7 Days 6 Nights Kilimanjaro Climb Via Machame Route

7 Days 6 Nights Kilimanjaro Climb Via Machame Route

The Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low.

The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route.

The Umbwe route should only be attempted by those who are very strong hikers and are confident in their ability to acclimatize. However, overall, the Umbwe route is not recommended and we discourage its usage for our clients.

Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Hut

Stop At: Machame Camp, Tanzania
The climb starts from machame gate (1830m), we walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rain forest, you will arrive to the first Machame Hut, situated at 3000m above sea level If is a clear day we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit.

Machame Gate to Machame Hut (3,000 m): 5-7 hours walking.

6,000 ft / 1,830 m to 10,200 ft / 3,100 m.
Distance: 11 km.
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Full Board at Machame Hut Camp.

Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Machame Hut.


Day 2: Machame Hut to Shira Cave Camp

Stop At: Shira Cave, Tanzania
A shorter day climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic site, and continue up a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo peak can be seen from Shira Camp.

Machame Hut to Shira Camp (3,840m): 4-6 hours walking.

10,200 ft / 3,100 m to 12,600 ft / 3,840 m.
Distance: 9 km.
Walking Time: 4-6 hours.
Habitat: Moorland.
Full Board Shira Cave Camp.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Shira cave camp

Day 3: Shira Cave to Lava Tower to Barranco Valley

Stop At: Barranco Camp, Tanzania
Today we walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and after hot lunch the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,950 m.).

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950 m.): 5-7 hours walking.

12,600 ft / 3,840 m to 12,700 ft / 3,860 m.
Distance: 15 km.
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert.
Full Board Barranco Camp.

Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Barranco camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Stop At: Karanga Camp, Mweka Trail, Tanzania
A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, finally we have a steep climb up to Karanga Camp

Barranco Camp to Karanga camp (4,050 m): 4-5 hours walking.

12,700 ft / 3,860 m to 13,800 ft / 4,050 m.
Distance: 5 km.
Hiking Time: 4 hours.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Full Board Karanga Camp.

Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Stop At: Barafu Camp, Tanzania
A steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp. 
The two peaks Kibo and Mawenzi can been seen from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at the Camp, The remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m.); 3-4 hours walking.

13,800 ft / 4,200 m to 15,100 ft / 4,600 m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Full Board Barafu Hut Camp

Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Stop At: Mweka Trail, Tanzania
A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka gate successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch we drive back to Arusha to the hotel.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-4 hours walking.

10,200 ft / 3,100 m to 6,000 ft / 1,830 m.
Distance: 15 km.
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Forest.
Half Board.

Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.