7 Machame route Treks

7 Machame route Treks

Machame route approaches Kilimanjaro through forest and moorland from the south-west, and joins the Shira route before traversing beneath the southern ice fields of Kibo. The rainforest is extremely beautiful and there is a tangible sense of wilderness once the higher elevations are reached. The views of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. We make our final ascent by the Barafu route. The seven day itinerary gives maximum possible acclimatization, and also gives us plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent scenery. This is our first choice when choosing The Machame Route and it Takes 7 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro.

DAY 1: Arriving any time at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a private transfer waiting at the Airport to pickup you to the hotel in Moshi where is noted for overnight stay. We will gather in the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also check and confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

DAY 2: After breakfast at the lodge transfer straight to the Machame gate and after registration formalities the climb starts from Machame Gate (1,800 m.) after passing through the attractive banana and coffee farms of Machame village. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame Hut (3,000 m.). We may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. [6-8 hours walking]

DAY 3: A shorter day that begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock.  We camp near Shira Hut (3,840 m.)

DAY 4: A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch at Lava Tower (4,550 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking]

DAY 5: A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Ice fields. We camp at Karanga (4,100 m.), the last water point, in a steep valley. The afternoon can be spend resting or exploring the valley to help acclimatization. [3-4 hours walking]

DAY 6: After getting out of Karanga Valley, the terrain changes to scree and we climb steeply to reach the campsite above Barafu (4600 m.). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. [2-4 hours walking]

DAY 7: We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 12 midnight so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735 m.), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. 

DAY 8: A sustained descents through lovely forest with lush undergrowth takes us to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m.) [4-6 hours walking], after signing out at mweka gate drive back to Moshi and overnight at Moshi.

DAY 9:Transfer back to Kilimanjaro airport and fly back home.