6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route

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TRIP OVERVIEW

Machame Route is an excellent route. It is scenic and well designed. Specifically, this means that the camps are at a slightly lower altitude than the day’s climb. This makes acclimatization easier. Lemosho Route merges with Machame Route partway into the climb. Machame Route is the most popular camping route on Mt Kilimanjaro.

ITINERARY SUMMARY

ROUTE MAP

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi

With prior arrangement, an airport pick-up to your hotel in Moshi Town is available from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You will be warmly welcome at the airport by our driver, after loading the luggage into the vehicle you will make your way to your hotel. Our team will meet you later the day for a pre-climb briefing, your hiking equipment will then be thoroughly checked and you may be able to borrow any missing equipment necessary for the trek. We will also confirm you have bought the appropriate travel insurance. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

  • Drive: 45 minutes to one hour

Day 2: Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame Camp (2980m)

Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 18 kilometers
Habitat: Montane forest

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Machame Village. In the village, you can buy mineral water and will receive a packed lunch. From the village, depending on the road conditions, you will either continue driving 3 kilometers or walk to the Machame Gate (1490m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the look out for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! About halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the Machame Camp (2980) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served. For overnight, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!

  •  MEALS: Lunch | Dinner | Breakfast
  •  ACCOMODATION: Kilimanjaro Camping

Day 3: Machame Camp (2980m) – Shira Camp (3840m)

Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 9 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland

After an early morning breakfast, you will start you ascent leaving the rain forest and entering the heathland moorland vegetation. You will cross many streams and walk over a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau that leads to Shira Camp (3840m). At this campsite, you will be next to a stream and have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and its glaciers in the East. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.

  •  MEALS: Lunch | Dinner | Breakfast
  •  ACCOMODATION: Kilimanjaro Camping

Day 4: Shira (at 3840m) – Lava Tower (at 4630m) – Barranco camp (at 3950m)

Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Semi-desert

Following an early morning breakfast, you will leave the moorland environment and enter the semi desert and rocky landscape. After 5 hours of walking east, you will be come face to face with the Lava Tower (4630m). Packed lunches are served at the Tower and hikers have the option of climbing the massive Lava Tower weather permitting. At this point of the hike, it is normal for hikers to start feeling the effects from the altitude including headaches and shortness of breath.

After lunch, you will descend from Lava Tower (4630m) to the Barranco Campsite (3950m). The 6800m descent gives hikers a huge advantage to allow their bodies to adjust to the conditions of high altitude. The descent to camp takes around 2 hours to reach. It is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall (“Breakfast Wall”). Drinking and washing water and dinner will be served as hikers view the sun setting.

  •  MEALS: Lunch | Dinner | Breakfast
  •  ACCOMMODATION: Kilimanjaro Camping

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3950m) – Barafu Hut (4600m)

Hiking time: 2-3 hours
Distance: Approximately 4 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert

After spending a night at the Great Barranco Wall (a very imposing sight at first), you make your way up this awesome looking obstacle, which in the end normally turns out easier than what you anticipated. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. This is the preferred route down from the summit, so remember it. Turn left up the ridge and after another hour or so, you reach Barafu Hut.
The last water stop on the route is the Karranga Valley, as there is no water at Barafu camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice” and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area to spend the night. Totally exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarise yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep!

  •  MEALS: Lunch | Dinner | Breakfast
  •  ACCOMMODATION: Kilimanjaro Camping

Day 6: Barafu camp (4600m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)

Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka
Distance: Approximately 7 kilometer ascent and 23 kilometer descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest and you will ascend over stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. In about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685m), located on the crater rim. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours.

At camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is located in the upper rain forest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp.

  •  MEALS: Lunch | Dinner | Breakfast
  •  ACCOMMODATION: Kilimanjaro Camping

Day 7: Mweka camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)

Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Montane forest

Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates. You will be served a hot lunch then you will drive back to Arusha for long overdue showers and more celebrations.

  •  MEALS: Lunch | Dinner | Breakfast
  •  ACCOMODATION: Planet Lodge.

Day 8: departure

If your time in Africa ends today our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked with us a safari or a few days to dissolve into the pristine sandy beaches and tropical waters of Zanzibar, we will be there to help you comfortably transition from your climb into your next Tanzanian adventure.

PRICE

We will send you a personalized quote with the exact price upon booking confirmation. Indeed, the price can vary according to availability, levels of services, period, number of participants, reservation deadline and many others.

TOUR PRICE - INCLUDES

TOUR PRICE - EXCLUDES

frequently Asked QUESTIONS

The following are the questions that we tend to get asked the most by our climbers. If you have further questions after reading this, do check out the Climb Mount Kilimanjaro website that accompanies the guide book, and of course the Kilimanjaro guide book itself, which has been deliberately designed to give as much detail and answer as many questions as possible.

Kilimanjaro is the only highest mountain which allows you to reach its summit Uhuru peak without any technical skills. Climbing Kilimanjaro is easy compared to other mountains, as it has easier terrains than steeps. However, you may need to use your hands while climbing the Barranco wall as it is the only steep wall in the entire Kilimanjaro zone. This is one of the important Kilimanjaro FAQs and has a proper answer. During wet season you may require hiking poles because the rocks are more slippery. Make sure you wear proper hiking boots or gaiters while you are climbing Kilimanjaro.

The weather in Kilimanjaro is considered as wet season and dry season. Before knowing about Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro”, the weathers and climates are very important to decide for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. All the Kilimanjaro routes pass the ecological or climatic zones where the weather tends to change hourly due to the high-altitude condition and the trade winds. The wet season has more rainfall and dry season has lesser rainfall with more dry days. The main climatic zones are: Cultivation zone, Rainforest zone, Heath or moorland zone, Highland dessert zone and Artic zone. Each zone are unique in its own way and also have a distinct weather conditions all the way.

Best time to climb Kilimanjaro is a major Kilimanjaro Faq’s asked by most of the trekkers. Mount Kilimanjaro can be ascended year around and all the Kilimanjaro routes will support climbing Kilimanjaro round the year. As Kilimanjaro is near to equator the region experiences a very less extremes of winter and summer weather, rather it has wet and dry seasons. Hence, the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro is dry season which is warm. It is advised to avoid climbing Kilimanjaro during wet season for beginners. However, if you are with a professional climber and have all the safety precautions taken, then climbing Kilimanjaro in wet season would be really adventures. This also depends on your preference of Kilimanjaro Routes. You will need to choose best Kilimanjaro route and also choose a longer itinerary for better acclimatization.

You will be provided with tents, camping gear, food, utensils, and guidance. You should bring your own sleeping bag, water system, personal clothing, light duffle bag, and day pack. Hiking poles can be rented. If What Do I Need To Climb Kilimanjaro?” is your question, the following list is for you. A packing list is provided to all climbers, along with our pre-departure packet:

  • 1 mountaineering sleeping bag
  • 1 LED flashlight with spare batteries
  • 1 Pair of comfortable trekking boots
  • 1 towel
  • 2 fleece jackets
  • 1 down jacket or long-sleeved wind-breaker
  • 1 set of thermal underwear
  • 2 pairs of trekking trousers
  • 1 waterproof jacket
  • 1 pair of waterproof trousers
  • 1 sun hat
  • 1 pair of sunglasses

The Kilimanjaro Food during your climb will help you to avoid from Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness. The menu on Kilimanjaro is designed to ensure your food intake matches your level of exertion. It will provide you with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables. When you are at altitude you could start to feel uneasy and your appetite may be suppressed, so the meals prepared at high altitude usually contain more carbohydrates and less protein to help you to digest your food. Your meals will be prepared by your cooks on Kilimanjaro and the food will be carried by your porters. You will be provided with Porridge, Toast, Pancakes, Egg, Smoked sausages, Tea, coffee and Hot chocolate. Sandwiches, Hard boiled eggs, Biscuits, Fruit juice. Soup, Pasts, Rice, Potatoes, Chicken, Beef, vegetables, Salad and Fresh fruits.

Mount Kilimanjaro has recorded the highest altitude level and one needs to be physically and mentally fit to summit the highest peak. You will need to have good acclimatization if you are climbing Kilimanjaro. You will need to sleep on the lower elevations and spend more time on higher elevations. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be an achievement as well as more than the failure. The main health issue is related to respiratory problem. You will have Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness, Acute Mountain sickness and also it may lead to High altitude pulmonary edema and also High altitude cerebral edema. However, these are self-diagnosable at the beginning. If you reach the severe condition you will need to descend.

The guides and porters are professionally trained to handle the emergency situations. They are equipped with first aid kits and also trained to provide first aid medicines. In case of any severe emergency the recuse team will be available to help you descend through a stretcher or in case of more sever emergency there will be a helicopter rescue team who will take you to the high altitude medical clinic and transfer to the best hospital in the city.

Yes, the drinking water is safe and there will be available enough water for all the climbers. We recommend you to carry 2-3 litres of water with you and add water purification tablets to it. This will help to purify the flowing water in the mountains and you will be safe to drink water in the mountains. It is suggested to drink more water to keep yourself hydrated and energised while Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

While it comes to altitude sickness, then the question would be “How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro?” The high-altitude level needs physical fitness and mental determination to climb Kilimanjaro instead of high-altitude medications. However, it is your preference to take high altitude medication while climbing Kilimanjaro, one of the tablet is Diamox which will help you control the high altitude sickness. It make you urinate more. So, we recommend to make yourself fit and train for Kilimanjaro and then attempt to the summit.

It is better to check with your doctor or centre of disease control before leaving for any recommendations. This one of the major Mount Kilimanjaro Facts you should take into considerations. However, while entering Tanzania you will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate and also malaria vaccination certificate. Apart from these other vaccinations are not compulsory. However, it is better to consult your doctor for Vaccinations for Kilimanjaro if you have asthma or any chronic health problems.

Fair and transparent tipping

Tanzania has a tipping culture and your support team may expect (though will never demand) a tip from your group at the end of the tour. As a responsible operator, we want to ensure that our tipping procedures are transparent and clear for both the support team and you the client. Based on your group size, the expected support team and tipping guidelines you should budget for this in addition to the total tour cost.

Suggested tip for 8 Days trek: Each crew will receive the following amounts per trip

Here is tipping guiding you should budget for this trip in addition to the total tour cost: –

Persons in group
Tip per participant
1
660
2
435
3
323
4
268
5
256
6
230
7
211
8
225
9
211
10
200

Want to add anything else or need any more information?

Ask your consultant for more! We have been planning and operating Tanzania tours since 2004 and have a vast experience in the country. You can check with your tour consultant if there are any extra or planned activities that may not already be included in your tour package or varied routes that may be possible within the itinerary planned.

Booking terms and Conditions

To book a trip, contact us with your desired activities and destinations. We will work with you to create the ideal itinerary and accommodations to fit within your budget. Along with this, we may also offer some other activities that fit your interests.

We recognize that most people do not get many opportunities for such a trip, therefore we put all our efforts into making this a safe and memorable journey for you. For that reason, you might find that we are not the lowest price tour operator that can be found. However, be aware that there are always details that some operators will be willing to omit in order to offer a lower price.

Payment and Cancellations

After an itinerary is agreed upon, a 20% deposit payable by wire transfer (through bank or services such as Western Union) is required to hold your reservation. We are sorry but due to bank restrictions, credit and bank card payments can only be processed when presented in person. Unless final payment is to be made by bank/credit card, it is due no later than 7 days before the tour starts.

Cancellation Policy

We recommend trip insurance for all travelers to minimize loss in cases of cancellation. Postponements made by clients after a deposit has been made will result in the deposit being applied to the new itinerary. Lodge and permanent tented camps may have stricter loss of deposit policies that will force us to deduct any amount retained by the lodges.

Cancellation of a holiday must be done in writing and is effective from the date we receive the written notification. Reservations that are cancelled, reduced in length of stay or reduced in numbers of participants are subject to cancellation charges.

Liability

We act as an agent for hotels, lodges and facilities provided by other parties, firms or corporations and cannot be held responsible for delays, loss, damage, injury or accident or change of itineraries which may occur through the negligence of any individual company entrusted with such service. The company cannot be held responsible for any occurring loss of personal valuables (e.g. camera, laptop, mobile phone, money etc.) during the activities. The client has to ensure, that at all times, they take care of their properties.

Insurance

We strongly advise any client to take care of adequate insurance against all risks with a sufficient sum. The company does not provide any medical care and does not accept liability for any inadequate care provided. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travelers to obtain coverage for themselves, travel companions and family members to cover unforeseen travel issues such as cancellations, interruptions, delays, lost/stolen/ damaged travel documents and property, medical, and emergency transportation. We shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages or losses caused to any traveler in connection with dangers and risk inherent in sporting and adventure activities, climatic conditions, accidents or illness, mechanical or construction failure or difficulties, social or labor unrest, local laws, abnormal conditions or developments, acts of God or any other actions, omission or conditions outside our control.

Place of Jurisdiction

The company’s contract is governed by and constructed in accordance with the law of Tanzania. Accordingly, each party irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of the Tanzanian courts to settle any dispute or matter arising under the contract.

$ 1,830 / Person

Choose a scheduled date or contact us to set up private dates or a bespoke itinerary. Read our booking terms and conditions for more details.

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MT. KILIMANJARO CLIMBING GUIDE

At 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world; it is one of the Seven Summits. The snow-capped peak of Africa is a dormant volcano and can be found inside the Kilimanjaro National Park of Tanzania.

Who Can Climb Kilimanjaro? Anyone from children over the age of 10 to older generations in their 60s and 70s! All you need is determination and the will to get to the summit. The real challenge with climbing Kilimanjaro is the altitude and the rate of ascent. Don’t worry we will be with you every step of the way! Our guides are highly skilled professionals and are a key component to your success.

Join the thousands of climbers who have stood on the Mount Kilimanjaro Summit Guided by Our Trek Expert Team. Explore our Tips & Guides on How to Success Mount Climb Kilimanjaro

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