Kilimanjaro Machame Route Tour
Itinerary – Machame Route
- Duration: 8 Days
- Trek Duration: 7 days
Trek overview:
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Chance of successful summit ascent: high
- Acclimatisation times: very good
- Number of fellow trekkers on route: many
The Machame Route has become one of the, if not the most, popular route to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. As a result of an extra day to acclimatise and trekking at high altitude during the day and sleeping at lower elevations, the probability of successfully reaching the Uhuru peak is higher than on some of the other routes. For many it is the preferred route due to the beautiful views and the opportunity to cross the different climate zones with their unique vegetations.
Trekking itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrival – from the Airport you will be picked up and taken to the hotel. In the evening you will meet the Lead guide who give you briefing and safety information regarding the trek. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions in this meeting.
Hotel:Lodge/Hotel
- Meals provided: Breakfast (B) – Lunch (L) – Dinner (D)
- Walking duration: up to 7 hours
- Walking distance: approx. 6 km (approx. elevation gains of 1,100m to 2,900m above sea level)
- Campsite: Machame Huts
Our first day of trekking will commence at the Machame Gate, located at 1,800m above sea level, where we will make our way through the fertile rainforest.
- Meals provided: B-L-D
- Walking duration: up to 6 hours
- Walking distance: approx. 6 km (approx. elevation gains of 1,100m to 4,000m)
- Campsite: New Shira Camp
Continuing our trek through the forest we will reach and cross the Shira Plateau, the remains of a once active volcanic crater, boasting deep valleys and the remains of once active lava flows. Nowadays, the area on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro is recognised as a World Heritage Site and a beautiful backdrop to your third day of trekking.
- Meals provided: B-L-D
- Waling duration: up to 7 hours
- Walking distance: approx. 10 km (approx. elevation gains of 0m to remain at 4,000m)
- Campsite: Barranco Huts
On the fourth day you will continue your trek along the Plateau.
- Meals provided: B-L-D
- Walking duration: up to 5 hours
- Walking distance: approx. 6 km (approx. 100m elevation gain to 4,000m)
- Campsite: Karanga Camp
Today is one of the exciting days when we trek the Barranco Wall.
Although this is a strenuous ‘climb’ involving some ‘scrambling’, no technical skills or previous experience are needed to pass this section of the trek. We think it will be a welcomed change of scenery from the previous days crossing the Shira Plateau.
- Meals provided: B-L-D
- Walking duration: up to 5 hours
- Walking distance: approx. 4 km (approx. 600m elevation gain to 4,600m)
- Campsite: Barafu Huts
On day six we reach the Barafu Base camp by afternoon to prepare for the summit trek. Depending on the weather you may be able to see your destination in the distance, a great motivator for the long day to follow. After dinner there will be time to take rest/nap. You will start around 11pm to 1pm for the summit trek as below
- Meals provided: B–L-D
- Walking duration: up to 5-7 hours up, 5-6 hours down (total of 10-12 hours)
- Walking distance: approx. 5 km up, 10 km down (total of 15km) (finish at 3100m)
- Campsite: Millennium Camp/Mweka Hut
From base camp you head to the Stella Point, the first landmark of the day located right on the crater rim. Once the Stella Point is reached the trail will even out with no significant steep sections. It is important to note that getting to Uhuru Peak from Stella Point should not be challenging depending on how one’s body copes with the altitude.
The sunset at the Uhuru Peak is stunning with spectacular panoramic views. The sunrise will offer you the most stunning and unique ‘surprise’. After taking pictures and enjoying the achievement there will be opportunity to take a ‘walk’ to the glacier. Following this you will descend back to the Barafu Camp for Brunch before descending further to the last campsite.- Meals provided: B-L
- Walking duration: up to 5 hours
- Walking distance: approx. 20 km (approx. elevation loss of 1,400m to 1,700m)
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Back to Hotel: Lodge/Hotel
* Machame Route Price: US $2200 pp/sharing (1 to 5 people) *
* US $2000 pp/sharing for larger groups (6+ people) *
What is included:
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- All meals during the trek
- Breakfast on the day of departure
- All Park fees/Climbing permits
- Guides & Porters service
- Tents
- Emergency Oxygen
- Emergency rescue
What Is Not included:
- Sleeping bags
- Flights
- Visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips