7 day private camping trekking tour + 2 nights hotel stay
The Machame route is increasingly the most popular and perhaps the most beautiful trekking route on Kilimanjaro. It begins in the rainforest and soon opens up to offer spectacular views of Mount Meru, Shira Ridge and Kibo peak, the main summit point of the mountain. This route has more steep sections than the more constant Marangu or Rongai routes and is a tougher ask of the climber, but the diverse and interesting terrain and the vistas are well worth it. Machame joins the longer Lemosho route at Shira Camp 2.
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
You will be picked up after breakfast and make your way to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate for the start of your climb. Once you have arrived your guide will get started with the formalities (entrance forms) while you observe all the different teams and mountain crew getting ready for their expedition. It’s always a fascinating experience for clients to watch them load all the different items for the trip. As soon as everything is prepared your adventure will begin. The destination for today will be the Machame Camp which you should reach in about 5 – 6 hours. On route you will experience a wonderful rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana & lichen to mention but a few. Another favourite to look out for on this day is the black and white thumbless colobus monkeys. Once you arrive at your campsite for the night you have time to relax before enjoying a well deserve dinner prepared by our own cook.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Although today is a shorter stretch then yesterday you will still have an early start which will allow you to reach today’s destination around mid-afternoon. The landscape changes dramatically from the green mountain rainforest into moor and heath land. You will have a beautiful view of the mountain range from your campsite which is situated at the Shira Plateau. The glacier of Kibo also lights up as the sun sets for the evening.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
will sleep on a level not much higher than the night before. We will start at Shira Plateau and make our way up to Lava Tower at around 4640 m, after a rest we will continue through the Barranco Valley until we reach our destination for the day the beautiful Barranco Camp. Today’s trek will be approximately 6 – 7 hours, during which time you will experience the alpine desert as well as the Barranco Valley with its small lobelia plants and giant senecio’s. You will sit down for a well-deserved dinner before it’s time to rest in preparation for the next day.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Just after breakfast we concur the famous Barranco Wall. You might need your hands once in a while for better grip, but with that being said, there are no climbing passages, and as safety is very important please listen to our guides who will ensure you get to the top safely. There will be a lot of ascents and descents today followed by a walk along the mountain ridge. This will reward you will a great view of the glacier of Kibo. Walking time today will be 3 – 4 hours with the Kibo summit all the time on your left accompanying you to your camp for the night.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barafu Camp is our destination for today and will be reach after 3-4 hours. Most of this time you will be walking through the moon-like alpine dessert. After a satisfying dinner you will have an early night and a good rest. The highlight of your trip is now only some hours away.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The climb will start at midnight. You will be woken up just before that to have some tea and biscuits. Around 5 – 7 hours later you will reach Stella Point which is the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. After another 1 – 2 hours you will reach Uhuru Peak at a height of 5895 m. This is truly a magnificent sight standing on top of Africa’s Highest Mountain watching the sunrise. This view will be one to remember and will make every minute of the last couple of days trekking worth your while. You will descent along the same way back to Barafu Camp which you will reach after 1 – 2 hours. The rest of the mountain team will be there waiting for you with some well deserve snacks and refreshments. You will rest for an hour or two before making your way to Mweka Camp where you will spend your last night on the mountain.
Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast you will have a traditional farewell ceremony from all your mountain crew. After a short 2 – 3 hours walk through the rainforest our driver will be waiting for you at the Mweka gate. You will then be transferred back to your hotel for a well deserved shower, a cold drink, a debrief and the awarding of your certificate of achievement. The rest of the day is yours to relax and to reflect back on this once in a lifetime experience.
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)
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.
Although Tanzania does not require proof of immunization against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Hepatitis A & B, we nevertheless recommend those vaccinations.
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.
