Kilimanjaro Mountaineering Expedition - Machame Trek - 6 days

Kilimanjaro Mountaineering Expedition - Machame Trek - 6 days

This route offers breathtaking scenery and can at times be steep and demanding. We acclimatize ourselves by sleeping low and trekking high to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

Our journey starts at Machame, the charming mountain village at Kilimanjaro's south side. Into the moorland zone, coming from the Machame forest, we climb up and over rocky terrain and eventually arrive at the Shira Plateau. We then move on to the southern face of Kibo, trek the Lava Tower for absolutely beautiful panoramas, advance to the Great Barranco Wall, a demanding and exciting rock scramble, and then aim for Uhuru Summit from Kossovo or Barafu Camp and the ridge of the Southeast valley. We experience amazing views of Kilimanjaro's remnant volcanic cone and Mawenzi Peak while climbing from Barafu.

Itinerary

Day 1: Pre-trek briefing | Machame Gate (1830 m / 6000 ft) – Machame Camp (3048 m / 10, 000 ft)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
After early breakfast you and one of your guides will go through a pre-trek briefing, gear check, an overview of the route and answer any questions regarding your time in Tanzania. After the briefing your trek begins from Machame park entrance gate, through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers and other tropical vegetation.

A walk of about two to three hours will take you to the campsite for the evening. As you continue your ascent, you will find that the tropical forest has given way to tall grass and giant heather.

Watch your steps as you walk on a ridge to the left of which is the Semira stream and on the right, the Weru. Depending on the pace of climbers, arrival at Machame Camp is usually between 17h00 and 18h00.

'Peaceful and relatively easy' are the words which best describe the initial stage of this climb. Take some time to admire the beauty of the rainforest. Your guides are very knowledgeable about the botany in this area and listening to them will make the walk all the more interesting and rewarding.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast: All meals included
Accommodation included: Tented - Camping

Day 2: Machane Camp – Shira Plateau (3810 m / 12, 500 ft)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Enjoy the fabulous view of Uhuru Peak as it greets you this morning.

Today’s trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grass, volcanic rock and bearded heather. You will encounter giant groundsels as you hike through an ethereal landscape of volcanic lava, caves and foaming streams.

A trek of approximately six hours will take you to your next campsite. You should arrive between 14h00 and 15h00. Most climbers tend to pace themselves, walking slowly, sipping at their water bottles and resting approximately every 30 minutes.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast: All meals included
Accommodation included: Tented - Camping

Day 3: Shira Plateau – Barranco Camp (3962 m / 13,000 ft)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
On your 06h00 wake–up call today, you will find the entire Shira Plateau at your feet with sweeping views across to Mount Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (4572 m / 15,000 ft), where you will stop to have lunch. After crossing the Bastains stream, you begin the descent towards Barranco Camp. Grand Barranco is an immense canyon. Numerous waterfalls, which are fed by streams coming from the mountain, converge here to form the Umbwe River. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as on the previous night. Today’s trek lasts for about six hours and arrival at camp is between 16h30 and 17h30
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast: All meals included
Accommodation included: Tented - Camping

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4633 m / 15,200 ft)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
The lovely scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on alpine desert terrain, mainly a mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Mawenzi Peak towers majestically to the right and Kibo Peak seems just a stone throw away.

We arrive at Barafu camp around 16h30 We should retire early tonight, as the next day is the longest of the whole climb.

Feel the Nature around you.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast: All meals included
Accommodation included: Tented - Camping

Day 5: Ascent to summit (5895 m / 19,340 ft) - Descent to Mweka Camp (3108 m / 10,200 ft)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult and hikers should carry as little as possible for the start at midnight. Temperatures range from 4 degrees to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Climbing steadily, flanked by the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, for about six hours will bring you to the edge of the crater between Stella and Hans Meyer points.

Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit. Concentrate on your footsteps and follow your guide very closely for this section of the journey. The track around the edge of the crater is rocky and icy.

Uhuru tower´s is the highest point on the continent of Africa and this is where you now stand! Relax and enjoy a refreshment at Kibo Hut before continuing to Mweka Camp for the night.

Arriving at the camp at around 17h30, you will look back and realize that today you have trekked a total of thirteen hours!
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast: All meals included
Accommodation included: Tented - Camping

Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate (3048 m / 10,000 ft)

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Congratulate yourself today on your great achievement! The descent to the gate takes approximately five hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival at the gate, you will be rewarded with a certificate attesting to your success at conquering the mountain.

Continue your dream trip with an amazing safari extension or head for departure. We also provide transfers to the bus station or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Duration: 12 hours

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