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MACHAME 6 DAY CLIMB

6 Days

6 day camping trekking tour + 2 nights hotel stay

The Machame route is one of the most beautiful and most popular trekking tours on Kilimanjaro. The trail starts in the lush rainforest with views of Mount Meru, Shira Ridge as well the main summit of the Kilimanjaro – Kibo peak. The Machame route contains more steep passages at higher altitudes than for example the Marangu or Rongai routes and requires better fitness and determination from the mountain climber, but it’s worth it. The terrain is diverse and interesting and the views are spectacular.

Overview

Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha

Arriving at Kilimanjaro airport, you will be met by our transfer driver and taken to the Arusha Hotel. The rest of the day will be free. Relax at the pool or explore the small town of Arusha. Later today or tonight you will meet our operations team who will brief you on what lies ahead.

Itinerary

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge and taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park. While your guide is registering, you can watch the mountain team preparing – it is always impressive ‘what’ and particularly ‘how’ everything is carried up the mountain. Once this is all packed up, your adventure will begin; after a few minutes you will be deep within the forest with ancient trees, ferns, mosses and black and white colobus monkeys frolicking in the treetops. After 5 – 6 hours you will reach – Machame Camp –situated just above the forest line at 3000 m. Arriving here, the porters have already set up your tents and warm water for washing is ready.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early morning start, the path steepens and the vegetation changes into a moorland with shrubs such as hardy Ericas. Today’s stage is shorter than the previous day and by mid-afternoon, you will arrive at the campsite at the Shira Plateau. From the camp you will have breath-taking views of the mountain and evening light on the rock face and glacier of Kibo as the sun sets.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today will be a day for ups and downs. You will ascend almost 700 m but descend again after reaching the imposing Lava Tower (4640 m). This will help with acclimatisation as you will reach a height of over 4500 m. You will move through different vegetation zones. After reaching Lava Tower the path traverses Barranco Valley dotted with the weird-looking senecios. Barranco Camp is reached after 6 – 7 hours. Considered the most beautiful camp on the mountain, the camp is situated just below the imposing Barranco Wall. Rest and refuel tonight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The first section of today’s route is to scale the ‘Barranco Wall’. Use your hands and feet. Safety is paramount and you will be secured if necessary, but it looks more daunting than it actually is. The trail continues with many up and down sections, crossing a few streams, winding and climbing stopping for lunch in the Karanga Valley. After lunch there will be another 2 – 3 hours climb before you reach Barafu Camp (4640 m). Tonight, drink a lot of fluids, try to eat and go to bed early to rest enough before tomorrow’s summit trek.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will be woken in the midnight hours with a cup of tea and a biscuit. Dressed warmly and geared with a headlight and your daypack you will set off in the darkness. After 5 – 7 hours of ‘pole pole’, you will reach the rim of the crater, Stella Point. Another one to two hours of going slowly along the crater’s edge and you will arrive at the summit – Uhuru Peak (5895 m). Looking down over the surrounding landscape below in the early morning light, will make you feel on top of the world. You have now reached the ‘Roof of Africa’. The descent should be easy but dusty, as the volcanic ash will now have defrosted. Returning on the same route you should arrive at Barafu Camp within a few hours where the porters are waiting with food and tea. Resting for an hour or two, you will continue down to reach Mweka Camp (3080 m) for your overnight stay.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Last day on the mountain. After breakfast, the crew will celebrate your achievement with a traditional song as part of their farewell ceremony. You will present them with their tips. Setting off and descending into the moist green forest, it should take about three hours to reach the gate. Back at Arusha Hotel, hot showers and cold beers wait. There you can revive yourself and celebrate your achievement.

Breakfast, Dinner

Price includes:

  • Trekking tour according to the itinerary
  • Accommodation in tentsindicated in the itinerary
  • 2 Nights Accommodation before & After Climb
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Personal porter
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Drinking Water
  • Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
  • Camping equipment – tents, sleeping mattress and camping furniture
  • National park fees
  • Rescue fees

Price excludes

  • Flights (international and domestic)
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Beverages other than water (alcohol and soft drinks)
  • Visa, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented, please ask us at the time of the booking)
How big is the group and where are my fellow travellers from?

Group sizes vary however there is a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 30 travellers per group. Traveler’s are from all over the world and from all walks of life

Is there an age limit on this tour?

As per the national park authorities, the minimum age for climbing Kilimanjaro is 10 years but seeing that children are more prone to altitude sickness than adults, we recommend a minimum age of 14-16 years. There is no maximum age restriction, but a medical check-up is advisable for people over the age of 60.

Is it possible to climb Kilimanjaro at any time of the year?

Generally yes. We however discourage any attempts during the main rainy season (end of March to beginning of June). In the small rainy season (November), daily short rainfalls and cloudy views can be expected. From December until the end of February, temperatures are at their highest and rainfall is at its minimum. The best time to travel is between the end of June and the middle of October, when temperatures are a little lower and there is almost no rainfall

Do I need a visa for this trip?

Citizens of all nationalities need to contact the respective embassies of their travel destination to check the visa regulations.

In general, European citizens can apply for a Tanzanian Tourism Visa upon arrival in Tanzania.
It is the sole responsibility of every traveller to be in possession of the required documents and visa that allows them to enter their holiday destination.

Do I need vaccinations for this trip?

The trekking tour starts and ends in Tanzania, a yellow fever region, which is why we recommend a yellow fever vaccination. Although there are no mosquitoes at high altitude, Tanzania is within a malaria region. It is up to you if you wish to take medication, but we suggest that you speak to your doctor or travel clinic about the different prophylaxis and their effects and side effects.

Although Tanzania does not require proof of immunization against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Hepatitis A & B, we nevertheless recommend those vaccinations.

What kind of equipment and clothing should I bring?

Travel bag, backpack or kitbag, weighing no more than 12kg (please do not bring a suitcase or trolley bag, as this type of luggage cannot be carried by the porters)

Day backpack with rain protection
High quality sleeping bag for harsh conditions (at night temperatures can drop to -20°C)
Different layers of clothing including thermal base layers, fleece clothing, trekking pants, warm jacket and water-resistant top layers as well as a warm headgear.
Water-resistant and comfortable hiking boots and a variety of trekking socks
Please note that the above list is not complete and these are just a few things that you will have to bring with you. Once we have confirmed your booking, you will receive a more detailed list.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

MACHAME 6 DAY CLIMB