Machame route 7days 6 night

The Machame route was voted as the most beautiful climbing route in the worl This is due to the stunning views of Mount Meru, the impressive ascent along the Barranco wall and other highlights you see. The route has also well-maintained hiking trails. You can also see more of Kilimanjaro, because the Machame route takes a different route to the summit than for the descent.

The ascent via the Machame route takes a total of six days, but is also possible in seven days so that your body can acclimatize properly. We recommend this extra day as it increases your chances to reach the summit. In this case, you would take an extra day to hike from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp.

 

ITINERARY

Day 0: Arrival day

You will meet our driver and pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel. Pre-trek briefing at your hotel. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Day 1: Hotel to Machame Camp

Drive from Arusha to Machame Gate takes about 2 hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
Distance: 11km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
Distance: 5km
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to 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” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Distance: 10km
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
Distance: 5km
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. 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.
Distance: 4km
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to 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 you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Distance: 5km up / 13km down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

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).
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest

INCLUSION

  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
  • Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on a twin sharing basis)
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate

EXCLUSION

  • Tanzania Visa
  • International and domestic flights
  • Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Liquors, beers and bottled beverages