Kili trekking on Machame route
Starting on the southern slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro, Machame is a scenic route with great views of western Kilimanjaro, the distant Usambara Mountain and Mt Meru - a stunning surprise above the clouds at sunset at Shira Camp. Changing vegetation, valleys and glaciers are also features of the route.
There is an almost sheer wall to greet you at breakfast on day 4 (Baranco wall). However, it's easier than it looks and feels fantastic when you get to the top and level out below the glacier.
Machame route has one of the highest summit success rates of all the routes because of the up and down nature of the climb - hiking high and sleeping low is good for acclimatization.
Climbers ascend on Machame and descend on Mweka route to Mweka camp for a final overnight. The trail to Mweka gate is well defined and, if legs are still functioning, the distance can be covered quite quickly to be back in Moshi by mid morning.
Machame route: 8 days / 7 nights (6 mountain days)
Tour Ref: CP 2
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Day 1: Arrive in Kilimanjaro for overnight. Hotel, bed and breakfast
Day 2: Transfer to Machame gate (1800m) to start your kilimanjaro trekking through montane forest to the first campsite, Machame (3,000m. 6 to 7hrs).
Day 3: Today's hike through steep rocks and open moorland offer stunning views of Mt. Meru, before reaching Shira campsite (3,840m. 6 to 7hrs).
Day 4: From Shira cross the Baranco Valley to reach Baranco Wall and the campsite at Baranco (3,950m. 7-8 hrs).
Day 5: The route takes you through the surreal alpine vegetation on the south circuit path via Karanga Valley. The ascent out of the valley is high enough to see rock icicles. You will reach Barafu campsite for a rest, prepare equipment and a pre-summit briefing (4,600m. 7 to 8hrs).
Day 6: After a light snack and hot drink, the final stage of your kilimanjaro climb will begin around midnight while the scree (small stone) is still frozen. There is a steep climb to Stella Point (5,700m - 5 to 6 hrs). Some climbers finish here but for those with energy reserves, the route begins to flatten out along the crater rim. Uhuru Peak (5,895m) can be reached in 1 to 2 hrs. After a short rest on the top for photographs you start the descent to return to Barafu for breakfast and a short rest before descending via Mweka route to Mweka Hut (3,100m - 6 to 7 hrs) for dinner and a final night Kilimanjaro camping.
Day 7: An easy days hiking on a well defined rocky path to reach Mweka gate (3 to 4hrs) to collect certificates before returning to the hotel for overnight (dinner not included).
Day 8: Departure
To book a climb on this route go to the enquiry form and request Tour Ref: CP 2
Take a look at our climbing Upgrade Service available on this route
Fitness preparation is important for a successful and enjoyable kilimanjaro climb
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