Kilimanjaro Climb, Machame Route 7 Days

Elevation: 1800m to 2835m

Distance: 9 km

Vegetation: Rainforest.

Hiking distance: 5-6 hours

Around 8:00 am, the drive will pick you up from the hotel to Machame gate, registration will take place, while the guide and porters will prepare equipment to start climbing. We will start climbing through the rainforest to Machame camp, which on the way forest will offer different specials of birds, monkeys like black and white colobus, blue monkeys, impatiens kilimanjarii flowers, and many interesting things. Dinner and overnight at Machame camp.

Elevation: 2883m to 3750m

Distance: 5 km.

Vegetation zone: Moorland.

Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Although considered the easiest day on the Machame Route, today's trek includes several uphill sections. Carry plenty of water to drink, as the exposed hike can be hot on a clear day. There are several viewpoints from which you can see the plains and forests below and Kibo Peak above.

As you gain altitude, notice the changes in the vegetation. Trees diminish in size, giving way to Kilimanjaro's famous high-altitude plants, Scenecio kilimanjarii and Lobelia deckenii. Continue to Shira Camp, where you will get your hot lunch and relax till 4:00 pm for an acclimatization climb before heading back to the camp for dinner and overnight.

Elevation: 3750m to 3900m

Distance: 10 km

Hiking time: 6-7 hours Habitat: Moorland - Alpine desert back to Moorland.

Trail today is up and down and also this day is crucial for acclimatization. After breakfast, hike east on the Shira Plateau before reaching the junction of the Shira and Lemosho Routes. Continue through the barren landscape before stopping for lunch at Lava Tower, the highest point of the day (4600m) before descending to Barranco Camp. Dinner & overnight at Baranco Camp.

Elevation 3900m/ 13,000ft to 3995m/13,100ft Distance: 5km

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. Dinner and Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Elevation 3995m/ 13,100ft to 4673m/15,300ft

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka trail and proceed up to Barafu camp. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.

Your night will be settled at Barafu camp where you will eat freshly prepared, delicious meals and prepare yourself for the summit day. The two magnificent peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

Elevation 4673m/ 15,300ft to 5895m/19,345ft (and down to3100m/ 10,000ft)

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours ascent / 3-4hours descent

Habitat: Arctic

You will wake up early around 23:00 for summit preparation. After tea and biscuits, you will start your way up to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, heading in a northwest direction and ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point (5756m/18,600 ft). Enjoy the scenery while walking around the crater rim to reach our goal, Uhuru Peak (5895m/19453ft), the roof of Africa.

After resting and taking photos with your guide at the summit, you will start descending back to Barafu camp for a short rest and lunch, before continuing to Mweka camp for dinner and overnight.

Elevation 3100M /10,000ft to 5,400ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, you will hike down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.

Shorts and T-shirts will probably be fine to wear (keep rain gear and warm clothing handy).

At the gate there will be a car waiting for you and will bring you back to your hotel in Moshi, enjoy a hot dinner and have more rest, reminding you of all the adventures and accomplishments.