Kilimanjaro Machame (7 Day Route)

The Machame route is considered a moderately difficult route. It involves steep ascents. Hiking days on the 7-Day option are short compared to other routes. The high altitudes make trekking more difficult. While prior hiking experience is beneficial, those with a good level of fitness and determination can complete the route successfully. To train, we recommend running or playing sports at least two to three times a week. It's also great to do a few practice hikes with a 5kg rucksack before you arrive for your trek.

The best time to climb the Machame route is during the dry seasons, from January to mid-March and from June to October. These months generally offer better weather conditions and higher visibility, increasing the chances of a successful summit.

When you go above altitudes of 2,500m (as is the case on Kilimanjaro), there is less oxygen which poses a risk of altitude sickness. High altitude sickness can happen to anybody, regardless of age or fitness. Symptoms vary between individuals but commonly include headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, and numbness in fingers and toes. These symptoms can come on unexpectedly and get severe quickly. To decrease the chances of experiencing altitude sickness, you need to allow your body time to acclimatise properly. Although impossible to completely prevent, we've designed our itineraries to give guests the best chance to adjust to the altitude changes. This 7-day route provides an extra day to acclimatise, which is, in our opinion, preferable to the 6-day Machame option. Ahsante guides have years of experience in recognizing and helping guests deal with altitude sickness. Note that oxygen is not used on Kilimanjaro to help guests reach the summit or to 'treat' altitude sickness. The only cure for altitude sickness is to immediately descend to lower ground. In severe cases, oxygen may be given to provide enough temporary relief to allow the affected guest to descend. In extreme cases, altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro can be fatal. We put your safety first. Our guides have years of experience, and their decision on whether or not to continue is final.

The following is a recommended packing list for Kilimanjaro: DOCUMENTS • Passport • Travel insurance details • Boarding passes for flights • Two passport photos • Driver’s license (if needed) • Cards and cash GEAR & CLOTHING (please make sure that you have non-cotton clothing for trekking): • Sleeping bag liner (optional) • Trekking boots: all-season, lightweight • Trainers/ Crocs to wear around camp • 2-3 base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts) • 2 thermal, long-sleeved tops (merino wool works well) • Fleece/soft-shell jacket • Lightweight rainjacket for everyday use (keep in daypack) • Waterproof outer shell jacket • Down jacket for warmth • Travel clothes and city wear • Underwear • Base-layer trousers/ thermal leggings • Waterproof trousers • Trekking trousers • Trekking shorts (optional) • 2 pairs of thick wool mountaineering socks • Lightweight and breathable trekking socks • Gloves (inners and outers) • Wool hat/ beanie • Neck warmer/ buff • Brimmed hat/ cap • Small daypack (25l - 35l capacity is generally fine) • Duffel or rucksack with straps(90L capacity recommended) • Dry Liner or Dry Bag • Water bottle/thermos: At least 2L. Nalgene bottles best. • Sunglasses • Suncream • General toiletries, contact lenses, glasses (if needed) • Towel • Head torch, • Electronics (travel adaptor, phone & charger, power bank) • Lip Balm and moisturising lotion • Travel wash & small washcloth • Hand sanitiser, wet wipes • Trekking poles (optional) If you don't want to purchase your own kit or need to travel light, you can hire most of the equipment from our guides in-country. Get in touch for the list and rental prices. Please note that all plastic bags, regardless of their thickness, are prohibited from being brought into Tanzania. This excludes packaging for medical supplies.

Climbers must be at least 10 years old to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Any person under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Yes, If you are travelling solo and would like your own room and tent for the duration of the trip, you can pay for a single supplement. The single supplement is an optional extra with a cost of $90 per traveller. This is payable in-country. Should you not wish to apply the single supplement, we will pair you with another group member to share accommodation during the trek (twin hotel room and shared tent).

It’s highly recommended you take out personal travel insurance. Travel cover protects you in the case of unforeseen circumstances, including cancellations, injuries, equipment loss, flight changes and other events that could negatively impact your trip. We suggest specialist adventure travel insurers, [Rise & Shield](https://riseandshield.com/). They cover 100s of activities and are easy to deal with if you need to make a claim. They also cover unique scenarios, like trekking at altitude or emergency evacuation in hard-to-reach places, that ordinary travel insurance doesn’t cover.

You have chefs with you on the hike who can cater to all dietary requirements. During the trek, you will be provided with three nutritious and filling meals each day to keep energy levels high. Please provide full details of any dietary requirements and allergies on your Trip Form. You will receive a link to fill this out shortly after booking. You can also update the form on your Skyhook dashboard. Note that lunch (at the hotel) on your first and final day is not included.

Portable toilets are an optional extra. The cost for this extra service is $150, payable at our offices, in-country. The group can decide whether they would like this extra service and split the cost between group members.

Most groups have 12 people, with a maximum of 14.

It is customary in Tanzania to tip guides and porters. The amount that you tip is completely up to you. As a good rule of thumb, generally, participants will tip around US$200-$300 per customer (not per guide). You can give this to the head guide, and they will distribute it amongst the team of guides, porters, and cooks.

Accommodation during the trek is in campsites in spacious tents shared between two people. The campsites provide basic facilities, such as toilets and dining tents. In Moshi (before and after the trek), you stay in hotel accommodation.

Every day on the trek we will provide you with filtered water to fill up your bottles. The water is filtered and boiled by a Katadyn filtration system. We recommend you also bring water purification tablets or a filter bottle.

This is a 7-day version of the popular Machame route up Kilimanjaro. There is a shorter option (6-Day Machame Trek). If you have the time, we strongly recommend this longer option. The extra day is extremely beneficial to the acclimatisation process and gives you the best possible chance of reaching the summit.

The start and end point of this tour is Kilimanjaro International Airport. There are three pick-up times (10:00 AM, 5:00 PM or 11:59 PM). On the last date, you can fly at any time. Your guides will arrange transfers that work best for the group. Guests typically fly with BA, Air France, or Qatar. However, we'd recommend comparing a few airlines.

Porters are included as part of your trekking team. The porters will carry all the supplies, camping gear, water and also your main luggage. There is a 15kg limit for personal luggage that the porters will carry. This should be packed into a flexible duffel bag, 90l is a good size. This personal luggage includes your sleeping bag (provided) which must also fit into the duffel bag. Extra luggage and suitcases can be left in the locked storage room of the lodge.

Unfortunately, although the success rate on the Machame route is very high, we can't guarantee summit success on every trip. Weather conditions, personal health and medical conditions, altitude effects and other circumstances may mean it's necessary for an individual or group to turn back. It is at the guides discretion to make a call and implement any itinerary changes as seen fit.

We recommend that you check in with your personal healthcare advisor or travel doctor before your trip to Africa. We have provided a useful link below where you can find information on vaccine requirements.

The success rate of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame route is approximately 85% to 90%. Proper acclimatisation, physical fitness, and following the guidance of experienced guides significantly increase the chances of reaching the summit.

Most non-citizens need a Tanzanian tourist visa. This is easily obtained upon arrival. Tanzanian visas are also available online. Beware when purchasing your visa online, as there are many illegitimate companies trying to sell them. Below is a link to the official Tanzanian High Commission UK website. While applying for a visa, you will need the following host company details: Full Name: Ahsante Tours & Safaris Limited Mobile number: +255759690257 Email: info@ahsantetours.com Company name/Registration number: 100817209 Physical address: Plot 29-A, Karanga Drive, Moshi – Kilimanjaro Accommodation (where you will stay): Weru Weru River Lodge Address: P.O.Box 855, Mailisita, Moshi-Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro is very close to the equator, so the temperatures are very similar year-round. They can range from around 20°C(68°F) at the base to -10°C (14°F) on the summit. The dry season is June-September, and during these times, there is typically just a dusting of snow on the summit. These are also the busiest months. The wet season is Nov-May, where snow depth on the summit can regularly be 20-30cm.

Yes, of course! Safari in Tanzania is an amazing experience - simply message the Skyhook team before/ after booking and we'll help you arrange a 2-7 day safari.