7 Day Machame route hiking experience- detailed itinerary

Overview

KILIMANJARO MACHAME ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS

• Summit Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the seven summits of the world at 19,340′
• Navigate Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route, the most scenic on the mountain
• Cross 6 ecological zones from lush rainforest to the harsh, beautiful arctic zone
• Follow expert African guides, full of knowledge of the mountain and its environs
• Experience Signature Camping! Spacious tents, deluxe comfort, amazing meals and more!

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha.

Once you’ve cleared customs, you’ll be greeted at Kilimanjaro International Airport. After you arrive at the Mount Meru Hotel, your climbing manager and guide will give you a thorough briefing and inspect your equipment. Spend the night in the Mount Meru Hotel.

Accommodations: Mount Meru Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2: Arusha to Machame Camp

Altitude gain: 5,380 to 9,350’; Hiking time: 5-7 hours, 7 miles

To meet your climbing crew at the Machame Gate, drive from Arusha to Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park, passing via the settlement of Machame. The trail meanders through the lush afromontane rainforest that covers Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes as you start the mild climb. Throughout the year, begonias, bustling lizzie impatiens, and violas bloom in a variety of colors on the forest floor, while moss and ragged lichen hang from tall branches and tree ferns lie in soft cradles. You may view and hear a variety of bird species, as well as colobus and blue monkeys and other forest animals. Machame Camp, the first camp, is surrounded by enormous heather.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira camp

9,350 ft to 12,500 ft, 3 miles, approx. 4-6 hours

You continue on a climbing trail along a rocky ridge onto heather-clad moorland, leaving the rainforest glades behind. This is referred to as the heath zone, and as the vegetation grows more sparse, the hard mountain environment is dominated only by lobelia and the pretty helichrysum. From glacier valleys to lava tubes, a variety of geological characteristics are visible. Today, a picnic lunch is eaten on the path. On to the Shira Plateau, continue climbing a rough ridge. After a little climb, you arrive at Shira Camp, where you can already view the Western Breach with its breathtaking glaciers. With a view of the snow-covered Kibo peaks, your tent tonight is undoubtedly “a room with a view.” Spend the night at Shira Camp.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp

12,500 ft to 15,223 ft (Lava Tower), down to 13,044 ft, 7km, 6-8 hours

It’s a walk-high, sleep-low day today. On your way to Kibo’s main summit, you travel into the alpine desert, where the western glaciers are clearly visible. On the way, lunch is taken as a picnic. If you feel particularly strong there is an optional ascent of the 300-foot-tall Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp in the afternoon, passing through the bizarre yet magnificent ‘Garden of the Senecios’ (giant groundsel), which also has several gigantic lobelias. One of the most picturesque parts of the entire trek is the Barranco Valley. This is a hard day, but it’s a terrific acclimatization day because you won’t be going to this altitude again for another two days! Spend the night in the Barranco Camp.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp

13,044 ft to 13,123 ft, 3 miles, 4-5 hours

You now have a relatively short day to reach Karanga Camp, after conquering the intimidating Barranco Wall. Be prepared to use all four limbs as you traverse the wall to the top of the Karanga Valley. From here, follow a path that sojourns through many inclines and declines to Karanga Camp, arriving in the late afternoon. Our selection of Karanga Camp is strategic – significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatization. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering over 3000 feet above you. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp

13,123 ft to 15,288 ft, 2 miles, 4-5 hours

The climb to Barafu Camp will take another half day today. Lunch is once more served at this elevated camp, giving ample opportunity to unwind prior to the summit bid. Beautiful views of Mawenzi Peak are common in the evenings, but the camp is ripped apart by the desolate alpine desert and occasionally violent winds. Before retiring for the evening, a comparatively early dinner is consumed. Spend the night at the Barafu Camp.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Summit Ascent, Mweka Camp

15,288 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,467 ft, 3 miles ascent, 7 miles descent, 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent

Leave for the last summit bid shortly before midnight. This is the windiest and coldest part of your journey, and the key to reaching the summit is perseverance and patience. You reach close to the rim at Stella Point, which is 18,652 feet above sea level, most likely by dawn, when the first rays of light begin to spread across Tanzania’s landscape. You will be rewarded here with the most spectacular sunrise you will ever see, which will emerge above Mawenzi Peak.

The final stretch to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa, is comparatively quick if you ascend via Stella Point! Try to get as many photos as you can! Start the joyous descent after a little party at the top. Travel leisurely and take in the breathtaking views of the jungle as you make your way to Mweka Camp, arriving before sunset. Your heart will be light even though your legs will be jelly because the air is getting more and more oxygen with each stride. Spend the night at Mweka Camp.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Arrive in Arusha

12,467 ft to 5,380 ft, 6 miles, 3-4 hours

Following breakfast, you make your way back down through the montane forest. At about noon, you are picked up and taken back to your hotel for a well-earned wash and a festive meal after bidding your crew farewell.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Departure

You have today to prepare for your journey home or your future travels in East Africa by packing, changing, and getting ready.

Items not included:

• Flights
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Visa fees
• Tips Personal spending monies for souvenirs etc.
• Travel insurance