Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Starting to climb from Shira plateau, our first walk will be a bit steep and the naked heathers at this altitude provide little shade from the heat. The path after lunchtime will be dusty so using gaiters will be a good choice. In spite of all the difficulties this route may bring, by taking it slowly, resting frequently and wholeheartedly enjoying en-route views that encompass Kibo Meru and all points down the foothills of the mountain. The route later will turn west onto a deep river gorge until we arrive at Shira One campsite. Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft Distance: 5.3km/3.3mile Altitude gained: 818m Walking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

We’ll start early in the morning and trek towards the west of the Southern slopes of Kibo through the dry terrain of the Shira Plateau. The trek will cover 10.75km which will take us to the amazing Barranco Valley. 147m gain might surprise you, you end your day at the almost same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization. Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft Distance: 10.75km/6.7mile Walking Time: 7-10 hours Habitat: Semi-desert Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Today we will continue our journey by climbing Breakfast Wall and gaining 220m. Our walk will pass across the ridges and valleys to Karanga Upper Camp (Round Nuts Camp) at 4034m. On reaching Karanga Camp, we will have a hot lunch and optional an acclimatization trek up the scree slopes towards the Southern ice fields. This will increase our chances of reaching the top of Africa Uhuru Peak. You will camp and overnight at Karanga Upper Camp. Elevation: 3986m/13077ft to 4034m/13,235ft Distance: 5.1/6mile Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Our day will start by making our way between the boulders and over the sheltered rock and stones, before a short scramble up the cliff that brings us to Baranfu Ridge and camp at 4662m. We will try to get some food and rest as soon as possible then sort your preparations for the next stage before it turns dark. Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft Distance: 3.4km/2.1mile Hiking time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Stone scree Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Very early in the morning (midnight up to 2 am), we depart to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head into northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and the reward will be one of the most magnificent sunrises you have ever seen in your life. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak at 5895m, you reach the top of Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the peak of Africa! As soon as from Uhuru peak, we begin our descent by continuing straight down to Barafu Camp where we will have maximum 1 hour to rest. We will then continue the trek down to Millenium Camp at 3827m where we will camp and overnight. Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft (Baranfu Camp) up to 5745m/18848ft (Stella Point) up to 55895/19341ft (Uhuru Peak) down to 3827m/12556ft (Millenium Camp) Duration: 13 – 15 hours Ascent distance: 4.86km/3mile – Altitude gained: 1233m/0.7mile Descent distance: 11.5km/7.1mile – Altitude lost: 2789m/1.7mile Habitat: ice-capped summit Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

We’ll start early in the morning and trek down through the dusty path into the beautiful rainforest that will take us to Mweka Gate. The walk today will take you 5 to 6 hours. At the gate, we’ll have a picnic lunch, songs from your team and certificate presentation before driving to the hotel where you’ll have dinner and overnight. Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km/6.2mile Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Forest Meals: Breakfast – Lunch