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6 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour via the Machame Route

6 Days
Max Guests: 100+
Soweto, Moshi - Tanzania, 25114

From $1400

6 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour via the Machame Route

DESCRIPTION

For the six-day route to climb Kilimanjaro, Machame is the best option due to its acclimatizing nature. The Machame route exposes the climber to higher elevations more quickly, which initiates the body's adaptation to the altitude. However, this route requires a good level of fitness in order to be able to cope with the demanding differences in altitude. The six-day Machame is another of the best and most enjoyable ways to experience climbing Kilimanjaro, although a bit challenging. In particular, day four combined with day five makes the program very difficult. Day four is a full day hike from Barranco to Barafu. Then, after dinner and half a night's sleep, the long and strenuous day at the summit begins around midnight.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft, Distance: 11 km, Hiking Time: 5 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest

The drive from Moshi to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park's Machame Gate takes approximately 60 minutes. The drive passes through the Machame villages located on the lower slopes of the base of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the vegetation zone on a winding path that climbs a ridge. Further down the trail can be muddy and slippery. We walk a short distance further until we reach Machame Camp where we rest, have dinner and spend the night waiting for the next day of hiking.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft, Distance: 5 km, Hiking Time: 6 hours, Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast we leave the rainforest clearings and continue on an uphill trail to Shira Cave Camp, crossing the small valley and hiking along a steep heather covered rocky ridge to the bottom of the ridge. The route now turns west into a river gorge. Upon arrival at camp, rest, dinner and overnight at Shira Camp.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13000 ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 6-7 hours, Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateau, continue east along a ridge past the junction to Kibo Peak. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast to the lava tower, called "Shark's Tooth". Shortly after the tower we reach the second trail crossing that takes us 1 km to Arrow Glacier. We now continue to Barranco Hut at an elevation of 13,000 feet. where we will rest, have dinner and spend the night. Although you end the day at the same altitude as when you started the, this day is very important for acclimatization and helps your body prepare for summit day.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft, Distance: 9km, Hiking Time: 8 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast we leave Barranco Camp and continue up a steep ridge past the Barranco Wall to Karanga Valley Camp. We then leave Karanga Camp and reach the turnoff that connects to Mweka Trail and continue to Barafu Camp. At this point you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we camp, rest, have dinner and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to UHURU PEAK summit to Mweka Camp

Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 1345ft (and down to 10,000ft), Distance: 5 km… ascent / 12 km descent, Hiking Time: 7 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent.

Very early in the morning (particularly midnight to 2 a.m.) we continue on our way to the summit site between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Head northwest and climb through dense boulders to Stella Point on the rim of Kilimanjaro's crater. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. Take a short break at Stella Point and be rewarded with the most glorious sunrise. From Stella Point you can find snow all the way on your 1-hour climb to the top of Uhuru Peak. In Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point of Kilimanjaro and the African continent. From the summit we now descend directly to Mweka Hut Camp and stop at Barafu for lunch. You will need gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel that comes down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper part of the forest and fog or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later we enjoy our last dinner on Mount and a well-deserved night's sleep.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Arusha/Moshi

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast we continue the descent to the gate of Mweka Park to receive your summit certificates. It can be wet and muddy at lower elevations. Leggings and trekking poles will help. shorts and t-shirts. it will probably be enough to wear (have rain gear and warmer clothes ready). Continue from the gate back to Moshi/Arusha.