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Machame

7 Day Mt Kilimanjaro Machame Trek - East African Safari EASTCO Safaris

Details on Machame Route

The approach to the Machame route is from the 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 in base camp at Barafu. The final climb is via Stella Point and the descent is on the Mweka route. Novice climbers are sometimes nervous about how they will cope with the Great Barranco Wall but this is just a short scramble that is really not that tricky and you will be helped by your guide every step of the way. One stride around a rock outcrop is the most precarious part you will experience. Thousands of climbers safely travel this route each year, let alone the Kilimanjaro porters carrying heavy loads. 

Climbers sleep in supplied tents at designated campsites, and eat meals either outdoors or inside a large dining tent. The staff prepares all meals and sets up the tents. Because it has a great success rate it is undoubtedly the busiest on the mountain. To help mitigate this, we make sure all our groups hit the trail early and get ahead of the crowds. We also send part of the porter team ahead of you so that they get into the campsites early to get a good spot and make sure that your tent is ready and there is a nice hot drink and snacks when you arrive. Although the Machame route can be climbed over 6 days we recommend taking 7 days. The extra day makes a huge difference to the success rate as it improves acclimatization and allows you two easier days before you tackle your long summit night.

Itinerary

Day 1Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from and driven to Machame Village. From the village, depending on the road conditions, you will either continue driving 3 kilometres or walk to the Machame Gate (1490m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the lookout for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! About halfway up the trail, you will have a lunch break and you will reach the Machame Camp (2980) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served. For overnight, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!
Day 2Machame Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Today we will trek from the Machame Camp to Shira 1 Camp. We leave the rainforest behind, seeing the vegetation grow sparser 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 1 Camp to Barranco Camp
From Shira 1 Camp we will make our way to Lava Tower. We will then descend again to the campsite in the Barranco Valley. This is an excellent example of the 'walk high, sleep low' strategy in practice. 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.
Day 4Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Just after breakfast, we will 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 the land spread out below us for miles. Again, we will descend for the night, making camp in the Karanga Valley. Along the way, look for the Decken, Kersten and Heim Glaciers above the valley.
Day 5Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
From Karanga Camp, we 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 is another short day, so we'll 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 6Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp
We will head for the summit just before midnight, and will be the most difficult, 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 7Mweka Camp to Mweka 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

$2,245
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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