Climbing Kilimanjaro via Machame Route in Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes

PRICING INFORMATION: 

1 Person: $3,814

2 person group: $2,908 per person 

3 person group: $2,506 per person 

4 person group and more: $2,395 per person 

7 DAY MACHAME ITINERARY 

We drive from Arusha to Machame Gate, it takes about 1.30 to 2 hours.

DAY 1:

Machame Gate to Machame Camp.

Hiking distance: 11km/7miles. 

Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours 

Elevation: 1,639 metres to 2,849 metres/

                   5,380 ft to 9,350 ft.

Habitat: Rain Forest 

DAY 2:

Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp 

Hiking distance: 5km/3miles 

Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours 

Elevation: 3,810 metres/12,500 ft

Habitat: Heath/Moorland 

DAY 3: 

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower 

Hiking distance: 7km/4miles

Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours 

Elevation: 4,629 metres/15,190 ft.

Habitat: Alpine Desert 

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp 

Hiking distance: 3km/2miles

Hiking time: 2 to 3 hours 

Elevation: 3,975 metres/13,044 ft.

Habitat: Alpine Desert 

We head towards the Lava Tower, this is a 91 metres/300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we descend to Barranco Camp through the beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 3,962 metres/13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitudes is very beneficial for acclimatization. 

DAY 4: 

Baranco Camp to Karanga Camp. 

Hiking distance: 5km/3miles 

Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours 

Elevation: 3,994 metres/13,106 ft.

Habitat: Alpine Desert 

After descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco, we will climb a cliff nearly 274 metres/900 ft. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we will cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend into Karanga Valley. This is a shorter day purposely for acclimatization. 

DAY 5: 

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp. 

Hiking distance: 4 km/2 miles.

Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours 

Elevation: 4,672 metres/15,331 ft.

Habitat: Alpine Desert 

We leave the camp, we trek up to Mweka Trail. Then we continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. After completing the Southern Circuit, where we will enjoy the beautiful views of the summit from many different angles. Here we will pitch our camp, rest, and enjoy early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this point. 

DAY 6:

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak 

Hiking distance: 5km/3miles 

Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours 

Elevation: 5,895 metres/19,341 ft.

Habitat: Arctic 

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp 

Hiking distance: 12km/7miles 

Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours 

Elevation: 3,067 metres/10,065 ft.

Habitat: Rain Forest 

Very early in the morning around midnight,  we begin our trek and push to the summit.  This portion of the trek is the most challenging both physically and mentally. It is windy and cold up here.  Weather can be extreme at this elevation. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking short breaks. Near Stella Point 5,760 metres/18,900 ft, you will be rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise in the world coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at UHURU PEAK. 5,895 metres/ 19,341 ft. The highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and Africa. Uhuru means "freedom" in Swahili. 

From the summit, we now make our descent heading to the Mweka Hut campsite. 

We will stop at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees, trekking sticks are helpful. Later in the evening we will eat dinner and go to sleep. 

DAY 7: 

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.

Hiking distance: 10km/6miles

Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours

Elevation: 1,639 metres/5,380 ft. 

Habitat: Rain Forest 

This is our last day on the mountain, we will descend to Mweka Gate to collect our summit certificates.  Everybody will be happy, excited, and dancing Tanzanian songs for Kilimanjaro celebrations. 

From the gate, we will continue to walk for one hour up to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will meet us and drive us back to Arusha or Moshi.