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Arusha · Tanzania
7 Day Expedition - Kilimanjaro Machame Route
Starting From
From $3,167.61 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It has its own ecosystem which includes every type of environment on earth and takes you, in one trek, from the Equator to the Arctic! You will go through lush, tropical forest, across alpine meadows, desert uplands, and to the snow and ice peaks of the summit. The Machame route is a challenging, very scenic route. You will have 7 days hiking and 6 nights camping on the mountain. It is a hugely rewarding experience on a popular, but not yet overcrowded route.
Highlights
Why travelers choose this experience
- Hike Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa
- Travel through the Equator to the Arctic
- Enjoy the tropical forest and alpine meadows
- Hike the challenging Machame route
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Arusha
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. You'll start at - New Safari Hotel Or, you can also get picked up. We depart Arusha for Machame Gate, which takes about 2 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Machame trail head. Lunch on route.
Continued
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Hike up to camp Leaving behind the park gate, we’ll walk through the dense rain forest up the ridges until we reach the Machame Camp.
Continued
Moshi
Accommodation included: Dinner & overnight at Machame Camp.
Day 2
Moshi
Hiking at Kilimanjaro National Park. Kilimanjaro National Park We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a Savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch.
Continued
Moshi
On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp. Accommodation included: Overnight at Shira Camp 2.
Day 3
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Continue through the national park We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Through the Seneca Forest, we descend down to Barranco Camp to an latitudinal level of 13,000 ft. Even if you start and end at the same altitude, it is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Continued
Moshi
Accommodation included: Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Day 4
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Through the Alpine desert We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then the climbing of a non-technical but steep 900 ft long cliff begins. As we descend down, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we reach the Karanga Valley. Another steep climb will lead us to Karanga Camp. This will be a shorter day which is meant to acclimatize your body properly.
Continued
Moshi
Accommodation included: Overnight at Karanga Camp
Day 5
Moshi
Hiking at Mawenzi. Mweka Trail We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. This point marks the completion of the southern circuit. It offers mesmerizing view of the summit from multiple angles. Viewable from this position are two peaks, namely, Mawenzi and Kibo.
Continued
Moshi
Here, we’ll be making our camp and relax for the rest of the day and have dinner to prepare for the upcoming summit day.
Continued
Moshi
Accommodation included: Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Day 6
Moshi
Hiking at Kilimanjaro National Park. Arctic Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Early in the morning (midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks.Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Continued
Moshi
Food time Descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu Camp for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Arrive at Mweka Camp for our last dinner.
Continued
Moshi
Accommodation included: Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 7
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Descent. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. Here for those who managed to reach the summit will be awarded 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).
Continued
Arusha
Last trip day. From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village where you will meet your car waiting for you ready for transfer back to Arusha for your own arranged hotel for Dinner and Overnight. Thank you for visiting!
Planning Details
Before you go
Included
Park fees Camping Transport Supplementary Oxygen
Not Included
Accommodation Before and after the Climbing Tips to mountain crew Breakfast on the first day so as dinner on the last day
Restrictions
You need to be in good health to participate in this expedition. Positive identity documents are needed. Not recommended for people with back problems. Not recommended for pregnant travelers. Not recommended for people with heart conditions. Not stroller accessible. Not suitable for pets. No public transportation nearby. Infants must not sit on laps. Infant seats are unavailable.
Meeting & Pickup
New Safari Hotel - Boma Rd, Arusha Urban Arusha, Arusha Region. Or, you can also get picked up from your hotel.
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 16 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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