Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route
- Climbing the highest mountain in Africa ” The Roof Of Africa”.
- Machame Scenic Route.
- 5 nights accommodation on the mountain.
- Summiting Uhuru peak.
- Adventure hike on the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
- Mt. Kilimanjaro has three volcanic cones, Mawenzi, Shira and Kibo.
- Africa’s sunrise & sunset on the mountain.
- The scenery rain forest, heath, moorland, alpine desert and an arctic summit.
6 Days Mount Trekking Machame Route
Day 1: Machame Camp
Pick up at a hotel in Moshi and drive for 45 minutes to Machame Village. The guides and porters prepare and pack the supplies and your equipment in the village. You will receive a packed lunch and you can also buy mineral water in the village. If the weather permits we can drive to the park gate if not we walk 3 kilometers to the gate which takes about an hour.
Importantly register at the Machame gate 1490 meters and start climbing through the forest to Machame camp which is at 2980 meters above sea level. The trail is muddy and very steap. You will have lunch mid way and arrive Machame camp in the afternoon, the porters will arrive and pitched tents before we get there. In the evening the cook will boil drinking and washing water and prepare dinner. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
18kms – 7 Hours Hiking Time
Day 2: Shira Camp
After breakfast descend a bit and then trek towards shira cathedral passing by Bivi cave then to Shira camp which is at 3840 meters; lunch en route. From this point the glaciers are visible. In the evening the cook will boil drinking and washing water and prepare dinner. The temperature at this elevation will drop below freezing point. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
9kms – 6 Hours Hiking Time
Day 3: Baranco Camp
After breakfast hike to Baranco Camp via Lava Tower which is at 3840 meters where we will have lunch. Ascend the rocky scree to Lava tower 4,630 meters by now some climbers should be experiencing short off breadth and headaches, today’s hike is meant to acclimatize and this will be the most difficult day yet.
Descend down to Baranco camp 3950 meters and by now the benefits of acclimatizing should be evident. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner.
15kms – 7 Hours Hiking Time
Day 4: Barafu Camp
After breakfast set off and start today’s hike, ascend from the Great Barranco Wall and make your way past the Heim Glacier looking down from this point one just appreciates the awesome sceneries of Mount Kilimanjaro. Continue with the trek through the Karanga valley where you will find intersecting ridges and valleys that join the Mweka route which is the preferred route to descend from the summit. Karanga valley is the last water stop as there is no water at the Barafu camp. Take a left turn up the ridge and walk for an hour to arrive at Barafu Camp.
The weather conditions at this point are terrible and the camp is totally exposed. The camping ground is rocky and the ridges are dangerous so it’s best to familiarize yourself with your surrounding to avoid un necessary accidents. Prepare your equipment and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it is wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. You will wake up very early the same night for the summit attempt so get to bed early for a good rest.
13kms – 7 Hours Hiking Time
Day 5: Mweka Hut
Wake up at midnight and have tea and some biscuits, trek for six hours heading the north-westerly direction ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, this is the most challenging trek for many climbers. Rest for a short while at Stella point which is at 5685 meters above sea level.
The reward for getting this far is the amazing view of the sunrise from the horizon if the weather permits. From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life.
The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear. Descend further down to mweka hut, the route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared.
Ascend 7kms – 8 Hours Hiking Time, Descend 23kms – 7 Hours Hiking Time
Day 6: Moshi
After breakfast descend to the park gate which will take about 3 hours. Importantly sing out at the Mweka gate, write your name and other details in a register and this is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.
Finally descend from Mweka Gate and continue down to Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km 1 hour walk. At Mweka village you will be served a delicious hot lunch and after wards drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations. Overnight at the Spring lands hotel where your Mount Kilimanjaro climbing Machame route ends.
15kms – 3 Hours Hiking Time
End of service
- Mount Kilimanjaro Camping Equipment
- Transport to and from the base of the mountain.
- Fullboard Accommodation on the mountain.
- All Park Fees.
- Services of an english speaking guide, porters and a cook.
- Rescue fee in case of an emergency.
- H.F Radio Communication.
- Hiking Equipments.
- Visas.
- International Air Fares.
- Expenses of personal nature such as travel/baggage insurance,laundry, beverages, tips etc