Full Itinerary

This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. Machame visits stunning places such as Shira Plateau, Barranco, and Lava Tower. Machame route is known as the “Whiskey Route” in comparison to Marangu because it is a more difficult route and trekkers sleep in camping tents as opposed to huts. Machame is the second most popular route on the mountain. The accommodation on the way up and down is strictly camping (mobile tents) only. This trek is strenuous and may be better suited to more adventurous hikers.

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Moshi Base Hotel

Pick up from Arusha town or Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Half Board accommodation at a Base Hotel in Moshi.

Day 2: Moshi to Machame Hut (9,840ft/3000m)

Transfer to Machame Gate and begin ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro via Machame Route. Today you will be transferred to the Machame Gate to begin your climb. Depending on the weather this can be a moderate to very demanding day as the trek winds through a beautifully lush rain forest. Overnight in mountain tents at Machame (3000m.)

Day 3: Machame to Shira Hut (12,470ft/3800m)  

A full day as you start early, leaving the forest behind and climb a steep ridge for 3-4 hours. The path then drops into a gorgeous river gorge before you climb more gently up onto the moorland of the Shira Plateau. The Shira Plateau is all that remains of an older volcano that was engulfed when the much larger Kili formed. On clear days the views are absolutely breath-taking: a seemingly endless expanse of multi-colored heath to the gargantuan rim at the end of the plateau where billows of clouds melt down onto the plateau floor. Overnight camping in mountain tents at Shira (3840m).

Day 4: Shira hut to Barranco Camp (12,960ft/3950m)

Today’s 5-6 hours walk across the plateau makes little net elevation, although there are ups and downs throughout the day. We’ll enjoy sightings of the typical Kilimanjaro mountain vegetation and rewarding views of the spectacular Barranco Valley. Overnight camping in mountain tents at Barranco (3950m).

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (15,090ft/4600m)

The standard day includes about 6-8 hours of trekking, up the Barranco Wall, then across scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley (4100m) for lunch, before continuing up to Barafu Camp at 4600m. Overnight camping in mountain tents at Barafu.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit (19,340ft/5895m)-Descend to Mweka Camp

You will rise around 2330hrs and after some tea and biscuits you will shuffle off into the night. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 8-hour walk to Stella point is for many climbers, mentally and physically, the most challenging on the route. At Stella point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak (5896m). Despite the actual distance of the trek not being too far the progress is slow – there is less than half the oxygen than at sea level! Uhuru Peak provides a unique reward and usually a plethora of emotions. If your progress has been good you can watch the sunrise from the rooftop of Africa! Most people then start returning quite soon after sunrise as the return journey today is quite long. Take a brief respite at Barafu Camp before descending all the way down to Mweka Camp at 3100m. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 7: Mweka camp to Moshi

After breakfast descend through the lower heath section that quickly turns into rainforest. Your time on Kilimanjaro ends at Kibololoni Gate where you will be met and transferred back to a Base Hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight

Day 8: Moshi to Arusha Town

After breakfast, transfer back to Arusha town.

• Safari Includes
• Safari Excludes
• Safari Costs
• Book Safari
• Safari Planner

• Park fees.
• Food on the mountain (B/L/D).
• Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
• Transport from Moshi to the Mountain gate.
• Drinking water (Not Mineral water) & fruit juices
• Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
• Tents, dining or mess tents, camping table and chairs.(On camping routes only).
• Ground transfers with pick up and drop off from Arusha or JRO to/from base Hotel in Moshi
• Accommodation as per itinerary.
• 2 Nights hotel in Moshi HB (B/A the climb) in either Park View Inn or Sal Salinero Hotel depending on availability.
• Unlimited game drives from morning to evening everyday.
• 24hours support of our Tours staff throughout the safari.

• Tips.
• Visas.
• All International Flights/local Flights + Taxes
• Visa fees, Travel & Personal accident insurance
• Excursions/services/activities not mentioned in this program
• Personal expenses e.g. laundry, telephone calls, Drinks, Tips etc
• Other equipments on the mountain- Mountain gear. (Other than tents, camping table and chairs).
• Additional SRS for single tent will apply of Camping routes
• Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb
•  (boiled water is given during the climb)

 

To get costs for this tour, contact our Sales Office Team on sales@trailsofafrica.co.ke stating the Safari Tour Code and name of the safari you want to book and we shall revert back with safari costs and availability status.

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