7 DAY KILIMANJARO: MACHAME ROUTE
The Machame route is renowned as the world's most beautiful climbing route, offering stunning views of Mount Meru, an impressive ascent along the Barranco wall, and other captivating highlights. This route features well-maintained hiking trails and a unique path for the descent, allowing you to see more of Kilimanjaro.
The ascent via the Machame route typically spans seven days, although a eight-day option is available for better acclimatization. The extra day enhances your chances of reaching the summit and involves hiking from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp. Your accommodations include high-quality tents, and you'll be supported by professional guides, porters, and a cook who monitor your health and provide nourishing mountain cuisine. Detailed information and a menu can be provided upon request when you inquire about climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame route. Additionally, you'll receive informative documents to assist in your preparation when requesting a quote from us.
1NIGHT/HOTEL | 7 DAY HIKE
ITINERARY
Day 1:
AIRPORT ARRIVAL
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will transport you to your hotel. You'll have the opportunity to settle in, relax, and acclimate to the African atmosphere. If desired, an additional day of rest can be arranged before the start of your climb, improving your chances of summit success.
Please note that the hotel mentioned is a suggestion for the first and last night of your stay. We offer a range of accommodation options, from basic to luxurious, based on your preferences. The choice of lodging is entirely up to you.
DAY 2:
MACHAME GATE (1,800 m/ 5,905 ft) -
MACHAME CAMP (3,000m/ 9,840 ft)
Elevation gain: 1200 m/ 3,937 ft | Distance: 5 km. | Hiking time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Environment: Rainforest
Your adventure starts as our guide collects you from the hotel and transports you to Machame Gate in the morning, marking the beginning of your ascent. Today's route guides you through a lush, unspoiled tropical rainforest, with a humid climate fostering abundant greenery. After five to six hours of hiking, you'll arrive at Machame Camp, situated on the cusp of the forest area within the heath zone.
This is your first day at this altitude, so it is recommended that you follow the instructions below from now on:
1. Drink as much water as possible
2. Take a Diamox tablet if you experience symptoms of altitude sickness
DAY 3:
MACHAME CAMP (3,000M/ 9,843 FT)
TO SHIRA CAMP (3,840M/ 12,600 FT)
Elevation gain: 840 m/ 2,723 ft | Distance: 5 km. | Hiking time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: easy| Environment: moorland
Today, you'll embark on a slightly steeper climb, but it rewards you with breathtaking views. It's crucial to be mindful of the increasing altitude and maintain a suitable pace, with the guidance of our experienced team. The initial part of the hike leads to a small circular cliff known as the picnic rock, offering stunning vistas of Kibo (a Kilimanjaro peak) and Shira (another volcanic peak). Continuing on the beautiful route, you'll reach Shira Camp for lunch. Afterward, an acclimatization walk to the Lava Tower is an option, taking you to an altitude of 4,120 meters and covering a distance of 2 kilometers.
NOTE: The acclimatization walk is a relatively easy hike with a gradual increase in altitude, which aids the acclimatization process. These acclimatization hikes are vital for increasing your chances of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro and reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
DAY 4:
SHIRA CAMP (3,840 M/ 12,600 FT) -
LAVA TOWER (4,630 M/ 15,190 FT) -
BARRANCO CAMP (3,960 M/ 12,960 FT)
Elevation gain: 790 m/ 2,592 ft |Elevation loss: 670 meters/ 2,198 ft| Distance: 11 km | Hiking time: 6-8 hours | Difficulty: medium | Environment: moorland
Today’s hike leads from Shira Camp to the beautiful Lava Tower. This part of the climb has many ascents and descents and offers beautiful views along the way. It is a longer hike and you might feel a bit uncomfortable due to the increased altitude. It is therefore important to remain at Lava Tower for one to two hours in order for your body to acclimatize. Therefore lunch will be taken here. After lunch, you descend to Barranco Camp. Here you will encounter strange looking flowering plants that grow up to five meters high! Barranco Camp is located at the foot of the imposing Barranco Wall, which is impressive in both its sheer size and steepness. Fortunately, the path leading to it is not that difficult.
Option: If there are participants who prefer to choose a lower altitude route than that of the Lava Tower, it can be adapted to a route with a maximum height of 4400 meters.
DAY 5:
BARRANCO CAMP (3,960 M/12,631 FT)
TO BARAFU CAMP (4,640 M/15,223 FT)
Elevation gain: 680 m/ 2,231 ft | Distance: 11 km | Hiking time: 8-10 hours | Difficulty: difficult| Environment: alpine desert
After breakfast, your journey continues as you leave Barranco Camp and head towards the Barranco Wall, a challenging but enjoyable route often favored by climbers for its stunning views. Once you reach the top of the Barranco Wall, you'll be treated to a spectacular sight of the Kibo volcano on your left and the distant Mount Meru on your right. From there, a more demanding hike commences as you make your way to Karanga Camp. This part of the route involves numerous ascents and descents, but our expert guides will ensure you follow the right path and maintain a suitable pace. Barafu Camp, the last camp before the summit, awaits, and a hot meal will be provided. It's crucial to rest and sleep here, as around midnight, you'll embark on your final ascent to the summit.
DAY 6:
BARAFU CAMP (4,640 M/ 15,100 FT) -
UHURU PEAK (5,895 M/ 19,340 FT) TO
MILLENNIUM CAMP (3,820 M/ 12,532 FT)
Elevation gain: 1255 m/ 4,117 ft | Elevation loss: 2075 m/ 6,807 feet | Distance: 15 km | Hiking time: 8-12 hours | Difficulty: High | Environment: arctic
Tonight, you'll depart from Barafu Camp to ascend to the top of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. The climb involves challenging high-altitude conditions, with one personal guide for every two climbers to ensure their well-being. At the summit, you can witness a stunning sunrise and even visit the nearest glacier after a celebratory gathering. After a brief rest, you'll descend back to Barafu Camp, then continue your descent to Millennium Camp, being cautious to avoid injury by watching your steps.
DAY 7:
MILLENNIUM CAMP (3,820 M/ 12,532 FT) -
MWEKA GATE (1,650 M/ 5,380 FT)
Elevation loss: 2170 m/ 7,119 ft | Distance: 12 km | Hiking time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: easy | Environment: rainforest
Millennium Camp is set in a tropical rainforest, offering a refreshing change in altitude after reaching the summit. Following breakfast, you'll head to the park exit, where the entire group gathers to celebrate the accomplishment.
Hotel accommodations for the last night are not included in this package. Assistance can be provided in selecting a hotel to suit your preferences!
HOW FIT DO YOU NEED TO BE TO CLIMB
KILIMANJARO VIA THE MACHAME ROUTE?
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging endeavor due to factors like high altitude, ascent rate, and varying temperatures. A typical climbing day involves 6-7 hours of walking, achievable for healthy, fit individuals. To enhance your chances of reaching the summit and enjoying the trek, it's essential to take your time, avoid hiking too fast, and prioritize physical fitness through activities like hiking, running, and aerobic exercises. Altitude sickness is unpredictable, but the Machame route's gradual ascent and good trails minimize the risk. Adding an extra day to your climb further reduces the chances of altitude sickness, with a cost of $346 per person. For more preparation advice, you can contact them or read their blog on preparing for Kilimanjaro.
INCLUDED
- Pick up Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to lodge/hotel
- Transfer lodge/hotel to Kilimanjaro Airport
- Private guide speaking fluently English
- Private cook speaking fluently English
- Park Fees for national park
- Porters who carry your luggage
- High quality tents
- Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Dinner-tent
- Rescue fee
- Portable toilet
EXCLUDED
- International flight tickets and tourist visa
- Accommodation on day of arrival and departure
- Insurances (travel, flying doctors etc)