Machame 6 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Machame Gate to Machame CampElevation: 1800m to 2835m, Distance: 11 km, Hiking Time: 4-6 hours, Habitat: Montana Forest

After breakfast our vehicle will transport you from the hotel to Machame gate, takes about 2 hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. At Machame gate you will do the required registration procedures then you will start the trek through the rainforest, at lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are good idea here. We continue until we reach the Machame Camp where you will find the tents are already set up for you. Dinner and Overnight at the Machame Campsite

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation: 2835m to 3750m, Distance: 5km, Walking Time 4-6 hours, Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast leave the glades of rainforest and continue ascending by crossing little valleys and steep rock ridge covering with heather plants to the western side of the mountain where the camp is situated. At this camp you will able get the spectacular views of Mount Meru, Shira Plateau, Kibo Peak and sunset.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 3750 to 3900m, Distance: 10km, Walking Time: 5-6 hours, Habitat: Semi-desert

This is long and important acclimatization day. 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 (elevation 4600m). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 3900m to 4675M, Distance: 10km, Hiking Time: 6-7 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco wall (elevation 4150m), through the Karanga Valley (elevation 3995m) to the junction which connects with the Mweka trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angels. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4675m to 5895m to 3100m, Distance: 5km up and 12km down, Hiking Time: 5-7 up, 5 – 6 hours down, Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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 one 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 night on the mountain.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha

Elevation: 3100m to 1646m, Distance: 10km down, Time 3-4 hours descent, Habitat: Forest

Today is your last day on the mountain. After breakfast you will descend down to Mweka park gate walking across Montana forest. This descent will take 3 -4 hours. At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5756m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.

From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village where you will be served a delicious hot lunch!! After lunch you drive back to Arusha for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!(2 to 3 hours)

Package Inclusive,

· All Park Fees, including the 18% VAT

· Airport transfers

· Transport to and from the hotel and the trailhead

· Tents on the mountain (high quality Mountain Hardwear) and

· Other communal equipment (eg. mess tent, private chemical toilet with toilet tent, table and chairs, etc)

· All meals while you are on the mountain

· Salaries for guides, cooks and porters

Package Exclusive,

· International and domestic flights

· Tips for guides, porters and other staff

· Sleeping bags, sleeping pads and other personal gear.