If you’ re not in a tearing hurry, why not consider the Machame route, which takes one day longer than the more popular Marangu but is slightly more challenging. Accommodation on the ascent is in tents, adding to the sense of adventure. Extra time taken acclimatizing means a higher success rate!
The Machame is actually the second most popular route for mount Kilimanjaro climb. From the village at Machame (altitude: 1490 metres), the approach is from the south-west of the summit. Led by an expert guide and a team of porters and cooks, you at once enter into lush rainforest, as heavy rains frequently visit this side of the mountain.
On Arrival: Pick up from the airport to Weru Weru River Lodge
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp.
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. 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.
Elevation change: 5,400ft to 9,400ft
Distance covered: 11 km
Trekking Duration: 5-7 hours
Mountain zone: Rain Forest
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
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 camp.
Elevation change: 9,400ft to 12,500ft
Distance covered: 5 km
Trekking duration: 4-6 hours
Mountain zone: Moorland
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo while 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.
Elevation change: 12,500ft to 13,000ft (via 15,190ft)
Distance covered: 10 km
Trekking duration: 6-8 hours
Mountain zone: Alpine Desert
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp via Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to Karanga Valley for lunch. On the way to Barafu Hut, we hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Elevation change: 13,000ft to 15,000ft (via 13,120ft)
Distance covered: 9km
Trekking duration: 8-10 hours
Mountain zone: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Barafu Camp to the Summit and down to Mweka Camp
Starting anytime between 12am and 2am, we trek 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 fall all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point in Africa. 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.
Elevation change: 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Distance covered: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Trekking duration: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Mountain zone: Arctic
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Moshi
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.
Elevation change: 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance covered: 10 km
Trekking duration: 3-4 hours
Mountain zone: Rain Forest
Accommodation on the last day will beWeru Weru River Lodge if you stay in Moshi or Kibo Palace Hotel if you drive to Arusha
- Visa and travel insurance
- Local and international flights
- Trekking gears (See trekking equipment list)
- All drinks except Juice and Water
- Laundry
- Optional activities ex. Wildlife Safaris