Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route 7 Days

Machame Route, Mt.Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
7 days

Overview

Machame Roure; Towering majestically above the Tanzanian landscape, Mount Kilimanjaro beckons to intrepid adventurers seeking a transformative outdoor experience. As Africa's highest mountain and the world's tallest free-standing peak, Kilimanjaro's summit inspires awe and wonder. Among the many trails leading to Kilimanjaro's summit, the Machame Route reigns supreme.

Enchanting Landscapes and Mystical Charm

Renowned for its gradual ascent and diverse landscapes, the Machame Route enchants trekkers and climbers alike. Traverse pristine rainforests, enchanting moorlands, and surreal alpine deserts, while basking in the company of Kilimanjaro's diverse wildlife.

A Physically Demanding Yet Rewarding Journey

While the Machame Route offers a gradual ascent, its significant altitude variations present a unique challenge. At times, the terrain can become steep and demanding, but experienced guides support trekkers every step of the way.

The Key to Success: Trek High, Sleep Low

One of the key advantages of the Machame Route is the "trek high, sleep low" approach. This method allows trekkers to ascend to higher altitudes during the day and sleep at lower altitudes, aiding acclimatization and increasing their chances of reaching the summit successfully.

A Night Under the Starry Tanzanian Skies

Under the starry Tanzanian skies, trekkers rest in comfortable tents, equipped with quality sleeping bags, tents, and mattresses. While the Machame Route can be completed in just six days, a more relaxed seven-day itinerary is recommended for thorough acclimatization and a higher chance of summit success.

A Transformative Journey to Kilimanjaro's Summit

The Machame Route's topography, which enables trekkers to climb high and sleep low, offers a unique acclimatization advantage. This journey is more than just a climb; it's a transformative experience.

Embark on the Adventure of a Lifetime

For adventurers, mountaineers, and travellers seeking a remarkable outdoor experience, the Machame Route offers the promise of realizing your dream to summit Africa's highest peak. Join us on this epic adventure, uncover the magic of Kilimanjaro, and make your dream a reality. Book your Kilimanjaro expedition today!

 FAQs About the Machame Route

Q1: Can beginners tackle the Machame Route?
A: While it's challenging, hikers with some experience can successfully complete it.

Q2: What sets the Machame Route apart?
A: Diverse landscapes, shorter duration, and thrilling challenges make it exceptional.

Q3: What should I pack for this adventure?
A: Essential gear includes sturdy boots, warm clothing, and a reliable backpack.

Q4: Is altitude sickness a concern on this route?
A: The itinerary includes acclimatization, but monitoring your health is crucial.

Q5: When's the best time for Kilimanjaro?
A: Opt for the dry seasons, June to October and December to February, for ideal conditions.

 

Itinerary

Upon Arrival Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport

Certainly, here's the rewritten content:

Airport Arrival and Lodge Transfer
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a warm welcome awaits. Our team will be there to greet you and escort you to the charming Babylon Lodge, nestled amidst the picturesque slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Babylon Lodge is proudly affiliated with Everyday Safaris, ensuring your seamless experience.

Early arrivals offer you a unique opportunity to meet your dedicated guides. They will provide you with a comprehensive briefing, setting the stage for your exciting adventure on the following day.

For those arriving later, worry not, as the briefing will be thoughtfully arranged for the next morning, just before your departure. Your stay at Babylon Lodge includes comfortable accommodations and a delicious breakfast to kickstart your journey.

Day 1 : Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
Distance:
11 km
Hiking Time:
5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Your day commences with an early rise and a hearty breakfast, setting the tone for the adventures ahead. If the briefing wasn't conducted the previous day, your knowledgeable guide will provide you with all the essential information. With preparations complete, you'll make your way to Machame Gate, ready for the journey.

Before embarking on your trek, you'll be equipped with a nourishing lunch pack and three liters of refreshing mineral water, ensuring you're well-prepared for the climb. Upon arriving at Machame Gate, a brief respite is in order. Here, our dedicated guides and porters will efficiently organize your supplies and gear while you unwind in the shade.

After completing the necessary registration at the gate office, you officially commence your ascent, immersing yourself in the enchanting rainforest almost immediately. The lush canopy offers a captivating experience, although the forest is known for occasional showers. In such conditions, the trail may become quite damp, muddy, and a bit slippery, adding a touch of adventure to your journey.

A well-deserved lunch stop awaits you midway, providing sustenance for the remaining climb. By late afternoon, you'll find yourself at the serene Machame Camping Area, surrounded by breath-taking nature. Here, you'll have the opportunity to freshen up with washing water and enjoy a well-deserved rest before savouring a delicious dinner. Your accommodation for the night is at the Machame Camp, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience.

Day 2 : Machame Camp to Shira Camp

  • Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland

As the sun graces the Machame Camp with its early rays, you too rise early to embrace the new day. Following a wholesome breakfast, your adventure continues. The first leg of your journey leads you upwards for approximately an hour, guiding you to the forest's crown. From there, the path takes a gentler gradient as you traverse the enchanting moorland zone for around two hours.

A well-deserved break for a light lunch and some rest rejuvenates you, preparing you for the next phase of your ascent. You'll forge ahead, following a rocky ridge that will eventually lead you to the expansive Shira Plateau. The sight that unfolds before you is truly awe-inspiring, as you gaze eastward and behold the majestic Western Breach, adorned with its glistening glaciers.

Now, you find yourself situated directly west of Kibo, another prominent peak in the vicinity. With renewed vigor, you'll undertake a short hike that brings you to the Shira Campsite, perched at an elevation of 3,840 meters. Here, you'll have the pleasure of savoring a hearty dinner and settling in for the night at Shira Camp, a location that promises both comfort and tranquility.

Day 3 : Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

  • Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Habitat: Semi Desert

Your path now takes an eastward turn, leading you into a semi-desert expanse adorned with rocky outcrops, forming a stark yet captivating landscape around Lava Tower. After roughly five hours of walking, you'll have ascended to an impressive altitude of 4,630 meters. Here, amidst the rugged terrain, you'll find a designated area for a well-deserved lunch break.

The ascent continues, and you'll face the challenging rocky scree path that will guide you to Lava Tower, perched at the same elevation of 4,630 meters. This day, in particular, is renowned as the most demanding thus far. It's typically around this juncture that some climbers may begin to experience the early signs of high altitude, which can manifest as breathlessness, irritability, and headaches.

Following your replenishing lunch, you'll embark on a descent of nearly 680 meters, leading you to the Barranco camping area. This descent to Barranco camp, lasting approximately two hours, is not just a change in elevation but a strategic maneuver to enhance your acclimatization. As you make your way down, be sure to capture the stunning views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall through your lens.

The campsite is nestled in a valley below the imposing Breach and Great Barranco Wall, offering you a picturesque setting for a memorable sunset, while you await the preparation of your dinner. A restful night's sleep and dinner await you at Barranco Camp, providing both nourishment for your body and tranquility for your soul.

Day 4 : Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  • Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Following a night spent in the shadow of the formidable Great Barranco Wall, a sight that may initially seem quite imposing, you'll confront this awe-inspiring obstacle with a sense of determination. Surprisingly, this endeavor typically unfolds as more manageable than one might have initially anticipated. As you conquer this ascent, your reward is an opportunity to behold the breathtaking beauty of Kilimanjaro from a unique vantage point, with your final destination just beneath the Heim Glacier.

Subsequently, the path leads you downwards, guiding you through the picturesque Karanga Valley, where you'll find respite at Karanga Camp. Here, you can savor a satisfying dinner and retreat to your accommodations for a well-deserved night's rest, recharging your energy for the journey ahead.

Day 6 : Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  • Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Post breakfast, we bid farewell to Karanga, embarking on a journey that navigates through a series of ridges and valleys before converging with the Mweka route. Remember this juncture well, as it marks the preferred descent route from the summit. Turn left and ascend the ridge, progressing for roughly an hour, until you arrive at Barafu Hut.

It's crucial to note that the last water source along the route can be found in Karanga Valley, as Barafu camp lacks this essential resource. The term "Barafu" translates to "ice" in Swahili, alluding to the chilling heights that loom above. The summit now beckons, situated a further 1,345 meters above your current location. Your ultimate ascent to the summit will take place during the same night.

To prepare for this momentous endeavor, ensure that your equipment is in order. Check your ski sticks, verify your thermal clothing, and make arrangements for your summit attempt. This includes replacing the batteries for your headlamp and camera, with the wisdom of carrying a spare set. To guard against freezing, it's advisable to store your water in a thermal flask.

Day 7 : Barafu camp (4550m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m)-Mweka (3100m)

  • Hiking time: 7-8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak – 5/7 hours to descend to Mweka.
  • Distance: About 5 km's ascent - 12 km's descent
  • Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Around 11:30 PM, as the world slumbers, you rouse from your rest. A simple yet vital reprieve comes in the form of tea and biscuits before embarking on the nocturnal journey. Guided by the northwesterly expanse, you ascend through treacherous scree, directing your steps toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This six-hour passage to Stella Point emerges as a supreme trial, both mentally and physically, for many climbers.

However, your resolve pays off as you reach Stella Point (5685m), where you pause briefly to behold the breathtaking sunrise, a sight of unparalleled magnificence (weather permitting).

Upon reaching Stella Point, the snowy terrain typically stretches as far as the eye can see, accompanying your one-hour climb to Uhuru Peak. The duration of your sojourn on the summit hinges upon the prevailing weather conditions, but what remains certain is the sense of accomplishment, destined to be etched in your memory for a lifetime.

As you commence your descent from the summit towards Barafu, the journey back consumes approximately three hours. At Barafu, a well-deserved but brief respite awaits, affording you the opportunity to collect your remaining gear. Soon after, you begin your descent to Mweka Hut (3100m). Located amidst the upper forest, this camp often finds itself enveloped in mist or rain during the late afternoon. Dinner and the provision of washing water await you at Mweka camp.

Day 8 : Departure

Following breakfast, your journey continues as you make your way to the airport or other desired destinations within the enchanting land of Tanzania. Our team stands ready to curate additional tours for you, whether it's an expedition to witness Tanzania's remarkable wildlife or a captivating sojourn to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar.

Your preferences guide us, so please don't hesitate to inform us if you wish to partake in these supplementary adventures. Your satisfaction is our paramount concern.

book ITINERARY

Include & Exclude

  • Accommodation at Babylon Lodge for two nights on bed and breakfast basis. The night before the climb and the night after the climb sharing on double and triple occupancy. Single room supplement at an additional $ 50
  • Transport from Babylon Lodge to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate on the day you will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro
  • Kilimanjaro National Park fees
  • Camping fee. Machame route is a comping route, and it uses tens for accommodation.
  • All the camping equipment; tents, mattresses, camping table and camping stools.
  • All the food that will be used on the mountain. At Everyday safaris we provide quality and fresh food throughout the climb
  • Fees for our well-trained, experienced, charming English-speaking guides
  • First aid kit and oxygen that will be used in case of an emergency.
  • Honest and hardworking porters who will help you carry your bags, food, and other needed items on the mountain.
  • All the cooking utensils and other equipment that are used on the mountain.
  • Transport from Kilimanjaro National Park gate to Babylon Lodge when you climb down from Mt. Kilimanjaro.
  • All government taxes and levies
  • Personal mountain climbing gear and equipment.
  • Transport to/from Babylon Lodge and Kilimanjaro International Airport before/ after the climb. If you would like us to pick you/ drop this can be arranged at a discounted rate. Please see our transfer prices below.
  • Tips for the guides and porter. It is customary for satisfied clients to tip their guides and porter, but this is not compulsory. The amount is at the client’s discretion. Clients are advised to budget from $100-$200 each but this will highly be influenced by the number of days and crew size.
  • Accommodation, meals, and drinks outside the itinerary

Additional Information

TRANSFER FEE (1-5 PAX)

  • Kilimanjaro International Airport- Babylon Lodge $ 85
  • Arusha Airport – Babylon Lodge $ 150
  • Moshi town – Babylon Lodge $ 50
  • Tarakea Border – Babylon Lodge $ 85

GUIDES AND PORTERS

Our guides are trained in high levels of first aid and will be monitoring you all the way up the mountain, checking your oxygen levels, pulse. They carry emergency oxygen if anyone should need it.  Our overall success rate of reaching the summit with Everyday Safari guides is 98%! Our guides and mountain crew are awesome at motivating climbers with their positive spirit by singing and encouraging them all the way to summit.

EMERGENCY AND RESCUE

Our trained guides provide first aid and rescue services, as well as emergency oxygen. In case of an emergency, the Kilimanjaro National Park will send a car to Horombo, and the climber will be taken to the nearest hospital. Climbers are advised to have their own medical insurance as the package does not cover costs at the hospital in case of an emergency

MINORS

Minors 10-15 years are eligible for reduced park fees resulting to lower cost.

PARK FEES

Fees shown above are according to the current Kilimanjaro National Park fees set by the government. There has not been an indication of increase in park fees, but this can sometime happen without warning but if this happens, we will have to add the increased park fees. All efforts will be made to alert you earliest possible if this happens.

A deposit of $100

Non-refundable fee is required per climber. This will be reduced from the final bill.

 

Location

RELATED TOURS

Reviews

book ITINERARY

Login

error: Content is copyright protected !!
The easiest way to start is by getting in touch

Here to help you plan for the perfect Tanzania experienceÂ