Overview
Machame route is the most beautiful route up the mountain, it is also one of the steepest routes. The park gate is located a few miles above the village of Machame, the Machame route is the best choice because of its acclimatization profile compared to other routes, the climbers are exposed to higher elevations quicker as from day three which kick starts the body’s adaptation to altitude-however, this route requires that a person is in good shape to be able to tackle the challenging of elevation gains and losses. The Machame route can be done in a minimum of 6 days but a 7-day trek is recommended so, climbers are well rested and acclimatized before making the final ascent to the summit.
Trekking Highlights
- conquer the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro
- Climb with experienced and knowledgeable guides and potters.
- Stay in tents on your entire trekking time.
- Discover the 5 ecological zones on your trekking.
Included
- Transportation to and from starting/finishing point on the mountain
- First aid kit
- Pulse oximeters
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
- Professional, experienced, mountain guide
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Park fees for the duration of trekking
Excluded
- Additional Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for
- Souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport.
Arrive in Kilimanjaro and meet our representative, after a short briefing you will be transferred to Tulia boutique hotel and spur. The lodge is nestled on the edge of Arusha town with great views of Mount Meru with a swimming pool to relax and a nice place for your body to kick start acclimatization.
Main destination: Arusha
Accommodation: Tulia Boutique hotel and Spur
Day 2: Arusha - Machame Gate.
The drive from Kibo Palace Hotel to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about one and a half hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach Machame Camp.
Elevation (ft.): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
Main destination: Kilimanjaro
Meal plan: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Machame camp
Day 3: Machame Camp - Shira Camp
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge.
Main destination: Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shira camp
Day 4: Shira Camp - Lava Tower - Barranco Camp.
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. Elevation (ft.): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
Main destination: Kilimanjaro National Park
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp - Karanga - Barafu Camp.
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position. Elevation (ft.): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
Main destination: Kilimanjaro National Park.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp - Roof of Africa - Mweka Camp.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft.), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Elevation (ft.): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to
10,000ft)
Main destination: Kilimanjaro National Park
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp - Arusha.
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, you continue another one and a half hours through Moshi town to Weruweru lodge. Have a nice warm shower and time to relax in the poolside and swimming holding your Kilimanjaro beer. You will have a private vehicle to the lodge.
Elevation (ft.): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Main destination: Arusha
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel.
Day 8: Tulia Boutique Hotel - Kilimanjaro Airport.
Today according to your departure time we will take you from the lodge to Kilimanjaro airport and connect your flight back home.
Note you can connect these with a safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro or to relax in Zanzibar.
Main destination: Kilimanjaro International Airport
Meal plan: Breakfast