7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
- 7 Days
Overview
Once championed as the discerning wilderness route for climbers, Machame is gaining on Marangu in terms of popularity. It is also the second-most accessible trailhead of the non-steep routes (Umbwe), making it attractive to operators, especially those based in Arusha or Moshi. Its reputation as one of the most scenic routes is entirely justified, with the sweeping views across the Masai Steppe to Meru and the impressive Barranco Valley praised by all who climb it. Gains in popularity, however, are inevitably at the expense of total exclusivity but as the descent route is different from the ascent, climbers are only aware of the popularity when they reach camp, however, it is still infinitely quieter than the Marangu Route.
Day 1– Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) Tanzania.
You should aim to arrive as early as possible the day before the trek. Once you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met outside customs area by a driver guide and your head mountain guide holding a sign board written clearly your booking name. You will be picked up from the airport and taken on a 50-minute transfer to the hotel in Arusha. You will have a briefing in the evening with our mount guide to prepare you for the journey ahead.
Day 2 – Machame Camp
After early breakfast at your hotel then Kilimanjaro briefing and checking your mountain personal equipment before transfer to Kilimanjaro entrance gate. From the park entrance gate, you will walk for about two to three hours trek through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers, and other tropical vegetation. A stop for hot lunch will be made halfway to this evening’s 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 WeruWeru. Depending on the pace of the climbers, arrival at Machame Camp is usually between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Your camp is set up near some old metal’s huts, which were once used for shelter.
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.
Do not try to keep up with your porters, who will usually bound ahead. Instead, take time to admire the beauty of the rainforest. If you are interested in botany, you should carry a small reference book.
Dinner and overnight at MACHAME CAMP (BLD)
Day 3 – Shira Camp
On this and subsequent mornings, wake-up call is at around 6:00 AM. You will be greeted with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, and weather permitting, by 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 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Most climbers tend to pace themselves, walking slowly and resting about every half-hour. Many will feel lethargic and have headaches by the time they reach camp. Guides advise those with symptoms of altitude sickness to drink tea and sleep a lot — and there is no better advice to follow at this stage.
Dinner and overnight at SHIRA CAMP (BLD)
Day 4 – Barranco Camp
After breakfast you will start crossing the Bastains stream, you will begin to descend towards Barranco Camp. The descent takes you along an immense canyon called Grand Barranco. 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 4:30PM and 5:30PM.
Dinner and overnight at BARRANCO CAMP (BLD)
Day 5 – Karanga Camp
This morning you begin your hike to Karanga Camp, which is on the same altitude as BarrancoCamp.You will encounter a bit of a climb at Barranco Cliff and spend the rest of the trek climbing up and down the slopes of the mountain most of the way to camp. The climbing is not considered difficult and you should arrive in time for lunch (approximately 1:00PM) having trekked for about four hours.
In the afternoon you have the opportunity to hike in the Karanga Valley where giant senecios and lobelia grow; however, you are well advised to rest as much as you possibly can to prepare you for the climb ahead.
Day 6 – Barafu Camp
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 at your camp and the climbers arrive at Barafu Camp at around 1:00PM. Climbers who choose to ascend the peak will go to bed very early this night, as the next day is the longest one.
Dinner and overnight at BARAFU CAMP (BLD)
Day 7 – Ascent to Summit / Descent Mweka Camp
You will be awakened at midnight and after a light breakfast, start climbing at around 1 a.m. It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult. Here, very few will not be suffering from altitude sickness in some form or another; and climbers should carry as little as possible on this portion of the climb. Temperatures will range from -4° to 5° Fahrenheit. 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 5895 m 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 (around 11:30 AM). Climbers will be given the opportunity to rest and have some refreshments before continuing on to Mweka Camp for the night. Arriving into camp at around 5:00PM, you will have trekked a total of thirteen hours today.
Dinner and overnight at MWEKA CAMP (BLD)
Day 8 – Arusha
After breakfast then continue to go 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. Meet by a driver guide with packed lunch and drive back to your hotel in Arusha. It is a welcome treat to sleep in a bed, take a hot shower and celebrate.
Day 9 – Departure
Departure transfer to Kilimanjaro airport. End of Kilimanjaro climb services:
EXCLUSIONS
GALLERY / PHOTOS
Start Your Journey
Every great adventure starts with a conversation. Send us your preferred dates and trip details, and we’ll prepare a detailed itinerary created just for you.
