Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on Machame Route for 7 days

See all of the major highlights of Tanzania! Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (the roof of Africa), On Mt. Kilimanjaro you’ll climb on the Machame route, considered the second most popular, but the most beautiful. With the gradual ascend up Uhuru peak; you’ll emerge through the diversely vegetated forest to see wide views of the moorland on Shira plateau, Kibo and Western Breach. As you approach the summit, there’ll be a day to acclimatize by walking at the same height between Barafu and Karanga Valley Camp, and another day by stopping at Karanga Valley camp. There are no mountain huts on this route; rather the accommodation is in mountain tents.

Day 1: ARRIVAL at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha

I will meet you at the International Airport of Kilimanjaro and escorted to the hotel. There you will be met by our Kilimanjaro expert, who will provide you with a climbing briefing. Enjoy great views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped Uhuru Peak; while you settle in over dinner have a good rest.
Standard Accommodation: Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha(meals on half board basis)

Day 2: Arusha – Machame Gate – Machame Camp

To the Mountain

After breakfast you’ll head to the Machame Park Gate (5,870 ft./ 1,790 mt.), where you’ll register with the park authority and begin the climb through the lush forest. Trekkers will likely hear the many exotic birds in the canopy above, and may even see black & white Colubus monkeys, as well as Sykes monkeys as they hike along the knotted roots. After 5-7 hours of walking you’ll stop for the night at Machame Camp (9,875 feet), just above the forest zone. The trek is quite long, but not steep.
Standard Accommodation: tent at Machame camp

All meals included.

Day 3: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

Magnificent Views of Uhuru Peak

Today’s segment of the ascent will continue across beautiful heathland and Afro-alpine moorland with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro Peak. You’ll begin up the steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, and trees of Giant Heather and Erica. Scrambling around large boulders, you’ll enter the moorland zone, marked by lobelia and senecia plants, and volcanic rocks draped with lichen beards, which protect wild alpine flowers growing at their bases. Tonight will then be spent at Shira Camp (12,615 feet, 4-5 hours of walking).
Standard Accommodation: tent at Shira camp

All meals included.

Day 4: Shira Camp – Barranco Camp

The Route to the Great Barranco Valley

Drawing nearer the peak, the trek becomes a bit more strenuous. The trail steepens on the approach to the Lava Tower, a 300 foot tall volcanic plug which marks an exposed pass at 15,000 feet. In the afternoon, you’ll descend the steep track into the Great Barranco Valley. Barranco Camp is set on a col (flat area) enclosed on three sides by steep valley walls and the Kibo massif itself. Hanging glaciers glint in the sunshine above, amidst the eerie landscape of plants, such as the giant groundsels (Senecio Kilimanjaro), and the uniquely endemic Giant Lobelia. Then we slowly ascent to our overnight stop at Barranco Camp (12,990 feet, 5-6 hours of walking)
Standard Accommodation: tent at Barranco camp

all meals included.

Day 5: Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp

The Equatorial Anomaly

The day will begin with a descent into the Gorge, before we climb its eastern wall to enjoy views of the Kilimanjaro ice fields, an anomaly of the equator. Continuing the trek, you’ll follow the lava ridge to the Barafu camp. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse on the approach. Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed flat area on a ridge, acting as a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight tonight. Barafu camp (15,225 feet, 6-7 hours of walking)
Standard Accommodation: tent at Barafu camp

All meals included.

Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Barafu Camp – Mweka Camp

Uhuru Peak – The Highest Point in Africa

You’ll start off on a challenging trek (12-17 hours), passing between the Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers to the rim at Stella Point. The temperatures range from just below freezing at midnight to between 10 deg. F (-12 deg. C) to –10 F. (-23 deg. C) just before dawn at the summit. As the dawn nears, you’ll reach the summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19,340 feet. Uhuru will be the culmination of – and the reward for – 6-7 hours of strenuous hiking. You’ll then descend back to Barafu Camp, resting for a while, before continuing the descent to Mweka Camp (10,105 feet, 3-4 hours of walking on the descent).
Standard Accommodation: tent at Mweka Camp

All meals included.

Day 7: Mweka Camp, Kilimanjaro – Mweka Gate – Arusha Town

Back to the Bottom

This morning you’ll make the final descent to the park gate, a walk of about 2 to 3 hours. After bidding farewell to the guide and porters, you’ll head back to Arusha for the night.
Standard Accommodation: Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha(meals on half board basis)

Day 8: Arusha –Kilimanjaro International Airport

After your leisurely breakfast at your Ilboru Safari Lodge, depending on your international flight departure time, you will catch up your international flight. Welcome back to Tanzania – the Land of Mt. Kilimanjaro!