The Machame Route is a captivating and challenging 7-day journey to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Embarking from the Machame Gate, trekkers traverse through diverse landscapes, commencing with lush rainforests and ascending through moorlands and alpine deserts. The route incorporates an essential acclimatization day at Barranco Camp, where climbers tackle the famous Barranco Wall before descending to the Karanga Valley. The Barafu Camp serves as the launching point for the exhilarating midnight summit attempt, taking hikers through the night to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro. After witnessing the awe-inspiring sunrise from the summit, adventurers descend to Mweka Camp before concluding their remarkable expedition at Mweka Gate, forever cherishing the memories of their incredible accomplishment.
Elevation at the start: Machame Gate (1,640 meters/5,380 feet)
Elevation at the end: Machame Camp (2,835 meters/9,301 feet)
Trekking time: Approximately 5-7 hours
The journey begins at the Machame Gate, where you will register with the park authorities and start the hike through the lush rainforest. The day's trek is moderate and ends at Machame Camp, where you will spend the night.
Elevation at the end: Shira Camp (3,840 meters/12,598 feet)
Trekking time: Approximately 4-6 hours
The trail takes you through the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The scenery changes as you ascend, and you'll spend the night at Shira Camp.
Elevation at Lava Tower: 4,630 meters/15,190 feet (High Point for Acclimatization)
Elevation at Barranco Camp: 3,950 meters/12,959 feet
Trekking time: Approximately 6-8 hours
This day involves a challenging hike to Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp to sleep. The altitude gain and loss during the day help your body acclimatize better.
Elevation at the end: Karanga Camp (3,995 meters/13,107 feet)
Trekking time: Approximately 4-5 hours
You'll face the famous Barranco Wall, a steep climb that requires some scrambling. The trail then leads you through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp.
Elevation at the end: Barafu Camp (4,673 meters/15,331 feet)
Trekking time: Approximately 3-4 hours
The path takes you through the Alpine desert as you ascend to Barafu Camp, your last base camp before the summit attempt.
Elevation at the summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet)
Elevation at the end: Mweka Camp (3,110 meters/10,204 feet)
Trekking time: Summit attempt: 6-8 hours,
Descend to Mweka Camp: 4-6 hours You'll start the summit attempt at midnight, hiking through the night. After reaching Uhuru Peak, you'll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp.
Elevation at the end: Mweka Gate (1,640 meters/5,380 feet)
Trekking time: Approximately 3-4 hours
On the final day, you'll trek through the rainforest from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. After reaching the gate, you'll receive your summit certificates and celebrate your achievement.
International flights: The package usually does not include international airfare to Tanzania.
Visa fees: You’ll need to obtain a Tanzanian visa, and this cost is typically not included in the package.
Personal gear: Climbers are responsible for bringing their personal gear, such as clothing, hiking boots, daypacks, and other essentials.
Travel insurance: It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations. This is usually not included in the package.
Tips: While not mandatory, it’s customary to tip the guides, porters, and other staff for their hard work and support.
Additional accommodation: Accommodation before and after the climb is often not included in the package. You’ll need to arrange and pay for these separately.
Personal expenses: Any expenses for souvenirs, extra snacks or drinks, and other personal items are not included.
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Beyond summiting, it's a transformative journey, fostering self-reflection, and changing lives positively.
Daily health checks by Wilderness First Responder-trained guides are conducted on the mountain.
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