Machame Route
One day longer on trek, climbing a natural, rather than manmade path, the Machame Route is a more demanding but much quieter and scenic route up the mountain. Overnights are spent camping in tents which are carried and pitched by the accompanying porters. Highlights of this route are the Shira Plateau, Barranco wall and the Karanga Valley reaching the summit via Stella Point.
Because this route is more taxing it is recommended that trekkers should be physically fit and with the additional day on trek to assist with acclimatisation there is a good chance of reaching the summit.
AASK 01 – 8days & 7 nights ( 6 days on trek )
DAY 1
Arrive at Mountain Inn in time for an early evening pre-climb briefing on the trek, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 2
Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Machame for the first section of the climb through the montane forest to Machame Campsite at 10000ft/3000m. for overnight camp taking 5 to 7 hours. Overnight Machame camp
DAY 3
Following the steep ridge and across heath and moorland to �picnic rock’ and the Shira plateau, to Shira Campsite at 12500ft/3800m for overnight camp taking 5 to 7 hours. Overnight Shira camp
DAY 4
Heading towards Kibo, crossing a broad valley and climbing to a ridge crest, crossing scree slopes and a river valley to reach Barranco Campsite 13000ft/3900m. for overnight camp taking 5 to 7 hours. Overnight Barranco camp
DAY 5
Cross the floor of the Great Barranco Valley, up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga river – the last water point on this route. A steep climb over rocky slabs to Barafu Campsite at 15500ft/ 4600m. for overnight camp taking 8 to 9 hours. Overnight Barafu camp
DAY 6
An early start for the summit – Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa at 19340ft/5896m taking 6 to 7 hours. Descend via Barafu Campsite through the forest to Mweka Campsite at 10000ft/3000m. for overnight camp.- taking 5 to 7 hours. Overnight Mweka Camp
DAY 7
Descend through the forest to the park gate at Mweka Wildlife College taking 3 to 4 hours to met and transfered to Mountain Inn for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 8
Breakfast at Mountain Inn. End of tour.