Mount Kilimanjaro Trek - Machame Route
Day 1
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met and taken to your hotel in Moshi. Here you will have a briefing on the following day's climb. Overnight Hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Machame Camp
Pick up from your hotel after breakfast and transfer to Machame gate where you will register before you start your climb. From the park entrance gate (Machame), you will trek for about two to three hours through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers, and other tropical vegetation. A stop for a hot lunch will be made halfway to the campsite. As you continue your ascent, you will find that the tropical forest has given way to tall grasses and giant heather. You will be walking on a ridge, to the left of which is the Semira stream, and on the right, the Weru Weru. Depending on the pace of the climbers, arrival at Machame Camp is usually between 5pm and 6pm. This initial stage of the climb is tranquil and relatively easy. There is no point in rushing to get to the camp, as there is little to do there. Guides tend to recommend a slow ascent, even at this point, for gradual acclimatization.
Day 3: Shira
Camp On this and subsequent mornings, wake-up call is at around 6am and is accompanied by hot tea or coffee and typically a fabulous view of Uhuru peak.
Today's trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock, and bearded heather. You will encounter giant groundsels as you hike through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves, and foamy streams.
Lunch will be taken just below the Shira Plateau, about three to four hours from Shira Camp. The hike to the next campsite takes approximately six hours and you should arrive between 2pm and 3pm. Most climbers tend to pace themselves, walking slowly and resting about every half-hour. Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp.
Day 4: Barranco
After breakfast you will start crossing the Bastains stream and commence the descent to Barranco Camp along the immense Grand Barranco canyon. Along the way, you will see numerous waterfalls, which are fed, by streams coming from the mountain, converging here to form the Umbwe River. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as the night before. Today's trek lasts for about six hours and arrival at camp is between 4.30 and 5.30pm. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.
Day 5: Barafu
The scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on a moraine with a view of Mawenzi Peak towering majestically to the right, and overhead, Kibo Peak seemingly just out of reach. The alpine desert terrain encountered at this point is mostly a mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Lunch will be taken half way. All climbers are advised to go to bed very early this night, as the next day is the longest one. Dinner and overnight at Barafu Camp
Day 6: Summit
You will be awakened at midnight and after a light breakfast, start climbing at around 3am. At this stage, the climb becomes much more difficult. Making your way up a path that is flanked by the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, you will climb for about six hours before reaching the edge of the crater, between Stella and Hans Meyer points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit. Uhuru stands at 19,340 feet and is the highest point on the continent of Africa. The track around the edge of the crater is rocky and icy. Concentrate on your feet, and follow your guide very closely for this portion of the journey.
The descent is now easier than the ascent. You will reach Barafu Camp after about three hours at around 11.30am. Arriving into camp at around 5pm you will have trekked a total of thirteen hours today. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Descent
After breakfast continue down to Mweka gate where 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 are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. Return to your hotel in Moshi.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your home bound flights.