Summit Kilimanjaro - Machame Route Challenge: Experience the thrill of ascending Kilimanjaro, the crown jewel of Tanzania, on a 7-day expedition via the Machame Route.
This adventure is designed for those seeking both a challenge and an immersion into breathtaking natural beauty. Each day offers something new, from navigating Machame's steep ridges to camping under starlit African skies.
You'll tackle varied terrains, experience stunning views, and create memories with a group of like-minded adventurers. Your reward? The indescribable feeling of reaching the summit and watching the sunrise over the vast African landscape.
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Day 1 - Arrival and transfer to Moshi
We'll be there to meet you at the airport and whisk you off to your hotel in Moshi, the gateway to the Kilimanjaro National Park. In the evening you'll meet your fellow adventurers for a briefing from your guide about Kilimanjaro and your trek. This is a great opportunity to check you've got the kit you need - you can rent any kit needed.
Day 2 - Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park and hike to Machame Camp
The drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes around 45 minutes and passes through the village of Machame on Kilimanjaro's lower slopes, where you'll get your first taste of the scenery you'll be hiking through.
We kick off our trek by walking through a lush rainforest on a winding trail climbing a ridge up to Machame Camp. It can be a bit muddy and slippery so trekking poles and gaiters will be useful if you have them.
Day 3 - Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After a hearty camp breakfast, we leave the leafy glades of the rainforest and keep climbing, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge with great views - cameras at the ready!
Following our route west, we'll trek through a river gorge to the Shira Campsite
Day 4 - Shira Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp
Leaving the Shira Plateau, we climb a ridge, passing the junction that leads towards the peak of Kibo. The path leads up South East towards the spectacular Lava Tower, also known as 'Shark's Tooth' (4,650m).
After a photo break, we'll descend to the Barranco Camp. We'll end today at roughly the same elevation as we began, but fret not - today was all about acclimatisation and preparing your body for that all-important summit day. Plus the views, of course!
Day 5 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley
After we eat breakfast, we'll head out from Barranco and go up a steep ridge, climbing the Barranco Wall. Then we'll make our way to the Karanga Valley and get to the spot where it meets the Mweka Trail.
Day 6 - Climb Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We'll keep going until we reach Barafu Camp. By then, we'll have finished the South Circuit and seen the summit from all sorts of angles. We'll set up camp there, take it easy, have dinner, and get ready for the big day at the summit.
Day 7 - Climb Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
In the wee hours of the morning (somewhere between midnight and 2 am), we press on towards the summit, sandwiched between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We head in a northwest direction, trudging through rough scree as we make our way towards Stella Point, which sits on the rim of the crater. This part is no joke – it's mentally and physically demanding! But fear not, because once we reach Stella Point, we take a breather and are treated to the most jaw-dropping sunrise you'll probably ever witness. If you're a speedier hiker, you might even catch the sunrise right from the summit.
From Stella Point, it's a snowy adventure all the way as we spend about an hour ascending to Uhuru Peak. And guess what? That's the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! It's quite an accomplishment.
After revelling in our triumph at the summit, we start our descent by heading straight down towards Mweka Camp. Along the way, we stop at Barafu for a well-deserved lunch. The loose gravel can be a bit tricky, so gaiters and trekking poles might come in handy. Finally, we reach Mweka Camp, where we savour our last evening on the magnificent mountain.
Day 8 - (End route) Climb Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and then drive to Moshi
Once we're fueled up with breakfast, we start making our way down towards the Mweka Park Gate to collect those well-deserved summit certificates. As we descend to lower elevations, things can get a bit damp and muddy, so it's a good idea to have gaiters and trekking poles to tackle the terrain. You can probably ditch the heavy gear and rock some shorts and t-shirts but don't forget to keep your rain gear and warmer clothing handy, just in case.
When we reach the Mweka Gate, a vehicle will be eagerly waiting to whisk you away on a quick 30-minute ride back to your coSy hotel in Moshi. Time to kick back, relax, and reflect on the incredible journey you've just conquered!
Day 9 - Departure from Moshi
Is this a good trip if I'm travelling solo?
What's the typical age range?
Is there a minimum age for this trip?
How long do I need to climb Kilimanjaro?
When is the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro?
Which route should I choose for the climb?
What level of fitness is required?
How much distance will we hike each day?
Why do we start the final ascent in pre-dawn darkness?
What if I am slower than other trekkers?
What if I am unable to reach the summit?
What type of staff will accompany me during the climb?
What size will the group be?
Do I need travel insurance?
Is the guide insured?
What currency do I need to bring?
How much weight will I need to carry, and where can I store items not required during the climb?
What is provided, and what do I need to bring?
What is the accommodation like during the trek?
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Will I need a visa to visit Tanzania?
What vaccinations will I need?
Is there a discount for group bookings?
Is there a discount if I make my own way there or travel from a different starting point?
Your head guide for this trip is Emmanuel. Emmanuel has decades of experience leading tours under his belt and prides himself on delivering the best possible travel experience. He's one of the only Travel life-certified guides in Tanzania and a founding member of the Tunacare nongovernmental organisation which helps Tanzanian families in poverty. Emmanuel is passionate about social, economic and environmental sustainability.
Emmanuel allocates work to guides, cooks and porters on the basis of merit, continued performance and positive feedback from clients. Many of them are locals who have been part of his company for years.