Machame Route 6 Days | Kilimanjaro Climbing

From

$1650.00

Duration

6 days

Tour Type

Mountain Camping Tent Stay, Treking

4.33 by 3 reviews

Quality4
Location4.67
Amenities4
Services5
Price4

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Tours Overview

This route employs the strategy of “trek high, sleep low,” which is crucial for minimizing the risk of altitude sickness.

The climb begins in the scenic mountain village of Machame, located to the south of Kilimanjaro. From here, we pass through the lush Machame Forest into the moorland zone. Next, we navigate some rocky sections to reach the Shira Plateau. Our journey continues counter-clockwise, skirting beneath the southern face of Kibo. We then ascend to Lava Tower, where you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramas, before tackling the Great Barranco Wall, which involves an exciting rock scramble. The final push to Uhuru Peak starts from either Barafu or Kossovo Camp, following the ridge that borders the Southeast Valley. This ascent from Barafu provides stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and the remnants of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cone.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Day one of your Kilimanjaro trekking adventure begins with an exhilarating journey from the moment you touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly greeted by our representative who will escort you to your comfortable hotel in Moshi, where you can rest and prepare for the adventure ahead. After settling in, you'll head to our office for a crucial pre-trek briefing. Here, you'll meet your mountain guide and a dedicated consultant who will walk you through the itinerary, ensuring you understand the trek's challenges and highlights. They will meticulously check your gear, confirming that you have everything required for the ascent, from proper clothing to trekking poles. This briefing is not just about logistics; it's also an opportunity to ask questions, discuss any concerns, and get acclimated to the idea of climbing Africa's highest peak. With all preparations in order, your Kilimanjaro adventure officially kicks off with this foundational day, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Today's Stats

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Total Distance: 8.2 km
Starting Altitude: 1,829 meters (6,000 feet)
Final Altitude: 3,030 meters (9,950 feet)
Environment: Montane (Rain) Forest

After a comfortable transfer from your hotel to Machame Gate, you'll begin your trek upwards through the montane rainforest. The trail is characterized by dense vegetation and can be quite muddy with short sections of steep climbs. Along the way, you may hear the calls of many exotic birds. If luck is on our side, we might spot blue monkeys in the forest canopy. Listen for the distinctive grunting calls of the magnificent black-and-white colobus monkeys, known for their long white hair 'cape' and flowing white tail.

Our first campsite, Machame Camp, is just beyond the dense tree canopy in an area where the vegetation transitions to lower, though still thick, bush. Here, you'll find species like Podocarpus (African yellow-wood), Hagenia, and Hypericum (St John’s Wort) dominating the landscape. As evening sets in, you might hear the unmistakable shrieking call of the tree hyrax.

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today's Stats

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Total Distance: 5 km
Starting Altitude: 3,030 meters (9,950 feet)
Final Altitude: 3,840 meters (12,600 feet)
Environment: Moorland

Today, we proceed through a landscape where trees and bushes become increasingly sparse, transitioning into the moorlands. The area is adorned with picturesque hanging mosses on trees, giving the landscape an ethereal quality.

Our trek concludes at Shira Camp, located on a small plateau in the high moorlands. From here, you can enjoy views of Kibo to the northwest and Mount Meru to the east. Throughout the day and around the campsite, you might spot white-necked ravens, adding to the unique experience of this part of the trek.

Day 04 : Shira 2 Camp to Baranco Camp

Today's Stats

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Total Distance: 7 km
Starting Altitude: 3,840 meters (12,600 feet)
Final Altitude: 4,642 meters (15,230 feet)
Environment: Semi-Alpine Desert

Today, we head east, ascending "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) through an increasingly rocky and desolate landscape. We'll leave the moorland behind, climbing through a path dotted with typical Kilimanjaro vegetation like Senecios and Lobelias. Our journey takes us from the alpine moorland zone, characterized by hardy plants such as lichens, grasses, and heather, into Kilimanjaro's alpine desert zone.

We'll stop for lunch at Lava Tower (4,630 meters), where those feeling adventurous can opt for a non-technical rock scramble to the top. This vantage point offers spectacular panoramic views of the Karanga Valley, Shira Plateau, and the dramatic Western Breach.

After lunch, we descend steeply for about 2 hours, dropping more than 600 meters into the Great Barranco Valley. This descent not only provides incredible photo opportunities of the Western Breach and Breach Wall but also serves as an acclimatization benefit due to the temporary altitude drop.

Barranco Camp is situated on a col, a flat area surrounded by the Breach Walls and the Kibo massif. The camp is nestled in an eerie landscape where you'll see hanging glaciers and unique plants like giant groundsels and the endemic Giant Lobelia. This day is undoubtedly challenging but also incredibly scenic.

Day 5: Baranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Today's Stats

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Total Distance: 11.4 km
Starting Altitude: 3,978 meters (13,054 feet)
Final Altitude: 4,600 meters (15,200 feet)
Environment: Alpine Desert

Today, we tackle the Great Barranco Wall, a prominent face rising above Barranco Camp. The steady climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, offering potentially breathtaking views of the glacier and Mount Kilimanjaro, depending on weather conditions and cloud cover.

After navigating the wall, our trail descends into the Karanga Valley, entering the stark alpine desert. As we ascend, the temperature drops, and we climb through this arid, barren landscape toward Barafu Camp. 'Barafu' means "ice" in Swahili, and the campsite is perched on a ridge in a narrow, exposed area, where strong winds from the mountain peaks are common. At 4,600 meters, Barafu Camp provides spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

In preparation for the summit push, you'll spend time familiarizing yourself with the terrain before nightfall, checking and preparing your gear, and donning thermal clothing. Although sleep might be elusive due to the excitement and high altitude, you'll aim to rest after dinner in your tent, gearing up for the 1,385-meter ascent to the summit of Africa's highest peak.

Day 6: Baranco Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millenium Camp

Today's Stats

Hiking Time: 7 hours to summit, 7-8 hours descent
Total Distance: 7 km to summit, 23 km descent
Starting Altitude: 4,682 meters
Summit Altitude: 5,895 meters – Uhuru Peak
Final Altitude: 3,819 meters (12,530 feet)
Environment: Stone Scree, Ice-Capped Summit, Alpine Desert

We'll rise early, leaving camp around midnight after enjoying a warm drink and a light snack. This marks the beginning of the most challenging yet rewarding day — your ascent to the roof of Africa. After roughly 6 hours of slow, strenuous hiking, you'll reach Stella Point at 5,685 meters on the crater's rim. Here, we'll pause to rest, have lunch, and admire the views above the clouds.

From Stella Point, the trail is often covered in snow, and the final 2-hour push to Uhuru Peak is demanding. You'll pass by the vibrant blue Rebmann and Tarzel Glaciers, reaching Elveda Point (5,882 meters) before the final stretch to Uhuru Peak comes into view.

Reaching the summit brings an immense sense of elation and achievement. You've accomplished climbing to Africa's highest point. Depending on weather and temperature, we'll spend time celebrating this monumental moment before beginning our descent.

The journey back follows the same path to Barafu camp for a brief rest and to shed some of your layers as the day warms up. The descent continues through rock and scree into the moorland zone and then the forest, leading us to Millennium Camp in the early afternoon where you can enjoy a hot shower and meal. This day is the longest and most mentally and physically demanding of the trek but undoubtedly one of the most transformative experiences of your life, having conquered Kilimanjaro's heights.

Day 7: Millenium Camp to Mweka Gate-Moshi

Today's Stats

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Total Distance: 13.5 km
Starting Altitude: 3,819 meters (12,530 feet, not 15,530 feet)
Final Altitude: 1,652 meters (5,420 feet)
Environment: Montane (Rain) Forest

Today, you'll continue to challenge your legs with a steep descent through the lush Mweka rainforest. The trail can be slippery when wet, adding to the difficulty. The path follows the crest of a broad ridge between two river valleys until it intersects with a road, which we'll take for the final 40 minutes to reach the Mweka Park Gates. Here, you'll enjoy a well-deserved picnic lunch and receive your summit certificates from the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority — gold for those who reached Uhuru Peak, and green for those who made it to Stella Point.

After the celebrations, we'll transport you back to your hotel in Moshi by either a private bus or Jeep, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure with African Sunrise Travel.

Day 8: Departure or Safari Extension

On this final day of your Kilimanjaro adventure, you have two paths before you:

Depart Tanzania: For those whose journey with Kilimanjaro marks the end of their Tanzanian adventure, we facilitate a smooth transition back to daily life. After a relaxing morning at your hotel, perhaps savoring one last Tanzanian breakfast, you'll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or the local bus station, depending on your onward travel plans. This transfer ensures you reach your destination with plenty of time for check-in if flying or to catch your next bus. As you leave, you'll carry with you not just souvenirs but memories of an incredible climb, one that will linger in your mind for years to come.

Continue Your Dream with Amazing Safari Extensions: Alternatively, if your spirit of adventure is still aflame, this is the perfect opportunity to delve into the wonders of Tanzania's wildlife. We offer a variety of safari extensions, where you can explore some of Africa's most renowned national parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire. Imagine swapping the mountain air for the savannah breeze, watching the Big Five in their natural habitat, or witnessing the Great Migration. Our safaris are tailored to provide an intimate experience with nature, all while ensuring comfort and safety. Whether you choose a short game drive or an extended journey through multiple parks, this extension will round off your Tanzanian experience with the vast, wild beauty of Africa.

Regardless of your choice, day seven is about transitioning from one adventure to another or returning home enriched by your experiences. We ensure that your departure or continuation is as seamless and enjoyable as the journey itself.

Included/Exclude

Airport transfers
Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping/hut and rescue fees
2 - nights Accommodations on BB at The Better Inn
Professional Up-to-date wilderness first responder trained guide or equivalent Assistance Guide
Gamow bag (portable hyperbaric chamber)
Expedition medical kit
3 person expedition tents (2 clients/tent)
Mountaineering mattress
Lightweight mess tent
Expeditions walk-in mess tent
Lightweight aluminum table
Luxury chair with backrest
Purified water while on the mountain
Return transfer Arusha/Arusha hotel to Park Gate
Wine and Champagne at the summit
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Salary for the porters
Salary for the Guides
Salary for the Cooks
Government taxes
VAT 18% on park entrance fees
Hot steamy towel on the camp
Bowl of hot washing water in the morning and evening
Shower/wash tent.

International airfare
Excess baggage charges
Costs of visas
Immunizations
Personal expenses such as beverages (other than those included with meals, as listed in each itinerary)
Room service
Souvenirs
Laundry
Communication charges
Medical or extra evacuation fees
Staff gratuities
Personal trekking equipment
Additional transportation
Meals incurred by a client unable to continue a planned itinerary due to illness
Medical conditions or airline schedule changes.