Zara Tours leads treks up the Machame, a beautiful route up Kilimanjaro that allows you to experience the southwest and south sides of the mountain, since you go up one way and down another. All your equipment and supplies are carried by porters and a cook prepares all your meals. Unlike the Marangu Route where you sleep in huts, on the Machame you sleep in tents (tents are included), and the porters will pitch your tent for you. Meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. This makes the Machame, which is referred to as the "Whiskey Route," better suited to more adventurous hikers, and it also rewards you with better views than the Machame Route. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo's great Barranco Wall, the Machame Route offers the spunky hiker a continuous scenic slide show. The Machame Route is normally completed in 6 days, and this greatly helps your acclimatization. The Machame Route takes you high to Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft) on day 3 then brings you down for an overnight at Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,960 ft). This intermediate ascent and descent is the secret to a successful acclimatization, and is the reason that this route has a high success rate.
As arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our dedicated driver will be eagerly anticipating your arrival at the airport holding a sign with your name on it, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. From there, a seamless and comfortable transfer service will whisk you away to our enchanting Springlands hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be served a delicious meal. Later on, our experienced Mountain coordinators will give you a pre-safari briefing, an exciting opportunity to learn about the wonders that await you on your upcoming expedition. Enjoy the relaxing environment of Springland Hotel with a swimming pool, a beautiful garden with a bar and a restaurant.