From $ 1589

Overview

To climb Mount Kilimanjaro on the Machame route means to share the mountain with many other trekkers, an accomplishment unlike any other. Hiking this route wears you out more, takes more energy, but not technically difficult. Some people are terribly worried about climbing the Barranco Wall. Don't worry. It's not a cliff face and it's not a climb. It's mostly a very steep path that requires you to use your hands every now and then and to scramble a bit in a couple of places. It’s one of the most scenic routes. This path leads through luxuriant rainforest and then across the alpine tundra of the Shira plateau with its giant lobelia, to the glaciated crater rim of Africa's highest roof which rises to 5895m/19,340ft. We will stand at the summit of Kilimanjaro at sunrise and glory at the wonders of the clouds and African plains below. A magnificent feeling – which you take home with you forever.

TREK HIGHLIGHTS

Ascend Kilimanjaro, the Roof of Africa, and behold stunning views from the summit
Climb the Machame Route, seeing diverse ecosystems from rainforest to alpine desert
Join a team of experienced local African guides who help you accomplish this amazing feat
Stay in wood and Stone Mountain camps along the way
Extend your trip with a safari; unforgettable wildlife viewing is the perfect reward

Activities

Non-technical Climbing
Hiking

PACKAGE DETAILS

DAY 1 - Welcome to Moshi, Tanzania, the gateway to the roof of Africa!

Arrive this evening into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will be warmly welcomed. A guide will meet you and transfer you to the Moshi Town comfortable lodge (about 1 hour). Relax in the open-air lodge, enjoy the breeze as you lounge on the open verandah, or take a swim in the stunning pool.

Meals Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Inn

DAY 2 - Trekking orientation and acclimatization

We’ll start our climbing orientation just after breakfast this morning. The rest of the day is for exploration and adventure. Beautiful views of Kilimanjaro’s peak shine through on clear days. We stroll next door to see the terroir and organic cultivation at Machame Estate tea and coffee farm. Kilimanjaro has a perennial spring like climate, altitude and rich soil. Taste the difference with a proper cupping of many varieties of teas and coffee. After lunch, we’ll stretch our legs on a walk to a nearby waterfall. The meandering trails pass coffee trees and streams under shady glades of magnanimous hardwoods.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Inn

DAY 3 - Trek to Machame Camp

Drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 45 minutes). Sign into the national park. After your guide takes care of the paperwork, we start our climb. Our route starts on a 4WD trail, before turning off onto the ascending path through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge to Machame Camp. Our camp crew will have camp set up for you when you arrive, so all you have to do is move in and enjoy the natural beauty. -- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft -- Distance: 11km/7mi -- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours -- Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals Plans:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations:Machame Camp

DAY 4 - Trek through moorland to Shira Plateau

We start out after breakfast and leave the last glades of the rain forest behind. On a clear day you can see your first close-up of Kibo Peak - from 20 miles away and spectacular views of Mount Meru away to the North West. You now begin to feel the effects of the altitude, and we hike slowly, navigating some steep rocky ridge, fields of heather, and boulders as we reach our campsite at Shira Caves. -- Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft -- Distance: 5km/3mi -- Walking Time: 4-5 hours -- Habitat: Moorland

Meals Plan:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Shira Camp

DAY 5 - Trekking beneath Lava Tower and Western Breach

DAY 6 - Ascend the Great Barranco onto slopes of Kibo

This is a great mountain day. We descend into the start on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We pass beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, the last place where we can find water below the summit. Kibo Peak hovers over your left shoulder, while Mawenzi Peak looms in front of you, surrounded by clouds - to your right. -- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft -- Distance: 5km/3mi -- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours -- Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals Plan:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Karanga Camp

DAY 7 - Trek across volcanic wilderness

DAY 8 - Kilimanjaro summit day

A predawn start enables us to take advantage of the best surface conditions (frozen scree and snow) for our trek up to the summit of Kilimanjaro. The angle of climb is steeper today as we tackle the cone of the volcano up to the Crater Rim at the place known as Stella Point. There are tremendous views of the ice cliffs inside the crater and also across to Mawenzi summit and 'the saddle'. Now on easier terrain, we follow the crater rim for a further hour, once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! The descent is invigorating - congratulations! We continue back down to Mweka Camp where we spend our last night on the mountain. -- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft -- Down to 3090m/10,150ft -- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down -- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down -- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Meals Plan:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp

DAY 9 - Trek to Mweka Gate. Transfer to Moshi for a shower and celebratory drinks.

We trek down for 5 hours through beautiful rainforest to the road head - the final leg of our Kilimanjaro ascent journey. We say fond farewell to our trusty guide, staff and the porters who have helped us during the past week and pick up our certificates of ascent. We transfer to our hotel Moshi - and delight after camping on the mountains slopes. Here we get a well-earned shower and celebration. -- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft -- Distance: 10km/6mi -- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours -- Habitat: Forest

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Inn, Honey Badger Lodge, Keys Hotels

DAY 10 - Departure day. Single timed transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Depending on flight times we have some relaxation time today. We need to vacate our rooms at 1100, but can use the hotel facilities until our transfer to the airport. A single timed transfer is provided. If you’ve opted to go on a safari – well, that’s a new adventure and we’ll be pleased to arrange it for you! Meals Plan: Breakfast

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