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Machame Route

6-Day Machame Route EASTCO Safaris

Details on Machame Route

With the summit reaching 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and Africa’s highest peak. To climb Kilimanjaro and watch the sunrise spread its golden light across the savannah below is an experience and personal accomplishment second to none.

The approach to the Machame route is from southwest of Kilimanjaro. The route ascends up through the jungle to Shira Camp and then traverses south towards Barranco via Lava Tower. From there you climb up the Great Barranco Wall before arriving at base camp at Barafu. The final climb is via Stella Point and the descent is on the Mweka route. This Machame route is extremely popular due to its high success rate and the fact it allows for many ‘walk high, sleep low’ opportunities, essential for good acclimatization. 

Machame Route Itinerary

Day 1Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Arrive at the Machame gate and begin the day’s trek through the rainforest. Lunch will be eaten on the trail, and the night will be spent at Machame Camp.
Day 2Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Today we will trek from the Machame Camp to Shira 1 Camp. We leave the rainforest behind, seeing the vegetation grow more sparse and the paths become dustier as we ascend. We’ll have rocks and boulders to contend with as we near the famed Shira Plateau.
Day 3Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
From Shira 1 Camp we will make our way to Lava Tower. The Lava Tower ascent is quite gradual, and we will have an opportunity to rest and eat lunch when we arrive. Along the way, look for excellent views of Helm Glacier, the Western Breach, and Kibo. Just after lunch, we will continue and descend to Barranco Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 4Barranco Camp to Barafu Hut
From Barranco Camp, we ascend to the top of the Great Barranco Wall. At this point, we will be above the cloud line and will be able to see below us for miles. Again, we will descend into the Karanga Valley. Along the way, look for the Decken, Kersten and Heim Glaciers above the valley. We then join the Mweka Descent Trail and continue along it to the Barafu Hut. The Hut marks the end of the Southern Circuit, along which we will have enjoyed views of the summit from many different angles. This afternoon we have a chance to relax a bit and prepare for the summit day in the morning. Take some time to enjoy the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi which are clearly visible from Barafu Hut.
Day 5Summit
We will head for the summit just before midnight. This is the most difficult part of the climb, both mentally and physically. We’ll have a warm drink and a snack before we set off, threading between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers. Next, we’ll cross some heavy scree to reach Stella Point (5732 metres) along the crater rim. There we’ll have a short rest and enjoy a unique sight: sunrise at the very top of Africa. Another hour’s hike brings us to Uhuru Peak, the real summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Next, we’ll descend to Barafu Hut again for lunch, then to Mweka Camp (at 3100 metres) for our last dinner on the mountain, and some well-earned sleep.
Day 6Mweka Camp to Machame gate
This is our last on the mountain and will see us trek from Mweka Camp back to the park gate where you will receive a certificate of your achievement. Expect the last bit of the route to be muddy, but keep an eye out for Colobus monkeys and other jungle wildlife in the trees!

Inclusions & Exclusions

INCLUDED: • Accommodation as listed on the itinerary as well before and after the trip • Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport • Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro Gate • Emergency Evacuation Insurance through Arusha Medivac • English speaking guide • Drinking water • All national park and camping fees • Government taxes • Camping equipment – 4 season waterproof tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads • Private portable toilet • 3 meals a day.

NOT INCLUDED: • Tips • Items of a personal nature • Tanzanian Visa, paid on arrival • International flights.

Cost

$1,945
USD

per person based on 2 pax​

*Rates will vary based on the number of individual travelers, reduced cost for children.​

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