7 Days – Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing $1790 pp

KILIMANJARO MACHAME ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS

ITINERARY

ARRIVAL DAY
Arrive in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you are met after passing through customs. Transfer to Hotel/
Lodge and have a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with your climbing manager and your guide.
Overnight at Hotel/Lodge in Arusha.

TREK DAY 1

Arusha to Machame Camp
Altitude gain: 5,380 to 9,350’; Hiking time: 5-7 hours, 7 miles

Drive from Arusha to Mt Kilimanjaro National Park, passing by the village of Machame to meet your climb crew at
the Machame Gate. As you begin the gentle ascent, the trail winds though the verdant afromontane rainforest
that beards Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. Moss and tattered lichen dangles from tall branches, tree ferns
rest in soft cradles, and begonias, busy lizzie impatiens, and violas bloom year-round in multiple colors on
the forest floor. Many species of birds – as well as colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and other creatures of the
forest – can be seen and heard. The first camp is set amongst giant heather at Machame Camp.

TREK DAY 2

Shira Camp
9,350 ft to 12,500 ft, 3 miles, approx. 4-6 hours

Leaving the glades of the rainforest behind, you continue on an ascending path along a steep ridge onto
heather-clad moorland. This is known as the heath zone and, as the vegetation becomes more sparse, attractive
helichrysum and lobelia are the only plants dominating the harsh mountain landscape. Various geological
features can be observed, ranging from lava tubes to glacial valleys. A picnic lunch is taken on trial today.
Continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau. By now you can see the Western Breach with its stunning
glaciers, and after a short hike you reach the Shira Camp. Your tent tonight can definitely be described as “a
room with a view” looking out towards the snow-dusted Kibo peaks.
Overnight Shira Camp.

TREK DAY 3

Barranco Camp
12,500 ft to 15,223 ft (Lava Tower), down to 13,044 ft, 7km, 6-8 hours
Today is a walk-high sleep-low day. You ascend into alpine desert towards the main peak of Kibo, where the
western glaciers become clearly visible. If you feel very strong there is an optional ascent of the
300-foot-tall Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp in the afternoon, passing through the strange yet
beautiful ‘Garden of the Senecios’ (giant groundsel), which also features many giant lobelias. The Barranco
Valley is one of the prettiest areas of the entire trail.
Overnight at Barranco Camp.

TREK DAY 4

Karanga Camp
13,044 ft to 13,123 ft, 3 miles, 4-5 hours
You now have a relatively short day to reach Karanga Camp, after conquering the intimidating Barranco Wall. Be
prepared to use all four limbs as you traverse the wall to the top of the Karanga Valley. From here, follow
a path that sojourns through many inclines and declines to Karanga Camp, arriving in the late afternoon.
Our selection of Karanga Camp is strategic – significant time at altitude is essential for safe
acclimatization. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice
fields towering over 3000 feet above you.
Overnight at Karanga Camp.

TREK DAY 5

Barafu Camp
13,123 ft to 15,288 ft, 2 miles, 4-5 hours
Today is another half day ascending to Barafu Camp. Once again lunch is taken in this high camp, allowing
plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and, at times, strong winds rip over this
camp, yet in the evening’s splendid views of Mawenzi Peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken
before resting for the evening.
Overnight at Barafu Camp.

TREK DAY 6

Summit Ascent, Mweka Camp
15,288 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,467 ft, 3 miles ascent, 7 miles descent, 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
Depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence are the name of game to reach
the summit, and this is the coldest, windiest section of your adventure. Most likely by dawn, as the first
rays of light start to appear across the Tanzanian landscape, you arrive near the rim at Stella Point, at an
altitude of 18,652ft. Here, you are rewarded with the most glorious sunrise you are ever likely to see,
appearing over Mawenzi Peak.

Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! Take as
many pictures as you can! After a short celebration at the summit, begin the ebullient trek down. Go slowly
and enjoy the wonderful rainforest scenery as you head towards Mweka Camp, arriving before dusk. With every
step the air has more and more oxygen so although your legs will be jelly your heart will be light.
Overnight Mweka Camp.

TREK DAY 7

Arrive in Arusha
12,467 ft to 5,380 ft, 6 miles, 3-4 hours
After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and at around midday, after saying farewell to
your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your hotel/lodge for a well-deserved shower and a
celebratory dinner!

TREK DAY 8

Departure
Today you have a dayroom to pack, freshen up, and get ready for your flight home or your onward adventures in
East Africa.