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Mt Kilimanjaro – Machame Route – Small Group

Overview

Mt Kilimanjaro – Machame Route – Small Group. Popularly referred to as the ‘whiskey route, the Machame route is one of the most popular and challenging routes to trek up Mt Kilimanjaro – boasting spectacular scenery and traversing a variety of habitats.

With a high summit success rate, this is the perfect itinerary for those looking to take on the challenge of reaching Africa’s highest point.

Tour Information

Availability

June – October (Please see departure dates at the end of itinerary)

Price

Starting from USD 2,125 per person sharing

Tour Highlights

Advanced Difficulty Hike

Duration

6 Days

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Machame Camp – Shira Camp 2

  • Leaving behind the misty glades of the rainforest, the trail widens out into a vast expanse of heath – brimming with wild flowers, plants and stony paths.
  • Turning West, we pass over the river gorge before reaching our camp site
  • As we ascend, you are able to admire the magnificent views of the giant Kibo massif
  • By afternoon, we arrive at Shira 2 Camp where we unpack and rest for the evening

Day 3

Shira Camp 2 – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

  • After breakfast, we hike East up the steep ridge towards Lava Tower – an incredible 300ft tall volcanic rock formation set against a backdrop of desert landscapes and cloud formations
  • After lunch near the volcanic tower, we descend through the Senecio Forest to the lower cliffs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall in order to reach Barranco Camp
  • Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, this time spent at high altitude is beneficial for acclimatisation
  • We then set up camp at Barranco, in time to enjoy an early sunset dinner

Day 4

Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

  • Today, marks a long day as we head to the base of the Great Barranco where we proceed to climb the non-technical but steep façade of the Great Barranco Wall
  • From the top of the wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we reach the Karanga Valley campsite
  • From the campsite, you are able to see the jagged peaks of Mawenzi soaring above the African sky, before we set out to join the Mweka Trail
  • From here, we continue up the rocky terrain to Barafu Camp
  • Once we arrive at Barafu, we make camp, rest and enjoy an early night in preparation of tomorrow’s summit
  • Before it gets dark, be sure to look out and admire the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo which are in perfect view from this vantage point

Day 5

Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

  • We rise around midnight and head off into the night to push to the summit
  • This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of your trek, as we begin the six-hour climb through the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, traversing heavy scree to reach Stella Point on the crater rim
  • At Stella Point, we stop for a short rest and enjoy watching the sun slowly rise over the horizon
  • As we push on, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and the final stop on our ascent
  • You’ve reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro – the world’s highest free-standing mountain – and have the splendours of Africa at your feet
  • Weather conditions on the summit determine how long we are able to spend here before we begin our descent
  • We make our descent through rocky terrain, passing through Barafu Camp for lunch and continuing straight down to Mweka Camp
  • We arrive back to Mweka Camp in the late afternoon, to enjoy a well-earned rest and our last dinner on the mountain

Day 6

Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha

  • After a leisurely breakfast, we begin the scenic three-hour hike back down to the park gate
  • Transfer to your hotel in Arusha for a hot shower, a well-earned rest and to revel in the glory of having completed your summit to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro!
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What's included
  • Return transfers from your hotel in Arusha/Moshi to the park gates
  • All park entry fees
  • All camping and rescue fees
  • Guide and porters’ fees
  • All accommodation on the mountain, including three meals a day
  • All cooking and kitchen utensils
What's excluded
  • International and domestic flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Accommodation in Arusha before and after the climb
  • Any items of a personal nature such as: telephone calls, drinks, tips for drivers and guides etc
  • Sleeping bags and mountain gear – although we can arrange for you to hire these on request

Accommodation

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