Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route

You are met at the airport and transferred from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha to your hotel in the foothills of Mt. Meru, Africa’s 5th highest mountain. Welcome to Africa! This afternoon is spent with your climbing guide, preparing you for your climb with a briefing. (For those of you arriving late in the evening, we recommend adding on an additional pre-night).
Overnight in Arusha

After breakfast you will be transferred to Machame Gate to begin your climb. Climb to Machame Hut, walking along a gentle climb through forest, then a bit more challenging as tree roots and exposed rocks litter the trail. Continue up to the overnight stop on the edge of the forest. Depending upon weather conditions, this can be a moderate to demanding day’s work.
(Approx. 11 miles, 5-6 hours) Overnight Camping at Machame Hut (9,800ft)

Rising early, you cross a valley and a stream and then climb up a steep ridge for 3-4 hours. The path then drops into a river gorge before ascending more gently onto the moorland of the Shira Plateau, one of the most fascinating areas of the Mountain.
Overnight Camping at Shira Hut (12,600ft)

Today you walk for 5-6 hours, enjoying sightings of the typical Kilimanjaro mountain vegetation (Senecios, Lobelia, Helichrysum) and reaching a high point of around 15,000ft before descending for the rest of the day. On clear days, the Lava Tower can be seen as well as some distinct glaciers. These glaciers are shrinking as world temperatures increase. It is speculated that in a mere 15 years many of these glaciers will disappear, forever. The path down to the Barranco Valley can be particularly rewarding and the view of Kibo peak is truly spectacular. In the evening the blanket of cloud often hangs just below the valley, pulsating in the dying light.
Overnight Camping in Barranco Valley (13,000ft)

Today you ascend the Barranco wall, and then walk across scree and ridges into the Karanga Valley (13,400ft) with breathtaking views of the Western Breach and the southern glacier. You arrive in time for lunch in camp, and then have plenty of time to relax and even go for a short acclimatization walk.
Overnight Camping in Karanga Valley (13,300ft)

From Karanga you head up a moraine ridge, taking our time and going slowly. The climb today will entail some rock climbing skills and hugging a few narrow ridge paths. The views here can be spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that snake their way down the mountain. The final stage to Barafu is quite steep, and as always the group will take it very slowly. As with the day before, you reach camp by around lunch time leaving lots of time to prepare and relax. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent.
Overnight Camping at Barafu Camp (14,930ft)

You rise early, just after midnight and begin your climb to the summit. Get ready for one of the most physically challenging and yet exhilarating days of your life! Each climber is assigned a summit guide to ensure that everyone makes it to the top, or returns as required in complete safety. The going is slow, and often quite frustrating on the scree, but persistence and patience ensure steady progress. Near the summit you pass through the gap between the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers. At Stella Point you can then choose to return – you are, after all, already higher than any point in Africa! Otherwise, continue to Uhuru Peak (19,343ft). Despite the distance being relatively short, progress is slow – there is less than half the oxygen than at sea level! Uhuru Peak provides a unique satisfaction and usually releases a plethora of emotions. If progress is 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 (Approx. 14 miles, 6-8 hours). The descent is surprisingly strenuous on loose dirt and scree. Your guide will be invaluable in helping choose your every step today.
Overnight Camping at Mweka Huts (10,200ft)

The final descent takes you through the lower heath section that quickly turns into rainforest and finally to the Mweka Gate (approx. 9 miles, 3-4 hours). A few staff parting formalities (tipping, completion certificates and back patting ceremonies) and then continue by vehicle to your lodge. You may relax, take a hot shower or swim in the pool before a final dinner with the other members of your group. Celebrate your achievement of conquering Kilimanjaro.
Overnight in Arusha

You are here – and safari is calling. Ask us about safari extensions that fit your timing and budget. An 8-day set departure trip through northern Tanzania is available, and departs after each climb! If you choose to end your adventure here, we can arrange a dayroom and dinner (additional charge) prior to your transfer to the airport for your departing flight.