Machame Route Trek

This 9 day tour (with 7 day trek) ascends Kilimanjaro via forested slopes, then through heathland, on to the edge of the remnants of the Shira Volcano and skirts Kibo passing some spectacular natural features such as giant steps and glacial valleys. The final ascent to Uhuru Peak is from Barafu camp via Stella Point. The descent is via the Mweka route.

Itinerary

DAY 1   KILIMANJARO – MOSHI/ARUSHA     

Pick up in Kilimanjaro and transfer by road to Moshi and to Parkview Inn. For the semi-deluxe and luxury options, accommodation will be at Rivertrees Lodge in Arusha. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 2   MOSHI – MACHAME

After breakfast to Machame Gate where we finalise packing and official formalities before commencing the trek. Today’s hiking is through verdant afromontane forest to Machame Camp with a picnic lunch en route. Overnight Machame Camp (Full Board)

DAY 3   MACHAME – SHIRA     

From Machame Camp we continue to Shira Camp (picnic lunch en route). The first section is relatively steep and altitude is gained rapidly. This is the “heath zone” with its attractive vegetation such as helichrysum and lobelia. Various geologic features can be seen today from lava tubes to glacial valleys. Overnight Shira Camp (Full Board).

DAY 4   SHIRA – BARRANCO

Today is a “walk high, sleep low” day to acclimatise to the altitude. We ascend into alpine desert and those that are feeling strong can even head up to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp. Lunch is taken as a picnic lunch en route. Overnight Barranco Camp (Full Board).

DAY 5   BARRANCO – KARANGA (ACCLIMATISATION)

From Barranco Camp, famous for its giant groundsels (Dendrosenecio species), you ascend the Barranco wall and hike glacial valleys to Karanga Camp. Today is a relatively short day hiking and lunch is taken at Karanga Camp. In the afternoon a walk can be taken with your guides for great views of the southern walls of Kibo and deep glacial valleys. Overnight Karanga Camp (Full board).

DAY 6  KARANGA – BARAFU

Today is another half day ascending to Barafu camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the evening. Overnight Barafu Camp (Full Board).

DAY 7   BARAFU – SUMMIT / MWEKA

Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is required to reach the summit and by dawn – as the first rays of light start to appear – most climbers arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! After seeing the sun rise from this wonderful vantage point we have a long day’s descent to Mweka Camp before dusk. Overnight Mweka Camp (Full Board).

DAY 8   MWEKA – MOSHI/ARUSHA

After breakfast we descend once again through montane forest and around midday we take a road transfer back to Parkview in Moshi (standard option). For semi-deluxe and luxury options, accommodation at Rivertrees Lodge in Arusha for dinner and overnight.

DAY 9   MOSHI – KILIMANJARO

After breakfast transfer back to Kilimanjaro. Drop off at the international airport for your onward flight.