6 Days Kilimanjaro – Machame Route
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The Machame Route
A Scenic Journey through Kilimanjaro’s Varied Landscapes
The trek on the Machame Route begins at the Machame Gate, situated at an altitude of 1,640 meters. This route offers a picturesque journey through a range of environments, including dense rainforest, heather, and moorland zones. Along the way, you’ll be enchanted by the presence of giant lobelia and Senecio plants, while enjoying stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Itinerary: On day 3, you’ll face the exhilarating challenge of ascending the Lava Tower and then descending to the Barranco Campsite. Day 4 presents an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, followed by a trek through the picturesque Karanga Valley to reach the Karanga Campsite.
Summit Attempt: Day 5 is a pivotal moment as you hike to the Barafu Campsite, setting the stage for your summit attempt in the evening. You’ll reach the summit, Uhuru Peak, around midnight, marking an extraordinary achievement. The subsequent descent to the Barafu Campsite provides time for breakfast and rest before continuing the descent to the Mweka Gate on day 6.
Overall Experience: The Machame Route’s itinerary is thoughtfully designed to allow climbers to acclimatize gradually to the altitude while savoring the breathtaking scenery of Kilimanjaro. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging undertaking, both physically and mentally. Trekkers should be well-prepared and ensure they’re in good shape for the journey ahead. Additionally, selecting a reputable tour operator and heeding their guidance is essential to ensure a safe and successful climb.
Day 1
- Arrival
- ✈️ Airport Pick-Up: We’ll greet you at Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport and provide transportation, including your return trip to the airport.
- 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy your first night in a comfortable hotel.
🛌🏻 Spend the night in a hotel, the same one as your first night’s stay.
🚌 Note: Transportation to the airport is included after your last night spent in the hotel.Day 2
- Machame Gate to Machame Camp
- The journey begins with a 50-minute drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. During this drive, you’ll pass through the village of Machame, situated on the lower slopes of the mountain.
- After leaving the park gate, the trek commences as you venture into the rainforest. You’ll follow a winding trail up a ridge. In the lower sections, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are advisable.
- Continue along the trail through the rainforest until you reach the Machame Camp.
- Your journey leads you to the Machame Camp, where you’ll set up camp for the night.
Day 3
- Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- Start the day with breakfast, then leave the rainforest behind as you follow an ascending path.
- Continue along the trail, crossing a little valley and ascending a steep, rocky ridge covered with heather until you reach the end of the ridge.
- The path now turns west and leads you into a river gorge, where you can take a break and have dinner.
- Conclude the day at the Shira campsite, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 4
- Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- Begin the day by moving east from the Shira Plateau, ascending along a ridge. You’ll pass by the junction that leads to the Kibo peak.
- As you proceed, your direction changes to the southeast, leading you to the Lava Tower, often referred to as the “Shark’s Tooth.”
- After the Lava Tower, you’ll reach a second junction that takes you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 feet.
- Continue your journey by descending to the Barranco Hut, located at an altitude of 13,000 feet. Here, you’ll rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night.
- Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is crucial for acclimatization, preparing your body for the summit day.
Day 5
- Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Begin the day after breakfast, departing from Barranco. Continue along a steep ridge, including the challenging Barranco Wall, until you reach the Karanga Valley campsite.
- From Karanga, follow the trail to the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. Keep ascending until you arrive at the Barafu Hut.
- You’ve now completed the South Circuit, providing unique views of the summit from various angles. Set up camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the upcoming summit day.
- While at the Barafu Hut, take in the magnificent vistas of both Mawenzi and Kibo, the two prominent peaks of Kilimanjaro.
Day 6
- Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
- Start the summit climb between midnight and 2 am, heading northwest through challenging scree terrain towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
- Take a short break at Stella Point (18,600 ft) and witness a magnificent sunrise if weather permits. Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and in Africa.
- Descend directly to Mweka Hut after reaching the summit, with a lunch stop at Barafu. Gaiters and trekking poles are necessary for the loose gravel descent.
- Expect mist or rain at Mweka Camp in the upper forest in the late afternoon. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain in the evening, followed by a well-deserved rest.
Day 7
- Mweka camp to Mweka gate.
- Following breakfast, proceed with the descent to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates.
- Be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations. Gaiters and trekking poles can be beneficial.
- Light clothing like shorts and t-shirts should suffice, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing readily accessible.
MACHAME ROUTE 6 DAYS 4 NIGHTS : Price/per
No. of Persons | Days | Luxury($) | Mid-Range($) | Budget($) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 6 | 2,400 | 2,200 | 1,575 |
2 | 2,100 | 1,900 | 1,340 | |
3-4 | 1,950 | 1,650 | 1,314 | |
More than 4 |
1,900 |
1,600 |
1,291 |
Your Package Categories:
Luxury | Mid-Range | Budget |
---|---|---|
Park fees | Park fees | Park fees |
Rescue Fee | Rescue Fee | Rescue Fee |
Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) | Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) | Airport transportation is not included, can be arranged for an additional fee. |
Two-night stay at a luxurious hotel such as the Mount Meru Hotel |
Two-night stay at a mid-range hotel such as the Tulia Boutique Hotel |
Accommodation before and after the climb is not provided and can be arranged for an additional fee. For budget-friendly options, consider Merves Hotel for accommodation |
3 luxury meals per day for all days spent in the mountain |
3 mid-range meals per day for all days spent in the mountain |
3 budget meals per day for all days spent in the mountain |
Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, big luxury tents, luxury tent table and chairs, luxury mattress and camping beds | Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, mid-range tents, mid-range tent table and chairs and mid-range mattress | Equipment offered: budget tent, tent with table and chair. Add-ons available for extra charges: oxygen tank, private toilet. |
camping fees for guides, cooks and porters | camping fees for guides, cooks and porters | camping fees for guides, cooks and porters |
- If you would like to have an overview about all our price packages, please check our entire price package list.
- Click here to get more details about the price categories.
Included
- Book your flights to the airport in Arusha or Kilimanjaro and share with us your flight details
- Transfer from and back to the hotel is included in your package and we will organize it to you.
$1,291 to $2,400 pp. (USD)
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