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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, one of the mountain's most popular choices thanks to terrain that is highly conducive to good acclimatization and a relatively high likelihood of summiting. Beginning on the southwest side of the mountain, this trek leads through marvellous forests, dramatic landscapes, and natural sites shaped by volcanic eruptions. Along the way, you will cross the Shira Plateau, reach Lava Tower, tackle Barranco Wall, and make your summit push toward Uhuru Peak.
Here, you can take some time to enjoy your achievement and see unrivalled views as the sun rises.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your team of guides and porters and travel together to Machame Gate to register for the climb.
Once registered, begin the ascent, following the track through the forest up to Machame Huts.
Make a short but steep climb. It is likely to be very hot and dusty as you hike up a series of hills, with dramatic landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. Reach the Shira Plateau.
On the way, pass through huge boulders and steep rocks formed by volcanic eruptions. As this stage takes around 4-5 hours, there is plenty of time, so take things slowly and enjoy the views.
The camp will be at New Shira Cave.
See spectacular views of Kibo today as you steadily ascend on a meandering path toward the Barranco campsite. The highest point of today's walk is at Lava Tower.
After reaching Lava Tower, descend into the picturesque Barranco Valley, interspersed with giant lobelia and senecia plants. To aid acclimatization, you will sleep at a lower level at Barranco Campsite, where there are spectacular views of the valley below and Kibo Peak looming high above on your left, hopefully making up for a tough day that takes between 6 and 7 hours. (3985m/13074ft)
From Barranco Camp, famous for its giant groundsels (Senecio species), ascend to the Barranco Wall, a barrier of volcanic rock. Although Barranco looks tall and steep, the climb is straightforward. The views from the wall are nothing less than magnificent.
Trek through glacial valleys, descending into Karanga Valley and ascending to the next campsite. Here, you can rest for the remainder of the day, giving yourself a chance to acclimatize.
Set off for your next camp, Barafu Huts. This day's hike is short but steep, going uphill to the rocky, craggy slopes at Barafu Hut Camp.
Wake up with tea and biscuits at around 23:00 to prepare for the long push to Uhuru Peak's summit via Stella Point.
The final leg to Uhuru Peak will start around midnight, so take advantage of the available time to rest well and keep yourself warm before the summit attempt. (4600m/15091ft)
Start the hike at midnight. This is a tough stage as you climb in the dark, feeling cold and tired. After around 5 long hours, reach Stella Point. Here, you can take some time to enjoy your achievement and see unrivalled views as the sun rises.
Begin to descend via the Mweka Route for around 1 hour and 20 minutes back to Barafu Huts for a brief rest and hot drinks.
Finally, continue down to Mweka Huts. After a further 3-4 hours, arrive at the camp for dinner and an overnight stay. (3100m/10170ft)
Set off on the final part of your descent, which takes 4-6 hours of walking from Mweka Huts down to Mweka Gate.
Meet the guide at the gate for a hot lunch and celebratory champagne for the success of reaching Uhuru Peak before you sign out of the registration book and receive the Mount Kilimanjaro certificate.
Later, transfer back to your hotel in Arusha for a shower and rest.
In the early evening, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.
Where this trip takes you
Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
Transportation between Kilimanjaro International Airport and your hotel on arrival and departure day
Two nights' accommodation, including breakfast (one night before the climb and one night at the end of the expedition)
Transportation to the starting point of the route and from the end of the hike
All necessary food for the expedition, with special attention to dietary requirements and allergies, from the beginning to the last day of the climb
Evacuation cover for every client upon arrival
Camping equipment, including sleeping tents. Luxury climbs are provided with 4" waterproof foam mattresses, folded camping chairs - lightweight stools for lightweight climbs - a walk-in dining tent, dining tables, special dining mats and dining tents for lightweight climbs, and a private portable chemical toilet for luxury trips.
English-speaking Nepali guide
Porters to transport personal equipment apart from the 15 kg (33 pounds) of your duffel, holdall, or rucksack needed for your personal items
Hire of mountain equipment (sleeping bag and walking poles)
Reservations for additional hotel nights in Arusha (these extra nights should be booked before you arrive in Arusha)
Special services after the expedition, such as massage or a single room for the hotel nights in Arusha. Both are available upon request.
Trip extensions such as wildlife safari trips, other mountain climbing, and any beach holidays
For the 6-day option, Day 4 and Day 5 are merged into a one-day hike, from Barranco Camp (3985m/13074ft) to Barafu Huts (high camp) at 4600m/15091ft via Karanga Camp.
If you are arriving or departing from another city, or via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met at the bus or shuttle station in Arusha and transferred to your hotel.
Note: Sleeping bags are available for hire at $30 per item per climb. Walking poles can be hired at $10 per pair per climb.
Please note: advance notification is required for all equipment hires. Inquire for prices of any other hire equipment required.
Logistics
Your 7 days finish where they began, in Tanzania.
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