Karibu Kilimanjaro
At 5,895 m, Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa. This volcanic massif stands in splendid isolation above the surrounding plains, with its snowy peak looming over the savannah. The mountain is encircled by mountain forest. Numerous mammals, many of them endangered species, live in the park.
The mountain is famous and most popular worldwide with people wanting to conquer the summit, the highest point on the entire continent of Africa. While the tourism industry has developed well around the splendid mountain the treks and surroundings remain untouched and take every climber back to nature with a truly exhilarating experience.
5 Night / 6 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route
*An additional acclimatization day is recommended for most novice climbers. The additional day is usually added between the Barranco and Barafu Camps at the Karanga Camp. The additional day can be arranged for you upon request, simply drop us a line and we will provide all the information necessary.
Day 1: Transfer from Moshi Town to Machame Gate, Ascend to Machame Camp
Altitudes: Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame Camp (2980m)
Hiking time: Approximately 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 18 Kms
Habitat: Montane forest
Your climbing adventure starts from Moshi Town as you are transferred to the Machame Gate, a short 45 minutes drive through the ascending slopes of the Machame Village. Though smaller than the Marangu Gate, the Machame Gate is another beautifully designed Park Office that offers opportunities for photography while your climbing permits are sorted and your gear packed up by the porters. Your lunch will be provided in picnic packs, to be had later at the picnic spot halfway up the trail.
You will reach your first stop mid to late afternoon, the Machame Camp. The Machame Route only offers camp sites for accommodation with small park offices serving as the onl permanent structures. Hot beverages, snacks and a hot dinner will be waiting for you at the Machame Camp.
Day 2: Ascend from Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Altitudes: Machame Camp (2980m) – Shira Camp (3840m)
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 9 Kms
Habitat: Moorland
After an early morning rise and a filling breakfast you will embark on your trek for the day which will continue to ascend through the forest for about an hour more, then giving way to the moorlands which offer a lesser gradient on the climb. Your lunch can be arranged as picnic packs or as a hot lunch to be had directly at Shira Camp depending on your climbing speeds gauged by the Head Guide on the previous day. As your approach the Shira Plateau you will be bedazzled by spectacular views of the Kibo peak in the East. Lower temperatures and howling wind are to be expected at the Shira Plateau where there is little in the way of trees to shelter you. Your hot water and hot dinner will be served at the site before you retire to bed. Depending on the cloud cover, the nighttime views from the mountain are spectacular allowing you to see the distant lights of Arusha as well as Moshi.
Day 3: Ascend from Shira Camp to Lava Tower, Descend to Barranco Camp
Altitudes: Shira Camp (3840m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Barranco Camp (3950m)
Hiking time: Approximately 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 Kms
Habitat: Semi desert
The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower at an altitude of 4630m. Dependent on the individual climbers speed, Lava Tower can be reached in approximately 5 hours. Lunch is served at the Junction Point around the Lava Tower. Entering a very high altitude zone, climbers can expect to start feeling the effects of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). After a brief walk up to the Lava Tower you begin your descent to the Barranco Camp, situated at a lower altitude of 3950m. The ascent, followed by the descent, are designed to help you acclimatize to the high altitude. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great photo opportunities of the Western Breach and the Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner.
Day 4: Ascend from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Altitudes: Barranco Camp (3950m) – Barafu Camp (4550m)
Hiking time: Approximately 7
Distance: Approximately 13 Kms
Habitat: Alpine Desert
As will be normal by now, you will start your morning early and start your trek after breakfast. Your first hurdle for the day is the Barranco Wall. The Barranco wall edges out just below the Heim Glacier providing a view now closer than ever before of the waiting Peak of Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival at the Barranco Camp you will be served with your regular hot water and hot food. The summit is now just 1345m away. Your final ascent, the summit attempt, will be attempted tonight. Rest and sleep as much as possible upon arrival.
Day 5: Summit Attempt: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Mweka Camp
Altitudes: Barafu Camp (4550m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3100m)
Hiking time: Approximately 8 hours ascent, Approximately 8 hours descent
Distance: Approximately 7 Kms ascent, Approximately 23 Kms descent
Habitat: Stone Scree and Ice-Capped Summit
Your summit ascent commences around midnight, the final 1195m to the highest peak in Africa. You’ll be served some quick tea and biscuits to warm you up for the climb before hitting the trek. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour walk to Stella point is, for many climbers, mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see. From Stella Point you will generally encounter snow all the way up your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Weather conditions as well as your own personal conditions will determine how long you spend on the summit. You will be descending to Barafu Camp where you will get a short breather before continuing your descent all the way to Mweka Camp. The total amount of time spent walking on this day is can be around 14 hours(+/-), climbers need to be physically and mentally prepared for this section of the climb.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Altitudes: Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: Approximately 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 Kms
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, full of energy, you will continue your descent (approximately 3 hours) down to the Mweka Gate. Upon arrival and registration at the gate successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. Your transfers to Moshi Town will be waiting for you at the gate upon your arrival.
Cost
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