KILIMANJARO MACHAME ROUTE 7 DAYS
Summit Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the seven summits of the world at 19,340′Navigate Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route, the most scenic on the mountainCross 6 ecological zones from lush rainforest to the harsh, beautiful arctic zoneFollow expert African guides, full of knowledge of the mountain and its environsExperience Signature Camping! Spacious tents, deluxe comfort, amazing meals and more!
DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY
Arrive in Arusha, Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you are met after passing through customs. Transfer to Mount Meru Hotel and have a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with your climbing manager and your guide. Overnight at Mount Meru HotelAccommodations: Mount Meru HotelMeals Included: Breakfast1TREK DAY 1Arusha to Machame CampAltitude gain: 5,380 to 9,350’; Hiking time: 5-7 hours, 7 miles Drive from Arusha to Mt Kilimanjaro National Park, passing by the village of Machame to meet your climb crew at the Machame Gate. As you begin the gentle ascent, the trail winds though the verdant afromontane rainforest that beards Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. Moss and tattered lichen dangles from tall branches, tree ferns rest in soft cradles, and begonias, busy lizzie impatiens, and violas bloom year-round in multiple colors on the forest floor. Many species of birds – as well as colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and other creatures of the forest – can be seen and heard. The first camp is set amongst giant heather at Machame Camp.Accommodations: Kilimanjaro CampingMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: TREK DAY
Shira Camp9,350 ft to 12,500 ft, 3 miles, approx. 4-6 hoursLeaving the glades of the rainforest behind, you continue on an ascending path along a steep ridge onto heather-clad moorland. This is known as the heath zone and, as the vegetation becomes more sparse, attractive helichrysum and lobelia are the only plants dominating the harsh mountain landscape. Various geological features can be observed, ranging from lava tubes to glacial valleys. A picnic lunch is taken on trail today. Continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau. By now you can see the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers, and after a short hike you reach the Shira Camp. Your tent tonight can definitely be described as “a room with a view” looking out towards the snow-dusted Kibo peaks. Overnight Shira Camp.Accommodations: Kilimanjaro CampingMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: TREK DAY
Barranco Camp12,500 ft to 15,223 ft (Lava Tower), down to 13,044 ft, 7km, 6-8 hoursToday is a walk-high sleep-low day. You ascend into alpine desert towards the main peak of Kibo, where the western glaciers become clearly visible. Lunch is taken as a picnic en route. If you feel very strong there is an optional ascent of the 300-foot-tall Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp in the afternoon, passing through the strange yet beautiful ‘Garden of the Senecios’ (giant groundsel), which also features many giant lobelias. The Barranco Valley is one of the prettiest areas of the entire trail. This is long day but the next time you head to this altitude is in two days’ time, making this a great acclimatization day! Overnight at Barranco Camp.Accommodations: Kilimanjaro CampingMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: TREK DAY
Karanga Camp13,044 ft to 13,123 ft, 3 miles, 4-5 hoursYou now have a relatively short day to reach Karanga Camp, after conquering the intimidating Barranco Wall. Be prepared to use all four limbs as you traverse the wall to the top of the Karanga Valley. From here, follow a path that sojourns through many inclines and declines to Karanga Camp, arriving in the late afternoon. Our selection of Karanga Camp is strategic – significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatization. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering over 3000 feet above you. Overnight at Karanga Camp.Accommodations: Kilimanjaro CampingMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: TREK DAY
Barafu Camp13,123 ft to 15,288 ft, 2 miles, 4-5 hoursToday is another half day ascending to Barafu Camp. Once again lunch is taken in this high camp, allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and, at times, strong winds rip over this camp, yet in the evenings splendid views of Mawenzi Peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before resting for the evening. Overnight at Barafu Camp.Accommodations: Kilimanjaro CampingMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: TREK DAY
Summit Ascent, Mweka Camp15,288 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,467 ft, 3 miles ascent, 7 miles descent, 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descentDepart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit, and this is the coldest, windiest section of your adventure. Most likely by dawn, as the first rays of light start to appear across the Tanzanian landscape, you arrive near the rim at Stella Point, at an altitude of 18,652ft. Here, you are rewarded with the most glorious sunrise you are ever likely to see, appearing over Mawenzi Peak.Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! Take as many pictures as you can! After a short celebration at the summit, begin the ebullient trek down. Go slowly and enjoy the wonderful rainforest scenery as you head towards Mweka Camp, arriving before dusk. With every step the air has more and more oxygen so although your legs will be jelly your heart will be light. Overnight Mweka Camp.Accommodations: Kilimanjaro CampingMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: TREK DAY 7
Arrive in Arusha12,467 ft to 5,380 ft, 6 miles, 3-4 hoursAfter breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and at around midday, after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower and a celebratory dinner!Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping