Route Overview
Machame Route - 6 Days, 5 Nights Trek
For those who only have six days to climb Kilimanjaro, the Machame route is the best choice because of its acclimatization profile. Compared to other six day routes, the Machame route exposes the climber to higher elevations quicker (day three) which kickstarts the body’s adaptation to altitude. However, this route requires that a person be in good shape to be able to tackle the challenging elevation gains and losses.
The route begins from the south, then heads east, traversing underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field before summiting. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although seven days is recommended.
- Detailed Trekking Itinerary
DAY 1
Machame Gate – Machame Hut
You will then begin your hike through the rainforest on a twisted path up the ridge. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so the gaiters and trekking poles could come handy. You will have lunch along the way, as we continue with our trek to Machame Hut campsite.
- Elevation 1800meters to 3100meters
- Distance: 12 km
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
DAY 2
Machame Hut – Shira Cave Campsite
Hike to Shira Cave Campsite begins after breakfast. The rainforest will be left behind, and we’ll cross the little valley and walk beside the rocky ridge. Lunch will be served along the way, followed by final hike to Shira cave. Later, in the afternoon, acclimatisation walk commence to help you get used to the altitude. Dinner will be served at Shira cave, where you will rest for the day.
- Elevation 3100meters to 3840meters
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
DAY 3
Shira Cave Campsite – Lava Tower to Barranco Campsite
Today’s trek to Barranco campsite starts after breakfast, and our path will be towered by Lava Tower (4600meters), which is also called the Shark’s tooth. Your lunch will be served at the Lava Tower, as you’ll spend some time at this altitude to get used to it. Then we’ll head to Barranco camp, nested at 3950m, and here you will have dinner and spend the night. Despite the fact that this day will end at the same elevation at which it begins, it is very important for acclimatisation of your body for summit day.
- Elevation 3840meters to 4600meters to 3950meters
- Distance: 12 km
- Hiking Time: 8-9 hours
- Habitat: Semi-Desert
DAY 4
Barranco Campsite – Barafu Hut
We’ll begin our trek over steep ridge at the base of Barranco wall toward Karanga Valley campsite, where you will be served with picnic lunch.You will then leave Karanga and continue hiking to Barafu Hut. At Barafu hut you will have a good view of the summit from different angles, and also have a magnificent sight of two peaks – Kibo and Mawenzi. You can rest and prepare for the summit. Dinner will be served early.
- Elevation 3950meters to 4600 meters
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 5
Barafu hut – Uhuru peak – Mweka campsite
Hiking to the summit will begin short after midnight, at around 12:30 A.M., as our path twists through heavy scree towards Stella Point at the crater rim. This part of the hike is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the ascend. Once we reach Stella Point, you will rest and refresh with warm cup of tea or coffee, accompanied by the views of the magnificent sunrise coming above Mawenzi. Going further up, you might encounter snow storm, although it is dictated by the season you are taking for the hike. The summit, Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Kilimanjaro and all of Africa, is just an hour ascend from Stella Point.
From the summit, you will start trekking down to Mweka campsite. Lunch stop will be at Barafu camp, where you can take some rest, before we continue our descend towards Mweka Campsite, which is located in the forest. Here, you will have your last dinner and overnight on the Kilimanjaro.
- Elevation 4600meters to 5895meters (and down to 3100meters)
- Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
- Habitat: Arctic
DAY 6
Mweka Campsite – Mweka Gate
Breakfast will be served before we begin hiking down to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive summit certificates. Path on the lower elevations can be rather wet and muddy, so the gaiters and trekking poles might come handy. There will be a vehicle waiting at the gate to take you back to your accommodation in Moshi.
- Elevation 3100meters to 1800meters
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
- Our custom-made Tanzania Safari Packages and Kilimanjaro Climbing packages are of world class standards, ideal for groups, organizations, families, backpackers and individuals alike, and for both leisure and business travel. Our sole focus and expertise is unique and top rated in Tanzania and Eastern Africa as a whole.
Cost Includes
- All Entrance fees and Government taxes
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Transfers from the Hotel to the Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from the Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
Cost Excludes
- International and local airfare.
- Yellow fever vaccination passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
- Local transportation before and after the climb.
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Tips for the support team
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
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