For the adventurous hikers

8 days—Kilimanjaro Via Machame Route

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$2238 USD

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Safari summary

The Kilimanjaro climb through the Machame route is arguably the most challenging yet beautiful route option. However, your extra efforts are definitely rewarded with some breathtaking views of the mountains, rain forests and the spectacular Barranco valley.This trek is strenuous and may be better suited to more adventurous hikers.

Minimum Age: 13 years.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks

Itinerary

Day 1

Kilimanjaro

Day 1 Moshi town Your package starts from your stay at a African Lodge in Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Half board accommodation at a base hotel in Moshi.

Day 2

Kilimanjaro

Day 2 Machame (3000m). Transfer to Machame Gate and begin ascent to Mt. Kilimanjaro via Machame route. Depending on the weather, this can be a moderate to very demanding day as the trek winds through a beautifully lush rain forest. Overnight in mountain tents at Machame (3000m.)

Day 3

Day 3 Shira (3840m). Leaving the forest behind, today you climb a steep ridge for 3 - 4 hours. The path then drops into a gorgeous river gorge before you climb more gently up onto the moorland of the Shira Plateau. The Shira Plateau is all that remains of an older volcano that was engulfed when the much larger Kili formed. On clear days the views are absolutely breath-taking: a seemingly endless expanse of multi-colored heath to the gargantuan rim at the end of the plateau where billows of clouds melt down onto the plateau floor. Overnight camping in mountain tents at Shira (3840 m).

Day 4

Kilimanjaro

Day 4 Barranco (3950m). Today's 5-6 hour walk across the plateau makes little net elevation, although there are ups and downs throughout the day. Enjoy sightings of the typical Kilimanjaro mountain vegetation and rewarding views of the spectacular Barranco Valley. Overnight camping in mountain tents at Barranco (3950m).

Day 5

Day 5 Barafu (4600m). The standard day includes about 6-8 hours of trekking up the Barranco Wall, then across screes and ridges to the Karanga Valley (4100m) for lunch,before continuing up to Barafu Camp at 4,600m. Overnight camping in mountain tents at Barafu.

Day 6

Day 6 Mweka Camp (3100m). Wake up at around 23:30hr and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 8 hour walk to Stella point is for many climbers, mentally and physically, the most challenging on the route. At Stella point (5685m) you take a short break, and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point you normally encounter snow all the way on your 2 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,896m). Despite the actual distance of the trek not being too far, the progress is slow - there is less than half the oxygen than at sea level! If your progress has been good, you can watch the sunrise from the rooftop of Africa! Most people then start returning quite soon after sunrise as the return journey today is quite long. Take a brief respite at Barafu Camp before descending all the way down to Mweka Camp at 3100m. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 7

Kilimanjaro

Day 7 Moshi. After breakfast descend through the lower heath section that quickly turns into rainforest. Your time on Kilimanjaro ends at Kibololoni Gate, where you will be met and transferred back to the Base Hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8

Arusha

Day 8 Departure or extension of your trip Your tour ends after breakfast. We can arrange your transfer back to Arusha town or Tanzania airport depending on your preference (please see transfer charges). You may choose to extend your trip by clubbing this trek with a safari of your choice.

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