Trek Overview:
The Eight (8) day Machame route package approaches Kilimanjaro through forest and moorland from the south-west, and joins the Shira route before traversing beneath the southern icefields of Kibo. The rainforest is extremely beautiful and there is a tangible sense of ‘wilderness’ once the higher elevations are reached. The views of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable, and we make our final ascent to the summit by the stunning Barafu route. The seven day itinerary gives maximum possible acclimatisation, and also gives us plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent scenery.
Trek type: Small- Medium group size, Youth and Family, High altitudes. Summit success rates: Stella Point (97%). Uhuru Peak (96%).Sure, Book today.
Tour Code: ATC090
Minimum Rate Per Traveller: US$ 2,320
Best time: All year around
Duration: 8Day/ 7night
Departures: Daily
Departing From: Arusha/ Moshi
Departure Time: 0800 Hrs (possible to leave earlier than)
Minimum Travelers: 2
Language: English Mountain guide
Transportation Method: Land cruiser/ Land rover, 4 by 4 cars models are available.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival day in Tanzania
Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport code: JRO you will welcomed by ANAPA representative who will usher you into a waiting vehicle and transfer you to the Hotel in Arusha. The rest of the day will be yours to do as you please; you may choose to relax at the hotel or explore the small town of Arusha (Arusha City excurtion). You will have a preliminary talk in preparation for your trek the following days. Dinner& Overnight at Outpost Lodge Arusha or Pamoja expedition Lodge similar category
Day 2: Kilimanajaro Gate- Machame hut
– 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 2Hours drive ride. 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.
DAY 3: Machame camp- 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.
DAY 4: Shira Camp- 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.
DAY 5: Barranco Camp- 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.
DAY 6: Karanga Camp- 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.
DAY 7: Barafu Camp- Summit- 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.
DAY 8: Mweka Camp- Mweka gate- Arusha (Kilimanjaro Airport)
– 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). At the gate, A vehicle will meet you and drive back to Arusha you to continue with your travel plans or be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport.
Package Includes;
v Flying Doctors Emergences
v 1 nights’ hotel accommodation bed & breakfast in Arusha before the climb.
v 3 transfers from Airport pick up to Arusha to Kilimanjaro Machame gate – return.
v 3 meals per day while trekking: Vegetarian/non-vegetarian.
v 7 days Kilimanjaro trek – Machame route.
v 6 nights’ accommodation in tents while trekking.
v All park entrance fees, and government levies.
v English speaking mountain guide and assistant.
v Porters – minimum of 3 per client.
v First Aid Kit including Oxygen Kit.
v Camping Equipment’s including sleeping tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, chairs and table.
v Climbing certificate
v Complementary of printed Climb hat and T-shirt
Package Excludes:
o International flight ticket
o Travel documents i.e Insurance, Visa, Health certificate
o Sleeping bag
o Iterms of personal nature.
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