ITENERARY:
The 9-day Machame Route caters for all adventurous hikers who want to enjoy the scenic splendor of Kilimanjaro to the fullest. This route is like a simulated world climatic tour from the tropics to the Arctic. While hiking you take the narrow paths through the beautiful rain forest, the ridge along the moorland meadows through the barren land, sprinkled with ominous desert plants. The white southern ice fields glitter and reflect the unique starry sky again. The faint wind caresses the rest of the vegetation and the silence of the mountain gives you the feeling of absolute balance. The 9-day Machame Route offers excellent conditions for a smooth start on the mountain.
1st day: Kilimanjaro airport to Moshi
Our driver will pick you up from the airport and bring you to your hotel, where the orientation for your Kilimanjaro ascent takes place. Your guide will provide you with the final details of your trek and will check your trekking gear for suitability.
Day 2: Moshi to Machame Gate (1,800m / 5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m / 9,840ft)
Altitude gain: 1200m / 3935ft Hiking time: 6-7 hours Distance: 9km
You will drive to the Machame Gate (5,950ft) and your guide will complete the necessary parking registration. You get to know your complete mountain team and start your way to the summit. The narrow path leads you first through the emerald green dense rainforest. The sky disappears in the lushness of the rainforest almost completely and only a few rays of the sun can be reached through the treetops. The air smells of the rich leaves and the fertile soil feels soft under your feet. The melodies of the birds penetrate the forest, while the black and white monkeys swing loudly through the branches. Shortly before reaching the Machame Camp, the vegetation changes into the lower heathland. The camp is located above the forest and offers breathtaking views of the emerald treetops.
Day 3: Machame Camp (3,000m / 9,840ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m / 12,600ft)
Altitude gain: 840m / 2,760ft Hiking time: 4-6 hours Distance: 7km
Today, your hike will take you through the beautiful heath landscape and through the dunes of the moor landscape. The glittering summit of Kilimanjaro is your constant companion. Lobelia and Senecio plants grow along the path. The volcanic rocks are covered with lichens of vines that protect the striking wild alpine flowers that grow at their bases. Delicious meals are served upon reaching Shira Camp (12,600ft / 5-6 hours on foot), where you spend the night.
Day 4: Shira Camp (3,840m / 12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m / 12,960ft)
Altitude gain: 690m / 2,264ft Hiking time: 6-7 hours Distance: 10km
Approaching the target, Uhuru Peak, you will reach the Lava Tower - a 90m high volcanic tip that provides a passage. The trek gets a bit more challenging at this stage and the path is gently steep. In the afternoon, start with the steeper path of the day leading down to the enchanting region of the great Barranco Valley. Barranco Camp sits on a plateau surrounded by three steep valley walls and the stunning Kibo Massif. The surrounding glaciers and the falling sunlight complete the beauty of the surroundings. Plants like the giant lobelia and the enormous Senecio Kilimanjari dominate the uncannily calm landscape. The last part of the day, the walk to Barranco Camp (12.950ft / 5-6 hours walk) is cozy. The camp awaits you for dinner.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m / 12,960ft) to Karanga Valley Camp (4040m / 13,250ft)
Altitude gain: 90m / 295ft Hiking time: 3-4 hours Distance: 6km
You walk through the valley gorge before climbing the high eastern wall. A scenic view of the ice fields of Kilimanjaro unfolds in front of you. The day starts right with the hardest part of the day hike, a 90-minute climb up the magnificent Barranco Wall. Some areas require you to use your body weight to aid ascent. You will continue our trekking on a quiet path until you reach the Karanga Valley (13.900ft / 4-5 hours on foot). The porters will have prepared the camp on your arrival, so all you have to do is enjoy your meal and relax.
Day 6: Karanga Valley Camp (4040m / 13,250ft) to Barafu Camp (4600m / 15,100ft)
Altitude gain: 560m / 1837ft Hiking time: 3-4 hours Distance: 4km
The trail gradually starts to rise as you walk through the breathtaking scenery of the Karanga Valley. To get to Barafu Camp, you will walk across the granite floors of the Lava Ridge. The higher you get, the more the temperatures drop and the vegetation begins to dwindle. Barafu Camp is located on a smooth ridge and is considered the most beautiful camp on the 9-day Machame Route. Your chef will serve you a high-energy meal and we recommend an early night's sleep for your midnight climb to the summit.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,600m / 15,100ft) to the summit (5,895m / 19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m / 10,170ft)
Altitude gain: 1,295m (4,240 feet) Altitude loss: 2,795m (9,170 feet) Hiking time: 14-16 hours Distance: 19km
You start your final uphill hike shortly after midnight. You will walk in the middle of the sapphire-laden Rebmann and Tarzel Glacier to Stella Point. The temperatures are now permanently in the minus range (-12 ° C to -23 ° C). The smooth, frosty peaks tower in the distance as dawn breaks as you approach Uhuru Peak. Feelings of triumph and relief will flow through you. Standing on the roof of Africa, above the cloud cover, you can chisel this moment of victory with photos in stone. The bleached glaciers blur the line of the horizon and contrast with the ashen Kibo Peak. You descend to Barafu Camp, where you take a short break. Another 3-4 hours before you reach Mweka Camp (9,840 feet) where you can expect an appetizing meal on arrival. Take the last night on the mountain to forever anchor the incredible starry sky in your memory and enjoy the success of the day cuddling up in your cozy sleeping bag.
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m / 10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m / 4,920ft) to Moshi
Height loss: 1,600m / 5,250ft Hiking time: 3-4 hours Distance: 10km
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will begin the descent to the park entrance. Admire the beautiful view for the last time and enjoy the tranquility. Upon reaching the gate, a Viva Africa Tours driver will pick you up and drive you back to Moshi, where you and your crew can celebrate the triumph.
Day 9: Moshi to Kilimanjaro airport
We will take you to the Kilimanjaro airport, here we say goodbye to Tanzania. If you have chosen to go on a safari , then start a new adventure that we are happy to help with planning.
Our Package Includes
- Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
- Pre & post climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi
- Park, rescue and hut accommodation fees
- Professional English speaking guide(s); porters & cook
- 6 breakfasts; 5 lunches; 4 dinners
- Water; tea and coffee with meals
Not Included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Increases in park fees where applicable
- Personal equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Gratuities / tips for guide(s), porters & cook
- Soda and Alcoholic beverages
Price of total tour package including a double room USD 2550 PP
Price of total tour package including a single room USD 2550 PP
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