate. It typically takes 6 to 7 days, covers about 62 kilometers, and features diverse landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert. The route is considered physically demanding due to its steep sections and long ascents.
Highlights
- Nickname: "Whiskey Route," because it is considered more challenging than the "Coca-Cola Route" (Marangu).
- Length: Approximately 62 kilometers (38.5 miles).
- Duration: Most commonly completed in 6 or 7 days to allow for better acclimatization.
- Scenery: Offers diverse landscapes, including lush rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and stunning views of the summit and Shira Plateau.
- Physical demand: Considered challenging due to steep paths and longer distances, requiring a good level of fitness.
- Acclimatization: Excellent for acclimatization, which contributes to a high summit success rate.
Itinerary
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We will arrange a private transfer
from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Arusha where the rest of the day is at leisure.
We will gather in the hotel where you’ll have an overnight for a pre-climb briefing and an
equipment check.
We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance
Arrive to the Machame Gate from Moshi and have an introduction to your guides and porters.
Registration is done and thereafter start climb with picnic lunch through rain forest for approximately 4 to 5 hrs where you arrive to the Machame Camp. Later afternoon walk up to a little higher altitude is done for acclimatization. Return to Machame Camp for dinner and
overnight. Lunch and dinner on the mountain included, breakfast at hotel (no breakfast included this day in the budget plan).
After breakfast, start climb through short Savannah, forest and other vegetation for approximately 4 to 5hrs, with picnic lunch en route before arriving in the afternoon at the Shira Hut. In Shira is where an extra day can be spent for acclimatization when climbing takes 7 days or more, dinner and overnight at Shira hut.
All meals are included (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
After breakfast a slow walk through semi glacier and sandy areas with picnic lunch 3 to 4 hrs before arriving at the Barranco Hut for dinner and overnight.
All meals are included (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
After breakfast, with picnic lunch enroute climb through glaciers for approximately 4 to 5 hours before arriving the Barafu Hut for dinner and overnight.
All meals are included (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
An early wakeup call around 01.00hrs for preparation and light breakfast before starting final
ascent to the summit i.e. either the Stella Point reached in approximately 5 to 6 hrs and a further ascent to the Uhuru Peak reached in another approx 45 minutes. After signing and short rest at Barafu Hut descend via the Gilman's Point down to Mweka Hut for an hours rest with light breakfast then descend down for dinner and overnight at Mweka Hut.
All meals are included (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Descend from Mweka Hut to the park gate from where you are transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower. Breakfast included - you should be back in Moshi by lunch time.
Moshi / Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) with private departure transfer included.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- TRANSFERS TO/ FROM THE GATE, PARK FEES, HUT/CAMPING FEES, RESCUE , 2NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION IN ARUSHA / MOSHI, FEES, MEALS, TEA, COFFEE, GUIDE, PORTERS AND TENT.
The Cost Excludes
- TIPS, DRINKS, PERSONAL INSURANCE, CLIMBING GEARS, SLEEPING BAGS AND
- ALL ITEMS OF PERSONAL USE.
- TIPS ON WHAT TO BRING
- Walking Boots, Training shoes, Water proof Jacket, Pants, Shirts, Trousers, Skirts, Socks, Gloves, Sun Hat,
- Balaclava / Woolen Hat, Gaiters, Thermal Underwear, Towel, Toiletries, Toilet Paper, Sun Glasses, Snow
- Goggles, Water Bottle, Walking Pole, Crampons, Torch / Flash light, Sun Cream/Sun block, lip salve,
- Whistle, Penknife, Day pack, Camera, Films, Emergency Foil Blanket, Four season Sleeping Bag, Heavy
- Duty plastic Bags, water Purification Kit and First Aid Kit.
FAQs
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
