8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing

8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing | Machame Route

Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours

Overview

Machame route is the most popular path. It is the route of choice for many people because it provides impressive views and a variety of habitats. About 65% of all climbers, and most seasoned climbers, choose this route. It is also one of the cheaper routes due to its easy access and shorter itinerary. The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents.

Day 1 Nairobi | Arusha | Moshi

Pick from your Nairobi hotel in the morning and depart for Arusha Tanzania via Namanga border town for immigration formalities. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at an Moshi hotel.

Day 2 Moshi | Machame Camp 9,400ft

You will drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. After the registration, you will leave the park gate and walk about 11 km through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. Continue a short distance until you reach the Machame Camp.

Day 3 Machame Camp | Shira Camp 12,500ft

After breakfast, you will leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path 5km, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. You will rest as you take your dinner and overnight.

Day 4 Shira Camp | Lava tower | Barranco Camp 13,000ft

You will start after breakfast from the Shira Plateau, and continue to the east up a ridge 10km, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continue, the direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, come to the second junction which brings you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. You continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here you rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Day 5 Barranco Camp | Karanga Camp 13,100ft

After breakfast, you leave Barranco and continue 5km on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

Day 6 Karanga Camp | Barafu Camp 15,300ft

After breakfast, you leave Karanga Camp 5km trek and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. You will continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here you make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are being seen from this position.

Day 7 Bafaru Camp | Summit 19,345ft | Mweka Hut 10,000ft

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), you continue, your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a north westerly direction and 5km ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, you will make 12km descent straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 8 Mweka Camp | Moshi 5,400ft

After breakfast, you will continue the descent 10km down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.(keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.

What's included in this package

Transportation in a custom safari minibus with pop-up roof ideal for game viewing and sightseeing.
Services of a professionally trained and experienced English speaking driver/guide
Full board accommodation in the lodges as mentioned
Bottled water for use during the safari
Game drives and all park entry fees

What's not included in this package

Your International Flight transportation to and From Nairobi
Personal expenses like visa fees, travel/baggage insurance, laundry, beverages, tips etc.
Christmas, New Year and Easter supplements

8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing - Machame Route