Machame Route
6 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE KILIMANJARO CLIMB
6 day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Machame Route
Prepare to embark on an extraordinary 6-day adventure as you conquer the challenging Machame Route to ascend the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. This incredible journey promises not only the thrill of reaching the summit but also an immersive experience through diverse ecosystems, including lush rainforests and alpine deserts.
This safari includes
- High quality mountain sleeping tents
- 2 Nights accommodation (hotel Panama,Moshi)
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Parkfees & Rescue Fees
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Sleeping Mattress
Not included in this package
- (Inter)national Flights
- Tanzanian Visas
- Tips and any items of personal nature
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours
Machame Route
Our indigenous guides. We hold the conviction that the most joyful guides craft the most indelible safari experiences. At Sarafika Tours, we exclusively collaborate with local guides who possess not only knowledge but also a genuine passion for their craft. We firmly believe that a competent guide ensures a good safari, yet an exceptional guide transforms it into an unforgettable journey.
Each of our guides demonstrates exceptional dedication, consistently going above and beyond to ensure you feel completely at ease. Proficient in wildlife spotting and possessing an intimate familiarity with the parks, their expertise is a source of pride for us.
Our choice of safari vehicles epitomizes excellence. Utilizing the latest 4×4 Toyota Landcruisers, these vehicles are adept at conquering the most challenging terrains. Boasting expansive windows and a pop-up roof for a panoramic 360° view, each vehicle is equipped with amenities such as electricity ports for camera and phone charging, a fridge stocked with refreshing beverages, two-way radio communication, plush seats, binoculars, animal books, and more. This guarantees a comfortable journey wherever you go. Additionally, we offer unlimited game-mileage, allowing you the freedom to drive as far and as long as your heart desires!
The significance of a reliable vehicle: Tanzania’s terrain is rugged, characterized by off-road trails that can swiftly transition from sandy paths to deep mud puddles. In light of this, we recognize the critical importance of a well-maintained car. Before each journey, our vehicles undergo thorough servicing to ensure they are in impeccable condition. We firmly believe that a dependable vehicle is pivotal, constituting half the battle. By meticulously maintaining our fleet, we significantly minimize the risk of breakdowns that could potentially disrupt and delay your safari experience.
A private, tailor-made safari is simply the best way to experience Tanzania.
Every safari we offer is completely tailor-made. This signifies that we provide personalized travel experiences down to the minutest details. Each day and every accommodation can be customized to align with the specific needs and interests of your group. Whether you prefer the pinnacle of luxury or seek a raw, local experience, anything is possible with our tailor-made approach.
Machame Route
Embarking on a private safari grants you absolute control over your itinerary. Your dedicated safari guide accompanies you wherever you desire. Whether you wish to dedicate an entire day to seeking out that elusive leopard or prefer to unwind by the pool while observing elephants at the waterhole, the choice is entirely yours!
Collaborating closely with your dedicated Tanzania specialist, you craft your ideal safari experience, one-on-one. By merging your preferences and wishes with our in-depth knowledge of Tanzania, we strive to fashion the perfect holiday tailored to your unique desires.
Sustainable Tourism in Tanzania
As travelers, our goal is to maximize the enjoyment of our holidays while being mindful of the environmental impact our journeys may have. Consequently, we make concerted efforts to minimize our environmental footprint.
Sarafika Tours was established out of a profound love for nature and wildlife, and our entire business is grounded in that passion. Naturally, we aspire to see Tanzania’s wildlife thrive and its nature flourish, ensuring that the incredible natural wonders can be enjoyed by generations to come.
Driven by this commitment and many others, we actively engage in building a more sustainable future for the safari industry, all without compromising the quality of our guests’ experiences. Our initiatives include a substantial reduction in plastic usage and waste, opting for sustainable alternatives across all aspects of our operations, and sharing our knowledge and practices with our local partners.
Hiking distances
- Day 1: 5-6 hours, 11km/7 miles
- Day 2: 4-5 hours, 5km/3 miles
- Day 3: 5-6 hours, 10km/6 miles
- Day 4: 6-8 hours, 9km/6 miles
- Day 5: 5-7 hours up to summit / 5-6 hours down to Mweka Camp, : 5km/3 miles up and 13km/8 miles down
- Day 6: 3-4 hours, 10km/6 miles
Highlights of the journey
- Traverse stunning landscapes
- Experience diverse ecosystems
- Challenge yourself
- Enjoy expert guidance
- Savor comfortable camping
- Achieve a remarkable feat
Day by Day Itinerary
DAY 1 -MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a comprehensive briefing at our base camp. Experienced guides will provide detailed information about the trek, safety precautions, and acclimatization procedures. They will also thoroughly check your trekking gear to ensure you are well-equipped for the challenging journey ahead.
Embark on a scenic hour-long drive to Machame Gate, the starting point of your Kilimanjaro ascent. The route winds through the picturesque Machame village, nestled on the lower slopes of the majestic mountain. Observe the vibrant local life and lush greenery as you approach the gateway to your adventure.
Upon arrival at Machame Gate, complete the necessary registration formalities and prepare to embark on the first leg of your trek. The journey begins with a captivating walk through the mystical rainforest. Follow a winding trail that ascends gradually along a ridge, immersing yourself in the enchanting sounds and sights of the verdant wilderness.
As you venture deeper into the rainforest, the vegetation gradually changes, with taller grasses and wildflowers emerging alongside the trail. At lower elevations, the trail can become muddy and slippery due to frequent rainfall. Equip yourself with gaiters and trekking poles to maintain traction and stability.
Continue your ascent for a short distance until you reach Machame Camp, situated at an elevation of 3,000 meters (9,843 feet). This campsite provides a welcome respite after the first day’s trekking. Settle into your comfortable tent, enjoy a warm meal prepared by our team, and prepare for the next stage of your Kilimanjaro expedition.
DAY 2 – MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP
After a hearty breakfast at Machame Camp, bid farewell to the lush glades of the rainforest and embark on the next stage of your ascent. The trail now takes a steeper incline, leading you across a valley along a rocky ridge. Notice the gradual change in vegetation as you gain altitude, transitioning from the dense rainforest to the more sparse alpine floral
The route veers westward, following a river gorge until you reach Shira Camp, nestled at an elevation of 3,840 meters (12,600 feet). This campsite serves as your base for the day, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Shira Plateau.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at Shira Camp, replenishing your energy for the remaining trek. The rest of the day is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. This process is crucial for reducing the risk of altitude sickness and ensuring a successful ascent.
Embark on an optional hike to Shira Crater, a geological wonder formed by an ancient volcanic collapse. Witness the remnants of lava flows that once filled the crater, offering a fascinating glimpse into Kilimanjaro’s volcanic history.
As the day draws to a close, return to Shira Camp and enjoy a warm dinner prepared by our team. Settle into your tent, rest your body, and prepare mentally for the next phase of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
DAY 3 – SHIRA CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP
After a revitalizing breakfast at Shira Camp, bid farewell to the Shira Plateau and embark on the next leg of your ascent. The trail continues eastward, leading you up a ridge that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. As you ascend, you will pass the junction towards the peak of Kibo, characterized by its barren and desolate terrain.
Continuing your journey, the trail takes a southeastern direction towards the Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth,” an imposing rock formation that stands at an elevation of 4,650 meters (15,256 feet). The tower’s jagged silhouette resembles a shark’s tooth, hence its name.
Shortly after passing the Lava Tower, follow the trail to the Arrow Glacier, a remnant of Kilimanjaro’s icy past. Witness the glacier’s grandeur and appreciate its significance in shaping the mountain’s landscape.From the Arrow Glacier, begin your descent to Barranco Camp, located at an elevation of 3,950 meters (12,963 feet). This campsite provides a welcome respite after a day of trekking, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at Barranco Camp, replenishing your energy for the remaining trek. Although you end the day by gaining only 110 meters (361 feet), this day is crucial for acclimatization, allowing your body to further adjust to the increasing altitude and prepare for the summit push.
As the day draws to a close, settle into your tent at Barranco Camp and enjoy a well-deserved rest. Prepare mentally and physically for the next phase of your Kilimanjaro adventure, the summit push, which will demand your utmost endurance and determination.
DAY 4-BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
After a revitalizing breakfast at Barranco Camp, embark on the challenging ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep ridge that rises to an elevation of 4,250 meters (13,943 feet). This strenuous climb will test your physical strength and endurance, taking approximately 1.5 hours to reach the summit of the wall.
As you navigate the rugged terrain, the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape will serve as a constant reminder of your progress and determination. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top of the Barranco Wall will be unparalleled.
Upon conquering the Barranco Wall, the trail eases into more level terrain, providing a welcome respite from the intense climb. Continue your hike towards Karanga Valley, nestled at an elevation of 4,050 meters (13,287 feet).
Along the way, you will encounter the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail, another popular route for ascending Kilimanjaro. This convergence of paths represents the intersection of diverse trekking experiences, adding to the unique character of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Upon arrival at Machame Gate, complete the necessary registration formalities and prepare to embark on the first leg of your trek. The journey begins with a captivating walk through the mystical rainforest. Follow a winding trail that ascends gradually along a ridge, immersing yourself in the enchanting sounds and sights of the verdant wilderness.
As you venture deeper into the rainforest, the vegetation gradually changes, with taller grasses and wildflowers emerging alongside the trail. At lower elevations, the trail can become muddy and slippery due to frequent rainfall. Equip yourself with gaiters and trekking poles to maintain traction and stability.
Continue your ascent for a short distance until you reach Machame Camp, situated at an elevation of 3,000 meters (9,843 feet). This campsite provides a welcome respite after the first day’s trekking. Settle into your comfortable tent, enjoy a warm meal prepared by our team, and prepare for the next stage of your Kilimanjaro expedition.
DAY 5- BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA GATE
At midnight, around 2:00 AM, embark on the most challenging and rewarding phase of your Kilimanjaro adventure – the summit push. Armed with headlamps, you will ascend through the darkness, guided by the experienced lights of your guides.
The path leads you through heavy scree, a loose and rocky terrain that demands careful footing and unwavering determination. As you ascend towards Stella Point, the crater rim of Kilimanjaro, the darkness will envelop you, adding to the mental and physical challenge.
Upon reaching Stella Point, situated at an elevation of 5,685 meters (18,654 feet), you will have conquered the majority of the ascent. From this point, you may encounter snow as you continue the final hour-long push to the summit.
The snow-covered terrain adds to the unique experience, testing your adaptability and resilience. Embrace the challenge and focus on the ultimate goal – reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa.
After a strenuous yet exhilarating climb, you will finally stand atop Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa, reaching an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). The sense of accomplishment and awe will be overwhelming, as you have conquered one of the most challenging and iconic mountains in the world.
From the summit, begin your descent, continuing straight down to Mweka Camp, located at an elevation of 3,080 meters (10,105 feet). Along the way, you may encounter loose gravel, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended to provide stability and support
Upon reaching Mweka Camp, enjoy your last evening on the mountain, savoring the memories of your extraordinary adventure. Reflect on the challenges you have overcome, the beauty you have witnessed, and the incredible feat you have accomplished.
DAY 6 -MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
After breakfast at Mweka Camp, you will embark on the final leg of your Kilimanjaro adventure – the descent to Mweka Gate. The trail winds through the lush rainforest, offering a welcome contrast to the alpine landscapes you have traversed during the ascent.
The descent takes approximately 3-4 hours, providing ample time to reflect on your incredible journey and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. As you descend, you will notice the vegetation gradually changing from the sparse alpine flora to the dense rainforest, teeming with life.
Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will receive your summit certificate, a tangible reminder of your remarkable achievement. A vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind after your exhilarating Kilimanjaro experience.