7 Days Kilimanjaro - Machame Route Tour

Package Overview

The seven day Machame variation is the ideal schedule for this route. On the 7 day Machame route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt. This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested.

The 7 day Machame route is highly recommended and used by most prominent Kilimanjaro operators.

Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Machame Gate to Machame Camp

  Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
  Distance: 11 km
  Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  Habitat: Rain Forest
  
  The drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about one and a half hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

  • Themes Trekking
• Day 2 : Machame Camp to Shira Camp

  Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
  Distance: 5 km
  Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  Habitat: Moorland
  
  After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Dinner and overnight at the Shira campsite.

  • Themes Trekking
• Day 3 : Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

  Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
  Distance: 10 km
  Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  Habitat: Semi Desert
  
  From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. 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.

  • Themes Trekking
• Day 4 : Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
  Distance: 5 km
  Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  Habitat: Alpine Desert
  
  After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

  • Themes Trekking
• Day 5 : Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
  Distance: 4 km
  Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  Habitat: Alpine Desert
  
  After breakfast, 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.

  • Themes Trekking
• Day 6 : Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

  Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
  Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
  Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
  Habitat: Arctic.
  
  Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), 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 may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

  • Themes Trekking
• Day 7 : Mweka Camp to Moshi or Arusha

  Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
  Distance: 10 km
  Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  Habitat: Rain Forest
  
  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. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
  
  End of your trekking service.

  • Themes Trekking

Inclusions

• Hotel
• All transfers.
• Accommodation before climbing.
• Professional and experienced mountain guide, cook and porters.
• All entry fees
• Rescue fees All meals during your trekking.
• Quality mess tents with tables and chairs.
• Large portion of fresh healthy nutritious food.
• Clean purified water.

Exclusions

• Sleeping bags, bring your own sleeping bag but still you can rent it in Arusha at reasonable
• Flight ticket.
• Gratitude’s for Kilimanjaro climbing crews.
• Personal expenses (e.g. laundry bills, telephone bills, beverages etc.)
• Anything not mentioned above.

Package Start From

• Arusha, Tanzania, Africa

Terms & Conditions

This Tour is Offered by

• XXXXXX0403 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@vuka.co.tz View Mail ID
• http://www.vukaexpeditionsandcamps.com

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