MACHAME ROUTE -To the South of the Mountain.

Machame Route approach from the South of the mountain (Mweka is used only for descent). This is a more scenic route with the highest summit success rate because of the up and down nature of the climb-hiking high and sleeping low is good for acclimatization. There is a challenging almost sheer wall to climb – Baranco wall. However, it’s easier than it looks beautiful trail, longer and much gentler than Umbwe or Marangu.

Why this itinerary?
A 6 OR 7 day ascent – Many people list Kilimanjaro as a lifelong dream adventure. This itinerary allows you the time to see all of Kilimanjaro’s main areas. The route is more scenic with the highest summit success rate because of the up and down nature of the climb – trek and sleeping low is good for acclimatization. There is a challenging almost sheer wall to climb – Barranco wall. However, it is easier than it looks.

Highlights of Mount Kilimanjaro:
Montane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys and alpine desert, views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa!

Route Description:
This is a 6 or 7 day Kilimanjaro hike starting at Machame gate, ascending through montane forest and then into the heath zone and on to the edge of the remnants of the Shira volcano. The route around below the main peak, Kibo, anticlockwise on route passing some spectacular features such as giant steps and glacial valleys. The final ascent is from Barafu camp. It is a nighttime ascent to Uhuru Peak via Stella Point. The descent is via the Mweka route.

Detailed Trekking Itinerary :

You will be greeted on arrival by our friendly AFRICA GREATWALKS team who will transfer you to your hotel in either Moshi or Arusha. After meals or refreshments, mountain climbing briefing and climbing equipment inspection. Overnight at your Hotel on bed and breakfast basis.

After breakfast, drive from Moshi or Arusha drive to the Machame route, From the Machame Park gate is a gentle climb up through the original montane forest, carpeted with unique busy lizzie flowers, begonias and ferns. First camp amongst the giant heather at 3,000m. Ascent of 1,200m and 5 -6 hours walking. Dinner and overnight at Machame Camp

After breakfast emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through fine open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3,840m. Fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera which can be viewed during a half-hour optional walk in the afternoon. Ascent 840m and 4 – 5 hours walking. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.

After breakfast, start climbing from Shira Cave Camp towards the main peak Kibo, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and under the imposing western Breach, descend into the sheltered Karanga Valley for mid-way camp at 3,950m. 6 – 7 hours walking and only 110m total ascent. But having climbed much higher and dropped back down assists acclimatization. Dinner and overnight at Karanga Valley.

After breakfast start your climb up the steep Barranco wall with some sections of very easy scrambling and drop down. The reason behind why Barranco Wall is nick named breakfast is that, just after taking your breakfast right away you start with a steep climb. You walk for 4 – 5 Hrs up Karanga Camp for hot lunch and some acclimatization, dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.

After breakfast, you start your climb towards Barafu Campsite 4 – 5 Hrs. We recommend our Clients to do a seven days climb because of having enough time to enable your body to relax and more acclimatization. On your relaxation, you will be having a fantastic view of Mawenzi peak from the camp. 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. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position. Early dinner and early sleep ready for the summit.

Just after midnight, we start of a challenging trek (12-15 hours of trekking). At the early hours of the fifth day, you will start for the summit. You will climb for the peak through Builder- strewn ridge and a gap between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers to arrive rim at Stella point about midway between Gilman’s point and Uhuru Peak.
You will proceed to Uhuru peak, the highest point of Kilimanjaro where you will be given enough time at the top of Africa taking some photographs and admiring the beautiful views, and not forgetting signing a special book kept at the top of the mountain for visitors. The temperature range from just below freezing at midnight at the summit. As dawn nears, we will summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19,340 feet.

After breathtaking you will start to descend straight to Barafu for breakfast, then proceed down to Mweka Camp for dinner and where you will spend a night resting and memorizing.

From Mweka campsite it is a 4 – 5 hours descent through the forest to Mweka gate (depending on individual fitness) to collect certificates and meet the vehicle. Return to Moshi for night at the Hotel in Moshi for a day at leisure and evening transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. OR Overnight.

END OF THE HIKE & TREK – SERVICES.

  • Pick up at International Airport and transfer to the Hotel;
  • Professional mountain crew. Each participant will be provided with a porter (who can carry up to 15 kg of personal baggage);
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • Kilimanjaro National Park permits.
  • Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees
  • Camping/hut fees
  • 3 meals daily while on the mountain. The menu includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian options are available upon request
  • Modern tents
  • First aid kit
  • Warm and comfortable sleeping pads (2 inches thick)
  • Portable flush toilets can be provided for free upon clients request
  • Group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
  • Accommodation after the climb
  • International certificates for a successful ascent
  • Return transfer to Kilimanjaro airport.
  • Flights tickets
  • Visa fee
  • Personal gear rental
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Laundry services
  • Tips for the mountain

The perfect way to end your trekking and hiking in Tanzania is by making an add on tour program to Wildlife National Parks for animal viewing in their natural habitat, Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trails and cultural visits cannot be missed while visiting our Country. We can arrange transport and accommodation for a broad range of lodges, villas and hotels in the best resorts.
RATES: Budget, Semi-Luxury (Midrange), Luxury and VIP. 

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