Travel to Tanzania: Kilimanjaro Climb, Machame Route

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Kilimanjaro Climb, Machame Route

			DAYS: 10 GRADE: III-IV define PRICE: From $2895 per person (Includes Local Air) HIGHLIGHTS: Climbing to the highest peak of Africa ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges Wilderness Camp MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Often called the Whiskey Route this is a scenically beautiful trail, longer and much gentler than Umbwe or Marangu. Our itinerary provides valuable acclimatization by having shorter walking days during the trek to the 19,340 foot summit and includes an extra day to acclimatize in the Karanga Valley. This special October departure is guided by Kambona Ole Tirra Mollel, a veteran Kilimanjaro climber and safari guide, with over 100 successful summits of Kilimanjaro. Read more about Kambona on our Meet Your Guides page.

DAYS 1-2 :  ARUSHA
Arrive at the Kilimanjaro airport in Arusha where you'll be met and transferred to nearby Arusha for the night. Day 2 is a day to rest, recover from jet lag and take in your new surroundings. After lunch meet with your guide to receive a climb briefing including a review of your route and packing of gear. Overnight in Arusha [BLD on day 2]

DAY 3 :  MACHAME CAMP
Altitude: 6400 to 10,000; Hiking time: 5-6 hours
From Arusha or Moshi drive to the Machame Park gate, then a gentle climb up through the original montane forest carpeted with unique busy lizzie flowers, begonias and ferns. Your first camp will be amongst the giant heather at 10,000 ft at Machame Camp. [BLD]

DAY 4 :  SHIRA CAMP
Altitude 10,000 to 12, 500; Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through fine open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 12,650ft. Cross the valley and hike along the ridge to a river gorge. From the ridge all three peaks of Kilimanjaro (Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira) may be seen. This afternoon there will be an optional half-hour walk to explore the geological features of the old volcanic caldera. Overnight near the Shira Cave. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  BARRANCO CAMP
Altitude 12,500 to 12,900; Hiking time: 5-7 hours
From Shira, climb towards the main peak, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude, desert to volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and under the imposing Western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley the scenic camp at 3,950m/12,900ft. This will be 5-7 hours walking and only 400 ft elevation gain, today we climb high and then return to sleep at a lower altitude that will assist us in acclimatization. Overnight at Barranco Camp. [BLD]

DAY 6 :  KARANGA CAMP
Altitude 12,900 to 12,700; Hiking time 3-4 hours
Climb the steep Barranco Wall, which includes some sections of very easy scrambling and walk down again to the Karanga Valley at 12,700ft. This is a short walking day, with an optional acclimatization hike in afternoon up onto the scree below the glaciers. Overnight at Karanga Camp. [BLD]

DAY 7 :  BARAFU CAMP
Altitude 12,700 to 15,200; Hiking time 4 hours
Up to Barafu camp perched high on a rocky bluff at 15,200 ft. Fantastic views across to Mawenzi peak and a bit less to climb tomorrow morning! This is another short walking day, about 4 hours, 950m, with less exertion and a good rest in the afternoon immediately before the hard summit day. Overnight at Barafu Camp. [BLD]

DAY 8 :  SUMMIT ASCENT AND MWEKA CAMP
Altitude: 15,200 to 18,815 (Stella Point)) to 19,340 (summit) then down to 10,000; Hiking time: 12-15 hours
Around midnight, have something to eat before starting to climb the steep frozen scree. This is unavoidable on any route but we aim to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise another 40 minutes and you're at the highest point on the continent at 19,340 ft, usually in warm sunshine. The total ascent is 4,000 ft and takes about 7 hours. Enjoy standing at this highest point on the African Continent and then descend over 2-3 hours back to Barafu camp for lunch. After lunch continue trek descent 1,750m/ 5,000 ft over 3-5 hours to the Mweka camp at 3,000m/10,000ft. This is a long strenuous day but you will feel absolutely ecstatic when you have finished! Enjoy dinner and a good night's rest. Overnight at Mweka Camp. [BLD]

DAY 9 :  MWEKA GATE AND ARUSHA
Altitude: 10,000 to 4,950; Hiking time 4-5 hours
A morning descent of 4-5 hours through the forest brings us to Mweka Gate. Here certificates are awarded to those who have summitted or reached Stella Point, and it's also where we meet our vehicle. Return to the Hotel in Arusha for a hot shower and overnight after the climb. [BLD]

DAY 10 :  DEPARTURE
A day room will be provided for you. In the morning go shopping for souvenirs around Arusha and then come back to the hotel for lunch and rest before repacking your gear in time for dinner and an evening transfer for your departure flight. [BLD]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Lyndsay Harshman 1(800)345-4453