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6 Days from$2200 p/p in USD -
DeparturesYear Round
Destinations
Tanzania,
Tour Type
Guided, Large Group, Small Group
Safari Standard
Budget, Camping
Tour Overview
Known for being beautifully scenic, the Machame Route to the summit of Kilimanjaro also has the best summit success rate. This route allows you to climb high, sleep low, giving your body time to adjust to the changes in altitude over several days. Climbs can take six or seven days; with six days, you won’t camp at Karanga campsite, so you will walk for a longer distance to reach the base camp passing Karanga campsite.
General Information
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Safari types:Guided Safari, Mountain Safari, Trekking Safari
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You will visit:Kilimanjaro National Park
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Wildlife:Birds, Black & White Colobus
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Activities:Trekking, Hiking
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Getting around:Transfer Vehicle
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Start/end:Start in Moshi, end in Moshi
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Minimum age:10
Price Per Person – USD
From USD 2,200 per person
What's Included
- Private professional mountain guide
- Camping facilities (tent, mattresses, mess tent)
- All meals while on the mountain & drinking water
- Hut fees, park fees & rescue fees
- Fair & ethical salaries for the team
- First aid supplies
What's Excluded
- Flights & visas
- Tips & any items of personal nature
- Personal hiking gears such as boots, sleeping bag, warm clothes etc.
- Hotel accommodation
- Airport transfers
Disclaimer
- This itinerary is owned and delivered by ‘Williamson Adventures‘
- All prices are ‘From’ and may vary at the time of booking
- Display price is usually based on two people sharing
- ‘Williamson Adventures‘ reserves the right to change the content and price of the itinerary
- All itineraries are subject to availability
Day By Day Overview
After breakfast, you’ll get picked up from your hostel/hotel in Moshi and driven to the starting point at Machame Gate (approximately 45 mins). After registration, you will begin your journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro using a well-maintained trail through Montane Forest. On the way, you’ll walk through dense rainforest and coffee plantations as your guide talks you through some of the local flora and fauna. Here you will also get a very good chance of witnessing black and white colobus monkeys, as well as many different species of brightly-coloured birds. The climb is steady with a gradual incline to Machame Camp which is located on the edge of the rainforest and giant heather zones.
Elevation gain: 1,200 metres / 3,900 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
On the second day, you’ll rise early for breakfast and begin climbing a slightly steeper gradient through the moorland vegetation zone. Here you will start to get fantastic views of Kibo, the summit cone of Mount Kilimanjaro while continuing along a rocky ridge to Shira Plateau. Shira is actually a collapsed volcanic crater and was the first of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones to expire. Once on the plateau, the trail becomes a little easier as you make your way to Shira Camp. If it’s a clear day, you’ll also get to enjoy superb panoramic views. Shira Camp is very exposed and will feel much colder with temperatures dropping below freezing point.
Elevation gain: 840 metres / 2,800 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
The route now takes you into semi-desert and rocky landscapes surrounding Lava Tower, a 300ft high volcanic rock formation. You’ll then ascend the rocky scree path to Lava Tower for great panoramic views, before a steep descent into the Barranco Valley. You may find this trek a little tougher than the previous days as some hikers usually start to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Although you will finish today’s climb at almost the same elevation as you started, this is a very good practice for acclimatisation and will help prepare your body for summit day. Barranco Camp lies below the imposing Barranco Wall in a beautiful, sheltered valley.
Elevation gain: 710 metres / 2,300 feet
Elevation loss: 700 metres / 2,250 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, you will begin to ascend the impressive Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys – but don’t worry, it is easier than it looks! Lunch will be eaten at Karanga Valley, before joining the famous Mweka Trail. You will then continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles. Your tents will be pitched along a narrow and rocky ridge with high winds. It’s therefore worth taking some time to familiarise yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark. Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit.
Elevation gain: 750 metres / 2,500 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 7 to 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
This is where the going gets really tough! Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,685m). This section is probably the most challenging part of the route and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide.
After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations! You have now made it to the “Roof of Africa”.
Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend there, but it is important to start your descent in good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Barafu Camp. After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Mweka Hut (3,100m) where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep!
Elevation gain: 1,295 metres / 4,200 feet
Elevation loss: 2,785 metres / 9,100 feet
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours to Uhuru Peak; 7 to 8 hours to Mweka Camp
Habitat: Arctic conditions
After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via scenic path through the forest to Mweka Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer!
Elevation loss: 1,280 metres / 4,220 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
