8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

The Marangu route is perhaps the easiest and most comfortable route to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. The route is well-developed and the climb is constant and moderate. Only the approach to the summit is the exception as it is slightly more demanding. The accommodation on this tour is in Simple Mountain huts, which might be an advantage compared to the camping routes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha

Stop At: Summit Safari Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer driver will be waiting for you. He will take you to the Summit Safari Lodge where the rest of the day is at leisure. You might want to explore the town of Arusha (taxi required) or just relax at the hotel. In the evening you will be briefed by our team on site in preparation of the upcoming trekking tour
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Summit Safari Lodge

Day 2: Arusha – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Mandara hut (2,700 m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
After breakfast at the hotel you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate (1,840 m). Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the thumbless black and white colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 4 hours later, you will reach your destination for the day, the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Kenyan interior
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight stay at Mandara Hut (2,700 m).

Day 3: Mandara Hut (2,700 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
The day begins with an early breakfast and shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the treeline where vegetation changes to shrubs. Approximately 4 to 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight at an altitude of about 3,700 m. From the hut you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Masai steppe.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight stay at the Horombo Hut

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Today’s purpose is getting your body to acclimatise to the altitude. Acclimatisation should not be underestimated as it greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, you will set off on a 2 to 4 hour trek to Zebra Rocks (3,980 m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a cooked lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight stay at the Horombo Hut

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Today’s stage is long and tough. The trail passes the “last waterpoint” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly plantless plateau links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is Kibo Hut and it should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Tonight is an early night to get enough rest, for you will be woken at approximately 23:00 h.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Kibo Hut

Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Today is the “big day” – the summit stage. You will start in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. You will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit in the dark. Passing the Hans Meyer cave at 5,200 m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater rim. Soon you will have forgotten the cold of the night and after another 1 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Now you are standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The descent follows the same path and the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can rest a while to regain your strength. After the 1 to 2 hour break, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut (3,700 m) where you will arrive in the afternoon.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Horombo Hut

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Arusha

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
The last stage passes through the heather and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) where a cooked lunch awaits you. Soon you will again be in the lush tropical rainforest and after about 6 hours of trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate (1,860 m). After saying goodbye to your mountain crew you will be taken back to the hotel . At the hotel you can have a warm shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Summit Safari Lodge

Day 8: Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport

Stop At: Summit Safari Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport or alternatively you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on safari.
Duration: 6 hours

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