The Machame Route, or the ‘Whiskey Route’, is a growing favourite among Kilimanjaro hikers. With its sweeping vistas and comprehensive coverage of geographic highlights, this trail is one of the most visually appealing ways for reaching Uhuru. Beginning in the south-west, this route circles the mountain on the journey up, covering nearly half of Kilimanjaro’s faces. This gives visitors great variety as they climb, and carries them past noteworthy sights including the Shira Plateau, the Great Barranco Wall and the Lava Tower. After reaching Uhuru, hikers descend on the Mweka trail, avoiding any repetition of days and steps. That said this trail does cover nearly double the distance of the Marangu route, making for longer and more challenging days. Rest days can be incorporated in numerous locations, with many teams choose to take up to 8 days to complete the circuit.

With the slower ascent pace and many opportunities for rest days and acclimatization, those that choose this trail are among some of the most successful to summit. What’s more – this trail sends hikers into a ‘comfortable’ wilderness, where tents are used but fellow hikers are frequent and soft drinks are available for purchase towards the end. As the popularity of this trail increases, the Machame route is unfortunately losing its reputation for being a quiet and tranquil hike. In peak seasons, you will share the campsites with multiple other groups. However, our teams will leave early in the morning to ensure plenty of room on the trails, avoiding the crowds and hiccups. For determined novice hikers, this trail is our most recommended and most popular route!

What to pack for Kilimanjaro

Those hiking Kilimanjaro will receive a comprehensive packing list upon booking your tour. The following list will however give you a rough idea of the necessary gear and equipment.

• Layered clothing (wicking material, fleece)
• Light down jacket
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Warm socks
• Trekking socks
• Gaiters
• Brimmed hat
• Warm hat
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp
• Gloves
• Trekking poles
• Day pack with rain cover
• Sleeping bag
• Pillow
• Thermal mat
• Water bottle
• Necessary medication
• Sunscreen
• Small first aid kit (pain killers, band aids etc.)
• Toiletries
• Camera!

Tour Program

Day 1: Welcome to Africa!

Today you finally arrive at the base of Kilimanjaro! Landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, you will catch your first exciting glimpse of the mountain as the plane touches down. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, a member of the Aventura team will meet you at arrivals and drive you to your hotel.

Note: The specific hotel will be decided based on your personal preferences, and lodge availability at the time of booking. Your Aventura representative will provide more information as we begin to organize your trip.

The rest of your day will be spent in preparation for the hike. Aventura team members will provide a final briefing on what to expect as you review your packed items. Any non-essential hiking items will be stored with Aventura until your return from the mountain. When you are prepared to hike, it will be time for a final dinner and an early night since tomorrow, you will take off early for the base of the mountain!

Day 2: Machame Camp (2,980m)

Today an Aventura team member will transport you from the hotel to the Machame Gate of Kilimanjaro to begin the long anticipated ascent! After completing the necessary paperwork and registration, we will introduce you to your guides, porters and chefs. Together you will conduct a final check on equipment and supplies before beginning the adventure!

Today’s hike will be a gentle climb through Kilimanjaro’s lower montane rainforest slopes. Over 6 – 7 hours, we will cover a total of 18km at a gentle gradient, allowing for plenty of time to observe the brightly coloured birds and monkeys that make this lush cloud forest their home. This section of the trail is often rather muddy and damp as it weaves around streams and waterfalls, and you will definitely appreciate your raingear, garters and hiking poles throughout this segment.

Around midday, the team will rest for water and a packed lunch at a scenic lookout spot in the forest. Rest and photo opportunities are plentiful throughout the entire hike, and you will take many breaks to stop and admire the view as you adjust to the rhythm of the hike.

As the forest dwindles and signs of lichen become more prevalent, you will know the day is rounding to a close. Machame Camp sits just beyond the edge of the forest in an area of alpine heath and moorland. At the campsite, you and your team will set up camp, prepare dinner and rest after your first successful day!

Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840m)

This morning you will rise early for a mountainside breakfast before taking off to the next campsite. Today’s climb will cover 9km and will carry hikers through the moorland and across the Shira plateau, alongside river gorges and rocky ridges.

Ascending roughly 1000m over 6 – 7 hours, today’s gradient will be somewhat more challenging and you will definitely notice as temperatures begin to drop. With luck, you will hike this segment on a clear day with impressive views of Kibo, one of Kilimanjaro’s three peaks and your ultimate hiking goal! To the east, you may also see views of Mout Meru, Tanzania’s third highest peak.

The challenges of the altitude may become apparent over the course of the day, and it will be important that you stay hydrated, rested and well fed. Take plenty of opportunities to pause and admire the gigantic senecios and loblelias in this otherwise vast and barren landscape. Both of these prehistoric-looking plants grow well beyond a height of 3 meters and are endemic to the region.

Tonight you will camp at the Shira Camp on the edge of the plateau. If after establishing your tent you still have energy for exploration, it would be worth taking a quick detour to the set of Shira Caves, not far from the campsite. As your chef’s prepare appetizers and dinner, you will likely be able to watch your first beautiful sunset behind Kilimanjaro’s glaciers before collapsing into bed.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m via 3,630m)

Today is a recommended acclimatization day, where hikers will ascend to the Lava Tower before descending into the Great Barranco Valley’s campsite on a 15km hike (7 – 8 hours). “Hiking high and sleeping low” is a long-standing strategy for mountain climbing that enables the body to adjust to higher altitudes more easily, and this day will make the ultimate ascent to Uhuru much more attainable. It is however possible to take a more direct route bypassing the Lava Tower if desired.

Over the course of the morning, hikers will continue to traverse the rocky landscape of the moorland, which will become increasingly barren as the day progresses. Following a picnic lunch, there is a quick scramble up a rocky path to reach the impressive Lava Tower, a volcanic plug on the mountain. Adventurous individuals can climb the side of the tower for spectacular views from the top (and a little extra acclimatization).

The descent will pass through the Arrow Glacier before moving into the valley. During the descent, your body will likely feel the benefits of having ascended and descended within the same day. Tonight you will camp amongst giant senecio plants and lobelias with dramatic glaciers coating the cliffs above. Guests often describe this particular campsite as feeling somewhat prehistoric, and at times eerie. Sheltered and rich with vegetation, the Barranco campsite is often referred to as the “Garden of the Senecios” and is another dramatic shift in scenery and vegetation after the day’s rocky scrambles.

Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,550m)

Having slept at the base of the Great Barranco Wall last night, this morning you will rise early to tackle the climb. Covering 13km over 7 – 8 hours, you will be rewarded today with incredible views of Kilimanjaro while you enter the Alpine Desert as below the Heim Glacier.

In the afternoon, the trail will descend into the Karanga Valley before joining with the Mweka route, which is coincidentally also your route down. Here you will pass by the final water source before the summit – a true sign that the peak is near! A highlight today will be finally reaching the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Camping on this plateau, hikers become acutely aware of the power of the wind on Kilimanjaro! As the day winds to a close, you will fall asleep early to a clear picture of the summit that lies ahead. It will be early to sleep tonight since it is an especially early start to the day tomorrow in order to catch the sunrise!

OPTIONAL REST DAY: Note that some climbers opt to split today’s climb into two portions, spending a night at the Karanga campsite atop the Great Barranco Wall. This will be further discussed with Aventura as you finalize plans for your climb.

Day 6: Uhuru Peak (5,896m) and Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Sometime around midnight, you will wake up to tea and biscuits before beginning the final ascent. Though early, the anticipation of watching the sunrise from the highest point in Africa is motivation enough to push through this chilly and challenging hike. Following a rocky path between Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers, hikers will move towards Stella Point (5, 685m) which sits on the crater rim. It is the most challenging aspect of the entire route, but with time and mental stamina, it is entirely possible. As snow forms on the ground and you approach the glaciers, sheer exhilaration will overtake the exhaustion – the summit and sunrise is near! The weather conditions will determine the amount of time you are able to spend at the top – and this is often unpredictable.

This final ascent takes roughly 7 hours before reaching Uhuru (“Freedom”) peak – the absolute roof of Africa. Rest while you can and soak in the spectacular view and impressive accomplishment of having summited, and then descend the glacier to avoid the very chilly winds.

As the elation passes, it is time for a much easier descent to, taking a total of roughly 7 hours. You will stop for a rest and a snack at Barafu camp, where you will also collect the rest of the gear. Then, it is a quick descent to Mweka Camp, where a meal, soft drink and a well-deserved rest await you. The Mweka camp is the only site on this route that offers beer and soda for purchase – an excellent treat for your final night on the mountain.

Day 7: Kilimanjaro or Arusha

Today, your tired bodies will make the final 5-hour descent to the Mweka Gate where your vehicle will await your arrival. Waking up full of oxygen and in a warmer climactic zone will allow for a quick descent down the 12km, enjoying a final passage through the moorland and montane forests. Be sure to keep your eyes open for any final sightings of Columbus monkeys in the dense and damp forest.

At the bottom, hikers are rewarded with summit certificates before heading back to your hotel for a hot shower, hot meal and celebrations before collapsing in a soft warm bed. Again, we will provide a variety of lodging options for you to select from, depending on your preferences.

Day 8: Onwards!

Having recovered from the hike today you will either begin your journey home – or onwards to another fantastic location in Tanzania! We strongly recommend coupling a hike up Kilimanjaro with a few days unwinding and relaxing on the tranquil shores of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Aventura will coordinate either a transfer to your outbound airport, or transfers on to additional packages.

No matter where you choose to continue on to, today you can feel incredibly proud of yourself for conquering the tallest mountain in Africa. Congratulations!End of TourKwaheri na Safari Njema!

Includes

• All accommodation, on a full board basis
• Airport welcome
• All domestic transfers (air and road)
• Some activities, as indicated in your tour package
• Soft drinks, house wine, local spirits, local beers, tea and coffee
• Laundry, communication and internet access are included at some destinations, as noted in your tour package

Excludes

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Premium brand wine, beer and spirits
• Additional activities
• Gratuities
• Costs associated with obtaining visas or passports
• Airport departure taxes and excess baggage charges

CONTENTS

1. Tours with Aventura
2. Visiting Tanzania
3. Travel Logistics
4. Price, Payment and Cash
5. Communication
6. Health and Safety

TOUR WITH AVENTURA

• How far in advance should I book my tour?

Aventura will work to accommodate you whenever you make your booking with us. Provided there is space at our partnering lodges, we can work on very short notice. However, ideally our guests will book roughly 6 months – 1 year in advance of their vacation.

• Do you allow children on Aventura tours?

Definitely! Many of our partnering lodges have accommodation and child friendly options that we will gladly connect you with – just let us know you want to bring children ahead of time. Some of our partnering lodges do have policies that prohibit children on particular activities/locations so we will be sure to work around that.

• Who guides the tours?

Aventura will fully organize your entire tour with various local lodges, and your guides will be provided from these particular lodges. If your tour is to various national parks and lodges, your guide and vehicles will change from location to location, and Aventura will ensure that these transitions are flawless. We have worked thoroughly with each of our partners to ensure every guide and driver is of top quality and able to reflect the values of Aventura.

• Do you provide references from people who have been on tours with you?

Absolutely! You can see some guest testimonials on our website and we are building a profile on Your African Safari, a website devoted to independently reviewing operators across Africa. If you would like to speak directly with past guests, we will also happily make that connection for you.

• Is there electricity? Will I be able to recharge cameras/phones?

Yes, there is electricity though it may not be available 24 hours a day. Many of our partnering lodges run off solar energy or generators, which means they have to conserve usage during certain hours of the day. You will however always have at least a few hours a day where you are able to re-charge camera and cell phone batteries.

• Are there opportunities to meet with local people?

Definitely! Most of our tour packages incorporate at least one visit to a local village, where you can meet with and learn about various Tanzanian tribes and individuals. If you are very interested in a cultural tour of Tanzania, are also able to build you a customized tour that exposes you to the various facets of the population. Check out our Bespoke options for more information!

• Is there laundry?

The majority – though not all – of our partnering lodges do offer a laundry service. The availability and cost differs between locations, and we will provide specifics about access in your particular tour package.

VISITING TANXANIA

• What visa do I need for Tanzania?

The visa required for entry into Tanzania depends on what country you are traveling from. Since immigration policies change frequently, we recommend that you contact the Tanzanian embassy in your home country at least 2 months prior to departure to confirm the most recent requirements.

• When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Hikers climb Kilimanjaro year round, but many prefer to climb it during the driest and warmest months (January – February, July – September). These months do however mean that there are high crowds – if you prefer a quieter hike, June, October and December have moderate temperatures and moderate precipitation. March – May and November are among the coolest and wettest months in the country and consequently the quietest on the mountain.

• How fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is the highest ‘walkable’ mountain, meaning that no technical hiking experience is required. In spite of its incredible height, guides recommend only a basic level of fitness and strong motivation. Many say the greatest challenge of the hike is adjusting to the altitude. Depending on your fitness level, we offer four possible trails that vary in difficulty for you to choose between.

• When is the best time to view wildlife in Tanzania?

The dry season in Tanzania (June – October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, since animals concentrate around limited waterholes and there is less vegetation obstructing views. Birding however is better during the northern winter (November – March) when rainfall is high and over 160 species of birds migrate south.

• When is the best time to view the wildebeest migration?

The wildebeest migration follows annual rain patterns that push wildlife to search for greener pastures. This means that specific predictions about when and where the migration will be are difficult. However, in a typical year, guests have the best chance of viewing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti in June and July. If you are interested in seeing the wildebeest calving, the best time to visit is late January – February.

• When is the best time to visit the islands?

The archipelago is popular year round, with August – October being among the most popular months. There are long rains between March and May that may make the coast somewhat less idyllic.

• Is Zanzibar in the same country as Tanzania?

Yes, they have been part of the same country since 1963, though the region is semi-autonomous.

• What kind of plug is used in Tanzania?

Tanzania uses the same outlets as are found in the United Kingdom – A Type G 3 pronged flat pin plug (see Figure 1). Occasionally Tanzanians also use the Old British plug – A Type D 3 pronged circular pin (see Figure 2). The voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. We recommend purchasing at least one travel adaptor prior to departing for Tanzania.

TRAVEL LOGISTIC

• Do you handle airline tickets?

Airline tickets are not included in the packages we offer, but we can offer support in booking tickets for our guests. Please let us know if you would like assistance here.

• Do you handle travel insurance?

We do not book insurance for our clients; however, we will help you find a provider that suits your particular needs. We recommend all guests read the following document published by ABTA on selecting an insurance provider, and if you would like additional guidance please reach out to us.

• How do we get around once in Tanzania?

Aventura will organize all local transport associated with your tour, beginning with an airport pickup minute you land on Tanzanian soil. All transport costs are included in your package. Depending on your particular package, transport may involve domestic flights, road transfers and boats. Particular details of your transport will be included in your package details upon booking.

• Is there a suggested packing list?

Of course! Once you have selected a package with us, we will email you a packing list that is tailored perfectly to your particular activities. However, in general we recommend the following items:

• • Long loose light coloured clothing, offering protection from insects and sun
  • A fleece sweater for chilly evenings
  • Wide brimmed hat, sunglasses
  • Bathing suit and sarong
  • Comfortable walking shoes, hiking boots if climbing Kilimanjaro
  • Thermal underwear, if climbing Kilimanjaro

• Are there luggage limits?

International airlines will independently set baggage restrictions and it is important you check with your airline prior to departing. Once in Tanzania, baggage restrictions will depend on your particular tour package. We will include customized baggage restrictions with your customized packing list upon booking your flight.

PRICE, PAYMENT & CASH

• What if I have to cancel my reservation?

Cancellation policies vary depending on the lodges in which you are booked and specifics will be provided upon booking.

• What is included in the tour price?

Your tour price includes the following:

• • Meet and greet service upon arrival
  • Transfers as shown
  • Exclusive use of 4×4 safari vehicles with photo roof during the safari portion
  • Services of English speaking drivers and guides
  • Meals and accommodation as specified (varies between packages)
  • All park fees and government taxes
  • One bottle of water per day on game drives

• What is not included in the tour price?

Your tour price does not include the following items:

• • International flights
  • Airport taxes on any flights not booked through Aventura
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Gratuities
  • Activities not included on the itinerary
  • Personal travel, baggage and medical insurance
  • Laundry (varies between packages, as some lodges build this into their cost)
  • Telephone bills and items of a personal nature
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal shopping
  • Select alcoholic beverages
  • Gear (walking stick, flashlight, hat, sunglasses, bed mats etc.)

• Can’t we save money by booking with the lodges directly?

No. The benefit to booking through Aventura is that we are able to use our industry connections to secure discounted rates with various lodges, hotels and transport providers within the country. While you will pay a small service fee to our company, this fee will save you the headache and complications of organizing a trip on your own. This fee also ensure that your entire trip will run smoothly, and that no minute of your vacation is wasted with negotiations, disappointments or frustrations.

• Do you accept credit cards?

Absolutely! We are fully equipped to accept payments online from all major credit cards.

• Do I need to bring cash with me? Which currency should I bring?

Yes, you should bring additional cash for personal purchases. We recommend bringing US Dollars (issued after 2003) and converting them into Tanzanian Shillings upon arrival. It is possible to convert Travellers Cheques in major cities as well, but these are often more hassle than they are worth. You are also able to use local ATMs to make withdrawals off your credit card in our local currency. Be sure you alert your bank if you plan to use your credit card abroad, and that you confirm charges for international transactions and withdrawals.

COMMUNICATION

• What language is spoken in Tanzania?

English and Swahili are the national languages. All tourism operators, and most Tanzanians, will speak English.

• Is there cell phone reception?

Most of our lodges are located in regions of Tanzania that have reception (though of course, not all of them). Lodge staff will always have a means of communicating with our head office.

• Is there internet available?

Internet is available at some of our partnering lodges, though not many. Details regarding internet accessibility will be included in your particular package details. Should you require constant access, we recommend researching data roaming packages with your local cell phone provider.

• What if there is an emergency at home?

We will provide you with an emergency number that you can pass on to friends and family at home. Should there be an in emergency at home, they can contact the Aventura Head Office and we will connect to you – wherever you are – as quickly as possible. Depending on the nature of the emergency, we will take steps to connect you to friends and family at home.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Is it safe to visit Tanzania?

Tanzania is safe to visit, however there are always risks taken when traveling. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is of paramount importance when designing a tour and we will be sure to have you stay only in reputable locations and provide transport only from trusted sources. We brief every guest on safety policies and procedures, in addition to risk mitigation strategies.

• What vaccinations do I need?

We recommend that all guests visit a local travel clinic prior to departure, where a medical professional can review your medical history and explain the vaccination options. Visitors to Tanzania must be able to show a Yellow Fever vaccination card upon arrival, otherwise you will likely be vaccinated at the airport.

• Is malaria a concern?

Tanzania does have malaria and we strongly recommend guests take appropriate prophylaxis, which can be prescribed by a local travel doctor.

• Where does drinking water come from?

Guests will always have access to ample amounts of treated bottled water.

• Is the food safe to eat?

Yes. We work with lodges that we know intimately, and have reviewed not only for comfort but also for their quality of food. Partnering lodges will serve delicious balanced meals prepared by expert chefs using fresh and safe ingredients.

• I have special dietary needs – will I be accommodated?

Definitely – but please make us aware of any dietary needs as far in advance as possible so that we can work with you and our partnering lodges to develop a tour that accommodates your needs.

Reviews

How to book a safari with us:

You can Email us on: info@aventurasafaris.com, or contact us via phone on: +255 (0)762 493 434 | +44 (0) 800 7561 114 or reach us via our website enquiry form. Giving us as much detail and information as possible about what you are looking for and any extra add-ons you might require.

Let us know the following:

• The month you are interested experiencing the dream come true
• The length of time you will want to enjoy your safari
• Number of people who will share this life experience with you
• Style of lodging you would like to use during your trip – you just mention what and we will arrange it for you
• Extra activities besides wildlife viewing. For example: go up in a balloon, take a walk in the bush, a canoe ride, or night game drives
• Any special requests you have for your wildlife safari

Create you safari plan, then book:

Together we will create your safari as you want it to be. The safari plan will accommodate your interests
and time schedule. We enjoy talking to you about your trip, so please provide us with your phone number.

Once you have agreed to our safari proposal:

By signing our invoice sent to you and accepting the terms and conditions of Aventura Safaris Ltd.

Get your travel dates fixed:

This will give us chance to start checking the availability of the accommodations of your choice. Traveling from/to the Americas and Asia takes about 2 days; from most of Europe, one day.

Confirm your Safari with us:

We will start booking the lodges and camps of choice for your safari. Once we have all the lodges confirmed then you can pay the deposit.

Place a deposit with us:

Once we have confirmed the lodges and activities of your choice, a deposit of 30% is required. The deposit can be made by wire transfer to our bank, by certified check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or PayPal. Your other payments will be specified in the safari plan we will send you – generally at 90 and 45 days before the start of your safari.

Once we have a confirmed itinerary for you and us to work from, you should make your international travel reservations. We also strongly recommend that you obtain adequate travel insurance to protect you against any unforeseen problems.

Following the receipt of your deposit, we will send you a package containing: your confirmed itinerary, acknowledgement of your deposit, and information about safaris and how to prepare for your adventure. We will also provide contact telephone numbers for you to leave with family or friends to use should they need to reach you while on safari.