Climb Mt Kilimanjaro via Machame route (7 days)

Climb Mt Kilimanjaro via Machame route (7 days)

This is an open group mountaineering to the summit of Kilimanjaro via the wild and preserved Machame route. The Machame route, also known as “the Whiskey Way”, is one of the most beautiful routes to climb Kilimanjaro because of the diversity of its landscape. The landscape varies each day from thick forests, groundsel trees, volcanic canyons and on the last days through seracs and ice glaciers. This will be a challenging trip as you will ascend to the roof of Africa at a faster pace than usual.

Upon arrival to JRO International airport, you will be picked up and transferred to a lodge where you will rest from your flight and prepare physically and mentally for your adventure which will begin on the next day.

Below is the itinerary.

DAY 1 : KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT to ARUSHA CITY

Upon arrival to JRO Kilimanjaro International airport, you will be picked up and transferred to a lodge where you will rest from your flight and prepare physically and mentally for your adventure which will begin on the next day.

On this day, our guide will do a briefing during which a gear check shall be made. These essential steps will assure security for all, and increase significantly the level of success. The previously completed and submitted medical form shall be reviewed together. Do not hesitate to inquire for further information. You shall be introduced as well to your trekking mates during the briefing.

You will have the rest of the day off to relax and take off the jet lag. You may enjoy your time by the poolside or just take a short walk around the gardens. If you wish to go into town for some shopping or just a visit we will be happy to arrange for transport and a guide but please note this is at an extra fee. Kindly consult with your guide for these options.

DAY 2: ARUSHA CITY to KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK to MACHAME CAMP

Machame Camp (2,980m/9,776’)–> Shira camp (3,650m/11,975’)

Today is an easy paced acclimatization day. We will continue our hiking through streams, a river gorge and moorlands. Camp is set a little higher on the Shira Plateau with expansive view of Kilimanjaro. There is an optional hike in the afternoon where you can enjoy the large scenecios and lobelias that grow at this elevation.

Shira Camp

We will spend the night at Shira Camp. This camp offers a great view of the Kibo Peak. At this location which displays vast prairies and bushes, you will find them regrouped to face the cold and wind. At night, the sky is covered with thousands of stars and you can admire the famous Southern Cross and hear the distant cries of jackals. The next morning, you can not miss the presence of buffalos, or elands.

DAY 4 : SHIRA CAMP - LAVA TOWER - BARRANCO CAMP

Today, we will hike to elevation of 15,000 feet before descending to our camp. This tendency is known as “climb up and sleep low” and it is good for acclimatization. We will pass by Lava Tower; you will have the opportunity to climb. This area will
be your first introduction to alpine zone where the only plant life is the heartiest of grass and lichens. You ascend through the moorlands to alpine desert zone. You will climb slowly. Barranco Camp, where we will spend the night, is located in a beautiful valley, with stunning views of Mount Meru, the twin volcano of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will also have the Heim glacier views, the southern slope of Kibo, not to mention the impressive Barranco Wall.

DAY 5 : BARRANCO CAMP - KARANGA CAMP

Barranco (3,870m/12,700’) –> Karanga (3,995m/13,107’)

As the slope is steep we climb rapidly which gives a wonderful view of the area. We think we see the summit of the wall but as we reach it we realise it was not... but never mind, it's the beginning of the day and we're full of beans! More over, the landscape is so beautiful that we really enjoy this trail to the summit that we reach approximately less than two hours after we left the camp. Once at the top, Heim glacier is overhanging. After a quick break we start to descend in a desert landscape as far as Karanga valley. Then the vegetation is back again offering a stunning contrast. We rapidly reach the bottom of the valley where runs what will be our last source of water until Kibo, the top of Kilimanjaro. Here lies the last difficulty of the day, a steep rocky wall that we climb in laces. Twenty minutes later we reach Karanga camp... in the clouds.

Karanga Camp

We will spend the night at Karanga camp located below Heim, Kersten & Decken glaciers.

DAY 6 : KARANGA CAMP - BARAFU CAMP

Karanga (3,995m/13,107’) –> Barafu (4,605m/15,109’)

Today, we will hike to elevation of 15,000 feet before descending to our camp. We will pass by Lava Tower; you will have the opportunity to climb. This area will
be your first introduction to alpine zone where the only plant life is the heartiest of grass and lichens. You ascend through the moorlands to alpine desert zone. You will climb slowly.

Barafu Camp

We will spend the night at Barafu camp, after a dinner cooked by our chef on site.

DAY 7 : BARAFU CAMP - UHURU PEAK - MWEKA CAMP

Barafu (4,605m/15,109’) –> Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341’) –> Mweka (3,068m/10,066’)

At midnight you will begin ascent to Uhuru Peak. You are going to complete some serious achievements and goals. Hiking from six to eight hours from the camp will bring your life into perspective, when you stand on the top of the highest free standing mountain in the world. The weather will tell you how long you are going to spend on the top of Africa for taking pictures and rolling up your trip. From the summit will take approximately three hours hike and have a short stop for lunch around Barafu camp. Later, to proceed and make to Mweka Camp where you are going to spend your last night on Kilimanjaro and have your victory celebration!

Camp Mweka

You shall spend your last night on the conquered volcano, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro at Mweka Camp, located more than 9,000’ (almost 3,000m) lower than the summit reached. It will be time to celebrate your victory with great satisfaction!

DAY 8 : MWEKA CAMP - MWEKA GATE - ARUSHA CITY

Camp Mweka (3,068m/10,066’) –> Mweka Gate (1,650m/5,514’) -> Arusha

Today is our last hike. The hike is steep in places and may be slippery if it is a wet day. Please use trekking poles. At Mweka Gate you will say goodbye to your
mountain crew and enjoy your picnic lunch. We will drive to Arusha for hot shower and an early dinner. For those of you who will return home, we shall say Goodbye for those who would like to see more of Tanzania, it will be a pleasure to take you in some of the most amazing national parks or would you like a relaxing time on the spice island of Zanzibar, we could also arrange for that.

DAY 9: ARUSHA CITY – jro Kilimanjaro international airport

Today you will rest and heal your blisters and fatigue. You can enjoy your time at a designated lodge or you can choose to go and explore Arusha city or you want to rest and prepare for your flight back home.

Our driver will drive you to the airport to catch your flight back home. For those who would like to see more of Tanzania, it will be a pleasure to take you in some of the most amazing national parks or would you like a relaxing time on the spice island of Zanzibar, we could also arrange for that.