Kilimanjaro Climbing - 6 Day Machame Route

Kilimanjaro Climbing - 6 Day Machame Route

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and major climbing destination in the world, with summit of about 16,100 ft from its base and 19,341 ft above sea level. The Machame is a wilderness route which combines spectacular views and scenery, good acclimatization and which is quieter than the Marangu (tourist) route. For all these reasons it is perhaps the best of the standard routes on the mountain, and the one recommended for those wanting an uncomplicated but rewarding trek on Kili.

Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate (5718 ft) to Machame Hut (9840 ft):

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Drive to Machame Gate and then start the six hour walk to Machame Camp at 9840 feet. You will be walking through the rain forest, and the track can be very muddy, so good boots and gaiters are recommended. Machame Camp is on the edge of the forest and at the beginning of the moorland. There are good views of the mountain from here. The water supply is down a steep valley side.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner: We provide full boar meals - Lunch, Dinner and Refreshments
Accommodation included: Overnight at Machame Campsite

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (12500 ft):

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
It is a 6 to 8 hour walk to Shira hut at 12,500 feet, situated on the Shira plateau. The walk starts with quite steep inclines, and you soon get some of the best approach views of Kibo. You should also be able to see Mount Meru, about 50 km to the south, above the clouds.
Once you reach the Shira plateau it is noticeably colder and you will need to have a fleece jacket or sweater with you. About now you will also start to feel the effects of altitude, so drink and walk slowly.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: We provide full board meal - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Refreshment
Accommodation included: Overnight at Shira Campsite

Day 3: Shira Hut to Barranco Camp (12800 ft):

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Another day without much height gain, but many ups and downs, to Barranco Hut at 12,800 feet. The day's walk is effectively a west to east traverse with a height gain at the end of the day of only 300 feet. However during the day's walk you will ascend to almost 15,000 feet and then drop back down at Barranco camp.
You should allow about 7 hours for the walk and enjoy the incredible views of Kibo ahead of you and down the valleys to the plateau and rainforest below. You should fill your water bottle at the stream about halfway through the day's walk. The camping spot at Barranco is perhaps the most spectacular on the Machame route.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner: We provide full board meal - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Refreshment
Accommodation included: Overnight Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Hut to Barafu Camp(15100 ft):

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
It will take about 7 hours to get to the Barafu hut at 15,100 feet. Allow about 7 hours and make a point of leaving very early in order to reach Barafu in good time for an early supper and sleep. This is the first morning that an early start is recommended since it seems wise on the previous days to sleep as much as you can in order to build up your reserves. The first part of this day's climb is spectacular.
You start the day with a climb of what appears to be an incredibly steep face. However the guides and porters carrying the gear ahead of you will show you that it is in fact a good path. At the top of the steep section there are marvelous views of Meru to the south lit up by the early morning sun.
From here on you continue to cross the typical valleys and ridges that radiate from the summit downwards.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner: We provide full board meal - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Refreshment
Accommodation included: Overnight in Barafu Camp

Day 5: Barafu Hut to Stella Point - Uhuru Peak (19340 ft):

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
You start in the very early hours with the 7 hour walk to Stella Point on the rim of the crater. Remember to go as slowly as you can. The guides for your part will divide you into slow and very slow groups. Rush and speed could cause your climb to end in disaster. Drink a lot as you walk and take high energy snacks.
At Stella Point you have climbed Kilimanjaro and you will receive a certificate after the climb. If you are feeling good, you can continue to the highest point, Uhuru, but it is further than it looks. Your guide has been instructed to forbid any climber who has been sick from continuing. Remember that this is the point of maximum risk to your health and that you must be prepared to take advice from your guide and colleagues and be reasonable if they feel you should descend. The rewards on the top are superb views of the summit glaciers and ice walls and, of course, standing on the highest point in Africa – 19,340 feet.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner: we provide full board meal - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Refreshment
Accommodation included: Overnight in Barafu Camp

Day 6: Uhuru Peak to Mweka Gate - Moshi Town:

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
The home run! The steep descent continues through the forest following a broad ridge. This path can be slippery so trekking poles are useful here. The path improves and after about four hours you reach Mweka gate. Your vehicle will be waiting for you and you'll soon be in the bath with a drink and the prospect of a normal meal ….
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: We provide half board meal - Breakfast and Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.