6 Days Machame Route
The Tanzanian dormant volcano, Mount Kilimanjaro, encapsulates a vast range of ecosystems so that anybody trekking up it will witness alpine woodland, tropical rainforest, moorlands, savannas, icy snowfields, and the glacial region at the summit. Not many trips could give you all of that in just 6 days!
Highlights
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Experience geological features such as lava tubes and glacial valleys.
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Camp with scenic views of Mt Meru and Kibo (the top of Mt Kilimanjaro).
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Enjoy a memorable sunrise over Africa as you make your way to the summit.
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Conquer Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.
6 Days Machame Route
DAY 1 : Machame Gate, Hike To Machame Camp
Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time:3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.
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DAY 2 Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: BLD
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
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DAY 3 : Shira Camp To Lava Tower To Barranco Camp
Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
DAY 4 : Barranco Camp To To Barafu Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
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DAY 5: Barafu Camp To Summit, Down To Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: BLD
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
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DAY 6 : Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate, Drive To Arusha Or Moshi
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: B
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Included
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Pick up at International Airport
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Transfer to the hotel Parkview inn or Kilimanjaro wonders hotel
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Professional mountain crew.
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Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
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Kilimanjaro National Park permits Fees
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Camping/hut fees
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3 meals daily
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Modern tents
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First aid kit
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Warm and comfortable sleeping pads (2 inches thick)
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Portable flush toilets can be provided for free upon the client's request
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Group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery, and cutlery)
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Meeting the group at the National Park exit and transfer to the hotel
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Accommodation after the climb
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International certificates for a successful ascent
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Return transfer to Kilimanjaro airport.
Excluded
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Flights tickets
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Visa fee
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Personal gear rental
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Items of a personal nature
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Laundry services
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Tips for the mountain