7 Days Machame Route Climb Tour

Preparation Day

Location: Arusha Accommodation: Hotel not included

Meal: not included

On this day before the beginning of your Kilimanjaro experience, your guide will do a briefing and a gear check. These essential steps will ensure security for all and significantly increase your chance of success. The guide will also review your previously completed and submitted medical form with you. Do not hesitate to inquire for further information. You will also be introduced to your trekking mates during the briefing.

Day 1

Machame Gate (1,790m/5,872’) –> Machame Camp (2,980m/9,776’)

Distance: 10 km/6 miles Time: 6 hours

Habitat: Tropical Forest Altitude gain: 1,190m/3,904’

Accommodation: Machame Camp Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Today, after breakfast, we will drive from Arusha to Machame Gate where you join the climbing crew and start climbing. Your Trip Leader will tell you exactly what to expect each day for weather, the nature of the trail, and the wildlife you will encounter. Please ask any question about any special features that might interest you.

Machame Camp

Machame camp is surrounded by small trees overgrown with lichen. Our porters will set up tents and prepare tea. Already the sun fades, the cold sets in, it's time to dress warmly and prepare the headlamps.

Day 2

Machame Camp (2,980m/9,776’) –> Shira (3,720m/12,205’)

Distance: 7 km/4 miles Time: 4 hours

Habitat: Prairies & bushes Altitude gain: + 740m/2,429’

Accommodation: Shira Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is an gently-paced acclimatization day. You will continue our hiking through streams, a river gorge and moorlands. Camp is set a little higher on the Shira Plateau with expansive view of Kilimanjaro. There is an optional hike in the afternoon where you can enjoy the large scenecios and lobelias that grow at this elevation.

Shira Camp

This camp offers a great view of Kibo Peak. This location displays vast prairies and bushes. At night, the sky is covered with thousands of stars and you can admire the famous Southern Cross and hear the distant cries of jackals. The next morning, you can not miss the presence of buffalos, or elands.

Day 3

Shira (3,720m/12,205’) –> Lava Tower (4,650m/15,257’) –> Barranco (3,950m/12,960’)

Distance: 10 km/6 miles Time: 6 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert Altitude gain: + 930m/3,052’

Altitude loss: - 700m/2,297’

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Today, you will hike to an elevation of 15,000ft before descending to our camp. You will pass by Lava Tower, which you will have the opportunity to climb. This area will be your first introduction to alpine zone where the only plant life is the heartiest of grass and lichens. You ascend through the moorlands to alpine desert zone. You will climb slowly.

Barranco Camp

Barranco Camp is located in a beautiful valley, with stunning views of Mount Meru, the twin volcano of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will also have the Heim glacier views, the southern slope of Kibo, not to mention the impressive Barranco Wall.

Day 4

Barranco (3,870m/12,700’) –> Karanga (3,995m/13,107’)

Distance: 5 km/3 miles Time: 4 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert Altitude gain: + 400m/1,312’

Accommodation: Karanga Camp Altitude loss: - 355m/1,165’

As the slope is steep, you gain altitude rapidly, giving a wonderful view of the area. Once at the top of the trail, Heim glacier is overhanging. After a quick break, you start to descend in a desert landscape as far as Karanga Valley. Then the vegetation is back again, offering a stunning contrast. You rapidly reach the bottom of the valley where runs what will be our last source of water until Kibo, the top of Kilimanjaro. Here lies the difficult part of the day, a steep rocky wall that you climb in laces. Twenty minutes later we reach Karanga camp... in the clouds.

Karanga Camp

Karanga camp is located below Heim, Kersten & Decken glaciers.

Day 5

Karanga (3,995m/13,107’) –> Barafu (4,605m/15,109’)

Distance: 5 km/3 miles Time: 4 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert Altitude gain: + 655m/2,149’

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Today you will climb a rock wall, not too steep, but challenging for some people. Our trip leader makes this safe and accessible for everyone. You will be able to see the breathtaking Hiem Glacier. You continue hiking through rolling hills as you gradually approach Barafu. After an early dinner, we will rest. We overnight at Barafu Camp.

Barafu Camp

We will spend the night at Barafu camp, after a dinner cooked by our chef on site.

Day 6

Barafu (4,605m/15,109’) –> Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341’) –> Mweka (3,068m/10,066’)

Distance: 20 km/12 miles Time: 14 hours

Habitat: Moon desert, Alpine desert Altitude gain: + 1,290m/4,232’

& Tropical forest Altitude loss: - 2,827m/9,275’

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

At midnight, you will begin the ascent to Uhuru Peak. Reaching the peak at dawn, you will have time to celebrate and take photos. After that, you will take approximately three hours to hike down to a short stop for lunch at Barafu camp. After lunch, you will proceed to Mweka Camp where you are going to spend your last night on Kilimanjaro and have your victory celebration!

Mweka Camp

You shall spend your last night on the conquered volcano, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro at Mweka Camp, located more than 9,000’ (almost 3,000m) lower than the summit reached. It will be time to celebrate your victory with great satisfaction!

Day 7

Mweka Camp (3,068m/10,066’) –> Mweka Gate (1,650m/5,514’) -> Arusha

Distance: 16 km/10 miles Time: 4 hours

Habitat: Tropical forest Altitude loss: - 1,418m/4,552’

Accommodation: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is our last hike. At Mweka Gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and enjoy your picnic lunch. You will drive to Arusha for a well-deserved hot shower and an early dinner. For those of you who will return home now, we will say goodbye. For those who would like to see more of Tanzania, it will be a pleasure to take you on a safari to some of Tanzania’s amazing national parks or for a relaxing holiday on the ‘spice island’ of Zanzibar!

What is INCLUDED

All government taxes relevant to the itinerary

Backup logistical support from EAV safari team

Camping gear as described

Filtered water as much as needed

Food as described

Guiding fees

Park fees

Team or porters

Trained English speaking driver and/or guide

Transport as described

What is NOT included

Alterations/customizing to this itinerary

Airport taxes

Alcohol and other beverages at hotels/lodges

Excess baggage charges

Hospital bills

Hotel accommodation (unless otherwise specified)

Immunization

International insurance

International return air tickets

Items of personal nature

Laundry charges

Local/International evacuation (emergency)

Optional tips to trip leaders & crew

Sleeping bags and mattresses

Walking sticks/poles