7 days of ascent on the Machame route to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Route to Kilimanjaro National Park, Machame Gate, hike to Machame Camp.

  

  Day 1 You will travel from Arusha to the gate of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. The journey will pass through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of the mountain. After leaving the park gate, you will cross the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles may be useful. You will then continue hiking a short distance until you reach Machame Camp. • Altitude: 5,400 feet to 9,400 feet • Distance: 11 kilometers • Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours • Habitat: rainforest

• day 2

  From Machame camp to Shira camp

  

  Day 2 After breakfast, you will leave the clearings of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing a small valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather until the end of the ridge. As you hike, you will head west, skirting a river gorge. After that, you will rest, have dinner, and spend the night at Shira campsite. • Altitude: 9,400 feet to 12,500 feet • Distance: 5 kilometers • Walking time: 4 to 6 hours • Habitat: moorland

• day 3

  From Shira camp to Lava Tower, then to Barranco camp.

  

  day 3 From the Shira plateau, you will continue the journey eastward by climbing a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo summit. During your hike, you will change path towards the southeast in the direction of the lava tower, called the "shark's tooth". Shortly after the tower, you will arrive at the second crossroads which will lead you to the Arrow glacier at an altitude of 16,000 feet. You will then continue to the Barranco camp at an altitude of 13,000 feet. There, you will rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night. Although you finish the day at about the same altitude as you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. • Altitude: 12,500 feet to 13,000 feet • Distance: 10 kilometers • Walking time: 6 - 8 hours • Habitat: semi-desert

• day 4

  From Barranco camp to Barafu camp

  

  Day 4 After breakfast, you will leave Barranco and continue along a steep ridge, passing the Barranco wall, to the Karanga valley campsite. This is a short day intended for acclimatization. • Altitude: 13,000 feet to 13,100 feet • Distance: 5 kilometers • Walking time: 4 to 5 hours • Habitat: alpine desert

• day 5

  From Barafu camp to the summit, descent to Mweka camp.

  

  5th Day After breakfast, you will leave Karanga and join the junction that connects to the Mweka trail. You will continue the journey to Barafu camp. At this stage, you will have completed the southern circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. There, you will set up camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. Both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks can be seen from this location. • Altitude: 13,100 feet to 15,300 feet • Distance: 4 kilometers • Walking time: 4 to 5 hours • Habitat: alpine desert

• day 6

  Hike from Barafu camp to the summit, then descend to Mweka camp.

  

  6th day Very early in the morning (from midnight to 2:00 am), you will continue your way towards the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You will head northwest and climb through heavy scree towards Stella Point, on the crater rim. This will be the most mentally and physically difficult part of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 feet), you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you can see (weather permitting). From the summit, you will then begin your descent by continuing straight to the Mweka Hut camp and stopping at Barafu for lunch along the way. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. The Mweka camp is located in the upper forest and you can expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, you will enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved sleep. - Altitude: 4700 m / 15,350 ft to 5895 m / 19,340 ft down to 3090 m / 10,150 ft - Distance: 5 km / 3 mi up / 13 km / 8 mi down - Walking time: 5-7 - hours ascent / 5-6 hours descent - Habitat: stone scree and ice-covered summit

• day 7

  Hike from Mweka camp to Mweka gate, drive to Moshi.

  

  7th day After breakfast, you will continue the descent to the Mweka park gate to receive your summit certificates. At low altitude, it can be humid and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will be useful to you. From the gate, you will continue walking for another hour to the village of Mweka. Our Foot Slopes Tours & Safaris Ltd vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka Village to take you back to your hotel in Arusha. • Altitude: 10,000 feet to 5,400 feet • Distance: 10 kilometers • Walking time: 3 to 4 hours • Habitat: rainforest

• day 8

  What to bring

  - Clothes. - A warm sweater, as nights can be cool at high altitude. - Comfortable shoes. - Waterproof hiking boots. - Waterproof jacket. - Sun hat. - Walking sticks. - Insect repellent. - Sunscreen.

• day 9

  What is included

  • Accommodation for 6 nights • A professional driver/guide • All mountain trekking equipment • All transportation • Bath towels • Camping equipment • Daily drinking water • Daily meals • Guided hike to Mount Kilimanjaro • Park fees (for non-residents) • Porterage • Accommodation before and after the program for 2 nights • Rescue fees • Round-trip airport transfers

• day 10

  What is not included

  • International flights • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.) • Tips (about 10 USD per person per day) • Mountain equipment • Sleeping mat: