This route is the most popular and it gives the climbers the opportunity to “walk high and sleep low” which is very good for acclimatization.
The Machame Route is the most scenic route up Kilimanjaro, passing through lush rain forest, river valleys and views of the Kibo Peak. This route is the most popular and it gives the climbers the opportunity to “walk high and sleep low” which is very good for acclimatization.
Machame Camp (1.800m - 2.980m)
After breakfast you depart at approximately 8:30 am for the Machame village where you start the trek.
From the park entrance gate (Machame) you will walk for about two to three hours trek through a
dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers, and other tropical vegetation. A stop for lunch
will be made halfway to this evening’s campsite. As you continue your ascent, you will find that the
tropical forest has given way to tall grasses and giant heather. You will be walking on a ridge, to the left
of which is the Semira stream, and on the right, the Weru Weru. Depending on the pace of the climbers,
arrival at Machame Camp is usually between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
Shira Camp (3.840m)
On this and subsequent mornings, wake-up call is at around 6:00am. You will be greeted with a
steaming cup of tea or coffee, and weather permitting it by a fabulous view of Uhuru peak. Today’s trek
takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock and bearded heather. You
will encounter giant groundsels as you hike through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves and
foamy streams.
Lunch will be taken just below the Shira Plateau, about three to four hours from Shira Camp. The hike
to the next campsite takes approx. six hours and you should arrive between 2:00pm and 3:00pm. Most
climbers tend to pace themselves, walking slowly and resting about every half-hour as there is little to
do once reaching the camp.
Barranco Camp (3.950m)
The entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower
(15,000 ft), where you stop to have lunch. Crossing the Bastains stream, you will begin to descend
towards Barranco Camp. The descent takes you along an immense canyon called Grand Barranco. Along
the way you will see numerous waterfalls which are fed by streams coming from the mountain,
converging here to form the Umbwe River. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as the night
before. Today’s trek lasts for about six hours and arrival at camp is between 4:30pm and 5:30pm.
Karanga Camp (3.980m)
This morning you begin your hike to Karanga Camp which is on the same altitude as Barranco Camp.
You will encounter a bit of a climb at Barranco Cliff and spend the rest of the trek climbing up and down
the slopes of the mountain most of the way to the camp. The climbing is not considered difficult and
you should arrive in time for lunch (approx. 1:00pm) having trekked for about four hours. In the
afternoon you have the opportunity to hike in the Karanga Valley where giant scenecio and lobelia
grow; however, you are well advised to rest as much as you possibly can to prepare yourself for the
climb ahead.
Barafu Camp (4.550 m)
The scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on a moraine with a view of Mawenzi peak towering majestically
to the right and overhead Kibo peak seemingly just out of reach. The Alpine desert terrain encountered
at this point is mostly a mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Lunch will be taken along
the way and climbers arrive at Barafu Camp at around 2:30pm.Climbers who choose to ascend the peak
will got to bed very early this night as the next day is the longest one.
Ascent to the Summit (5.896m)/Descent to Mweka Camp (3.100m)
You will be awakened at around 11.p.m. and after a light breakfast you start climbing. It is at this stage
that the climb becomes much more difficult. Here very few will not be suffering from altitude sickness
in some form or another and climbers should carry as little as possible on this portion of the climb.
Temperatures will range from -4 degrees to 5degrees Fahrenheit. Making your way up a path that is
flanked by the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers you will climb for about six hours before reaching the edge
of the crater between Stella and Hans Meyer’s points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the
Summit. Uhuru stands at 5.896m and is the highest point on the continent of Africa. The track around
the edge of the crater is rocky and icy. Concentrate on your feet and follow your guide very closely for
this portion of the journey.
The descent is no easier than the ascent. You will reach Kibo Hut after about three hours (around
11:30am). Climbers will be given the opportunity to rest and have some refreshments before continuing
on to Mweka Camp for the night. Arriving into camp at around 5:00pm you will have trekked a total of
thirteen hours today.
Mweka (3.100m) to the Gate (1.800m)
On the final day of the journey climbers descend from Mweka camp to the base. The descent to the
gate will take approx. 5 hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival at the gate climbers
will be rewarded with certificates attesting their success at climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Our vehicle
will be waiting for you at the park gate to take you back to the comforts of the hotel in Arusha for a
celebrating dinner and overnight.
Our descent will be through a beautiful alpine forest towards Mweka Gate. There, a certificate attesting your success in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro will be awarded to you. Our car will be waiting to take you back the lodge in Arusha and reward you with a celebration dinner. Altitude: 198Om Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Please read questions bellow and if you can not find your answer, please send us your question, we will answer you as soon as possible.
Yes. At present we are offering treks to the summit of Kilimanjaro all routes, as well as animal safaris and trips to various tribes. If you are interested in a variation on these, please contact us We will work hard to accommodate your needs.
Our prices are generally mid-range. We don’t compete with the cheap Kilimanjaro climb and safari companies on price because we don’t want to compromise your comfort, safety, and enjoyment, nor the wages and health of our guides and porters. On the other hand, we are far from the most expensive company because we do not have the high overhead of American and European based tour operators. We are a Tanzanian-owned and operated company helping our clients enjoys the beauty and excitement of our country and helping invest in the people of Tanzania.
Kilimanjaro Excursion books internal East Africa travel and transfers, including flights, bus rides and shuttles. Tickets can be mailed to you prior to your trip or picked up in Tanzania.
There is a visa required for most foreign citizens. The fee varies according to your nationality. Please check with your embassy for up to date details. Also you will need to have immunizations. Check with a travel health clinic in your country for up to date requirements.
There is no special mountaineering equipment needed. We provide mountain tents along with closed-cell foam mattress pads. There are many items you’ll need to bring, but most people find they already own the majority of the items on the packing list. If you have cold weather/snow gear and hiking clothes, then you’ll have most of what you need. Please review our packing list page that explains what to bring on your climb.
The highest altitude reaches 5895m.
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