Summary
The Machame Route is approximately 62 km/ 37 miles from gate to gate. It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience, but plenty of first time trekker use the route as well and do just fine. It is rated as one of Kilimanjaro's better routes and thus is recommended.
Package Includes
-Two nights accommodation at the Kili Wonders Hotel in Moshi (before and after the climb) -Return transportation from Moshi to/from the starting/finishing point on the mountain -Qualified guides with mountain crew -National park fees -Tents and sleeping mattresses -Cutlery / Crockery / Eating utensils -Mess tent (for dining) / Mini camping chairs / Tables / Candles -Rescue fees -Pulse oximeters -First aid kit -Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries -Boiled water on the mountain -All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner) -Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain -Airport transfers -Private toilet -Emergency oxygen
Package Excludes
-Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips -Meals and drinks not specified -Gears for your climb -Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included -Visas
Activities
- General Photography
- Hiking
- Bird Watching
Places
- Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Physical Condition
- Normal Physical Condition
Connectivity
- No WiFi but some phone coverage
Day-by-day Description
Day 1Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Activities Included
General Photography HikingElevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft Distance: 11 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.
Day 2Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Activities Included
Camping General Photography HikingElevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Heath We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.
Day 3Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower, Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Activities Included
Camping General Photography HikingShira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft Distance: 7 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft Distance: 3 km/2 miles Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Day 4Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Activities Included
Camping General Photography HikingElevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Day 5Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Activities Included
Camping General Photography HikingElevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft Distance: 4 km/2 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Day 6Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Activities Included
Camping General Photography HikingBarafu Camp to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft Distance: 12 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Rain Forest Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Activities Included
Camping General Photography HikingElevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
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Offical Visa Regulations and Health Requirements
For personalized details on health and visa requirements please check the IATA travel centre here
https://www.iatatravelcentre.comVisas are required for the citizens traveling to Tanzania. Foreign nationals may apply for a visa online in advance of travel. ... Present a copy of the grant notice to the Immigration Officer on arrival at the airport in Tanzania. citizens may also obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Tanzania.