Compared with other Route like Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience. The route begins from the south, then heads east, traversing underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field before summiting. Although is started days on trekking is recommended by Gifted Adventures. The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied.
| safari type : | Trekking / Climbing |
| You will visit: | Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Lava Tower, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Mweka Camp |
| Getting Around: | Walking |
| Start/End: | Arusha |
| Minimum Age: | 18+ |
After your long flight, you’ll be pleased to spend your first night in comfort at your hotel, the Planet Lodge in Arusha. You will be picked up by a Gifted Adventures driver, who will be waiting to meet and welcome you and take you to your hotel in Arusha to relax after your flight. Your adventure has begun!
Accommodation: Planet Lodge Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Drinking Mineral Water only
A guide crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold another briefing. Then you will travel to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, known as Machame Gate. The group will stop for a light snack then start the hike towards the Machame Camp. Raincoats are necessary on this day in particular, as you will be walking through the rainforest.
Elevation: 5,400ft to 9,350ft
Distance:11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat:Rain Forest
An early wakeup and breakfast. The first part of today’s trek is a slow gradual walk that is fairly steep as you climb up out of the jungle and see the stunning Shira Plateau for the first time. After reaching the camp and enjoying lunch we can explore the Shira Caves or continue on an acclimatization hike towards the Lava Tower. We will return to camp to enjoy dinner and rest.
Elevation:9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance:5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat:Moorland
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation:12,500 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance:10km
Hiking Time: 6-8hours
Habitat:Semi Desert
After breakfast, we leave to Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Elevation:13,000ft to 15,000ft
Distance:9km
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Habitat:Alpine Desert
Another short day -in terms of distance – begins with our breakfast at the camp at 7:30 am and another 8:30 am departure. We will be aiming to arrive at the Barafu Camp 4556 meters by 1 pm when we will be rewarded with a cooked lunch. Dinner tonight is served at 5:30 pm, giving you time to get to bed early. After leaving Karanga, today’s stage climbs steadily, passing through the barren, rocky landscape, with the Decken and Kersten glaciers visible away to your left. At the end of this valley is today’s goal, the Barafu Camp 4556 meters, at which you arrive after a short, steep scramble and a walk.
Elevation:15,300ft to 19,345ft
Distance:5km/12km
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours / 4-6 hours
Habitat:Arctic
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.
Elevation:15,331 ft to 19,341 ft to to 10,065 ft
Distance:10km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat:Rain Forest
After a good night’s rest at hotel, you will take breakfast ready for the scheduled check-out by 10am. Then our driver guide will drop you at the airport.
Accommodation:Planet Lodge Hotel
Meals:Breakfast
Drinking Mineral Water only
Kindly call us at +255 753 900 422 if you require any immediate assistance.
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