Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

8 days—Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Via Machame Route 6 Days 5 Nights

$1953-1954 USD

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Safari summary

The Machame route, also known as the "Whiskey" route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Plan Africa Adventures offers Machame as a seven day group climb or as a six day private climb. The six day variation combines days four and five, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Arusha Kilimanjaro Lake Manyara Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti Tarangire

Fine details

Safari highlights

Cultural visits—orphanages, markets, schools
Hiking | trekking
Wildlife sanctuaries

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Meals
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Arrival at Kilimanjaro Inter

Transferred to your Hotel in Moshi area Meeting your Mountain guide for your upcoming climb and checking your climbing gears Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your Hotel in Moshi for your overnight Dinner and Breakfast Included.

Chanya Lodge

Machame Gate to machame Camp

Machame Gate (1500m) to Machame Camp (3000m), Distance is about 18 km. It is approx. 45 minutes drive from Moshi to Machame gate. All your equipment and supplies are taken over by porters; a cook will prepare all your meals. Where accommodation on the Marangu route are in huts, the Machame route offers tents only. After all, formalities have been taken care at the gate, head into the forest and begin the 7-hour ascent to the first camp on the mountain, Machame camp (3000m)

Machame Camp

Machame camp to Shira Camp climb

Machame Camp (3000) to Shira Camp (3840), distance is about 9 kms. Breakfast is served early in the mess tent and, weather permitting; you could take in your first view of the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro. The lunch stop will be reached at about 3600m and after this short lunch and an equally limited rest you'll continue up the rocky ridge to the next camp on the mountain, Shira camp (3840).

Shira Camp

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Shira Camp (3840) to Barranco Camp (3950), distance is about 15 km. The route now turns east into a semi-desert and rocky environment where you reach an altitude of 4600m after a 5 hours walk to Lava Tower. As you ascend from the Shira camp (3950m), there are good views of the Shira Plateau to the west, Oehler Ridge to the northeast and the Western Breach to the east. This day you will climb high and steep low.

Barranco Campsite

Barranco Camp to Barafu camp

The summit is now a further 1345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night, tents are pitched on a narrow stone, and a dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. Prepare your equipment, stick and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include your headlamp and camera batteries with a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask.

Barafu Camp

Barafu to Uhuru Camp

At around midnight, you'll head in a northwesterly direction up the southeast valley towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour long walk to Stella Point is a mental and physical challenge with the steep face just below Stella posing the ultimate challenge. The time you spend on the summit is determined by the weather and wind conditions. The walk back to Mweka Camp from the summit can take over 7 hours

Mweka Camp

Descend Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

You will camp for the night at Mweka camp before departing for the Mweka Parks Gate the next morning where you will be awarded a climbing certificate then drive back to your Hotel in Moshi. Descend from 3067m to 1640m Hiking distance: 10km Hiking time: 5hrs

Chanya Lodge

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport

Transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for Flying back home OR Extending to Zanzibar Beaches OR Safari extension Leisure day and day trip excursion

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