Machame Route

Day 1:        

Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,010m/9,875ft)

• After breakfast at the hotel you will drive to the Machame Gate where your trek starts after completing registration formalities.

• You'll hike through the rainforest, experiencing lush vegetation and various wildlife.

• The first day's trek is approximately 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) and takes about 5-7 hours to reach Machame Camp, where you'll spend the night.

 

 

Day 2:        

Machame Camp (3,010m/9,875ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)

• After breakfast, the day begins with a steep ascent through the heather and moorland zones onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will see Mt. Meru rising high above Arusha town

• You'll cross several ridges and valleys, gaining altitude as you approach Shira Camp for overnight camping.

• The hiking duration for this day is approximately 4-6 hours where you will cover approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles)

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Day 3:

Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Baranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)

• Today's trek involves a mixture of hiking across rocky terrain and ascending to Lava Tower at 4,630m/15,190ft for acclimatization.

• We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach Barranco Camp through the stunning Barranco Wall.

• The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have also followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to avoid altitude sickness.

• The hiking duration for this day is approximately 6-8 hours, coving 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)

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Day 4:        

Baranco Camp  (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Camp (4,035m/13,255ft)

• The day starts with a challenging scramble up the Barranco Wall. 

• Traverse through the ridges and valleys of Karanga Valley before reaching Karanga Camp where you can  enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

• The days trek is only approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) taking around 4-6 hours to complete.

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Day 5:

Karanga Camp (4,035m/13,255ft) to Barafu Camp (4,680m/15,350ft)

• The 3-5 hours hiking trail ascends gradually through the alpine desert as you approach Barafu Camp, approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from todays starting point.

• The terrain becomes increasingly steep as you approach the base camp.

• From Barafu you will have excellent views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

• Upon reaching the camp, you'll have a short rest and an early dinner before preparing your bags for the summit attempt.

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Day 6:        

Barafu Camp (4,680m/15,350ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) and decent to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170 ft)

Distance: Approximately 4 kilometers(2.5 miles) ascent to Uhuru Peak, and then 12 kilometers(7.5 miles) descent to Mweka Camp

• The day begins very early in the morning (around midnight) for the final push to the summit.

• You'll climb through steep and challenging terrain, including loose volcanic scree slopes to reach Stella point (5735m/18,885ft).  We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi and complete a quick health check.  Those feeling well enough will continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro.

• After celebrating your achievement and taking in the breathtaking views at the summit, you'll descend surprisingly fast to Barafu campsite for a short nap and something to eat before making your way down to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.

• Approximate hiking time for the 4 kilometers(2.5 miles) to the summit is 12-14 hours and then the 12 kilometers(7.5 miles) descent to Mweka Camp takes approximately 4-6 hours.

 

 

Day 7:        

Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170 ft) to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)

• On the final day, after breakfast you'll continue your descent through the lush rainforest.

• The trek concludes at Mweka Gate, where you'll complete the necessary paperwork, receive your summit certificates and celebrate your successful climb.

• The hiking duration for this day is approximately 3-4 hours covering the last 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)

You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner, descent bed and celebrations!!

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