Overview

Prepare to embark on a remarkable adventure to the roof of Africa. The Machame Route is your key to unlocking the majestic beauty and formidable challenge of Mount Kilimanjaro. As we introduce you to this exceptional journey, envision yourself on a path renowned for its scenic splendor, diverse ecosystems, and the thrilling ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the continent. Join us on the Machame Route, where awe-inspiring landscapes and a sense of triumph await those who dare to climb Kilimanjaro.

Itinerary

Day 1

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours, 11km/7 miles

We will give a briefing about the details of the trek, our guides will check your trekking gear before we depart. Then the adventure begins with a 1 hour drive, the journey passes through Machame village which is located on the lower slopes of the Kilimanjaro mountain. We will arrive at the Machame Gate, where we register and start the climb.
Our journey begins while we are walking through the mystical rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. As the forest get thinner, the tall grasses and wild flowers will appear. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are advised here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp at 3000 meter.

Day 2

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, 5km/3 miles

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. Notice the change in vegetation as you gain altitude. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite at 3840 meter. Here we take our lunch, the rest of the day will be spend resting and acclimatized. Optional hike up to the Shira Crater where the lava flow of Kibo filled the Shira Crater.

Day 3

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours, 10km/6 miles

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo with its barren landscape. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” at 4650 meter. Shortly after the tower we will follow the trail to the Arrow Glacier. We will descent down to the Barranco Camp at 3950 meter where take our dinner and rest. Although you end the day by gaining only 110 meters, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Day 4

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, 9km/6 miles

We leave Barranco Camp behind and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall at 4250 meter. This will take us 1.5 hour to get reach the top of the wall. We reach a more level terrain and hike towards the steep descent intro the Karanga Valley at 4050 meter. Here we come across the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We over night at Karanga Campsite.

Day 5

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, 4km/2 miles

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit and glaciers from different angles. Here we set up camp with views of the summit in the distance. We prepare ourselves for the climb to the summit.

Day 6

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up to summit / 5-6 hours down to Mweka Camp, : 5km/3 miles up and 13km/8 miles down

At midnight around 2 am in the morning, we continue our way to the summit of Uhuru Peak , between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. This part of the hike is done in the dark and require a headlamp. You ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1 hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak at 5895 meter, you have reached the highest point of the Kilimanjaro and 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.

Day 7

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, 10km/6 miles

After breakfast at 3090 meter, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel.

What's Includes

• High quality mountain sleeping tents
• 2 Nights accommodation (hotel Panama,Moshi)
• Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
• All Park fees
• Rescue fees
• All meals while on the Mountain
• Arrival and Departure transfers
• 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:
• Sleeping Mattress

What’s not included

• Tanzania Visa: $50 / $100 (American residents) per person on arrival at airport
•    Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
•    Meals not listed above
•    Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
•    Tips and any items of personal nature