MACHAME ROUTE 6 DAYS
For those who only have six days to climb Kilimanjaro, the Machame route is the best choice because of its acclimatization profile. Compared to other six day routes, the Machame route exposes the climber to higher elevations quicker (day three) which kickstarts the body’s adaptation to altitude. However, this route requires that a person be in good shape to be able to tackle the challenging elevation gains and losses.
The six day Machame variation is a difficult route. In particular, day four combined with day five makes for a very hard schedule. Day four is a full day of hiking from Barranco to Barafu. Then after dinner and a partial night’s sleep, the very long and strenuous summit day begins around midnight. The 6 day Machame route requires 19-24 hours of demanding walking, at extremely high elevation, with only 4-6 hours of sleep.
ITINERARY
Arrival in Tanzania – drive to Moshi.
You will be met on time of your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport by our transferring driver who will you will welcome and escort you to the waiting vehicle then drive to The Hotel in Moshi for the rest of the day your trek will start the next day morning. The rest of the day will be spent at the pool relaxing at the hotel or explore the town of Moshi. Your mountain guide will meet you in the evening for briefing on the next morning trek.
Day 1
Moshi – Machame camp.
in the morning, we depart from our hotel to the Gate at approximately 8:00 AM. This will take 45 minutes up to one hour Drive. It will take about one hour to do registration before you start trekking. You will walk for about four to five hours depending on the pace of the climbers. You will walk through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers, and other tropical vegetation. A stop for picnic lunch will be made halfway to this evening’s campsite. As you continue your ascent, you will find that the tropical forest has given way to tall grasses and giant heather.
This initial stage of the climb is tranquil and relatively easy. There is no point in rushing to get to the camp, as there is little to do there. Guides tend to recommend a slow ascent, even at this point, for gradual acclimatization. Do not try to keep up with your porters, who will usually bind ahead. Instead, take time to admire the beauty of the rainforest. Overnight: Machame Camp (3000 mts).
Day 2
Machame Camp – Shira Camp
On this day you will wake-up at 6:00 or 6:30 AM. You will be greeted with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, and weather permitting, by a fabulous view of Uhuru peak if the view will be clear. Today’s trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock, and bearded heather. You will encounter giant groundsels as you hike through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves, and streams.
Lunch will be taken just below the Shira Plateau, about three to four hours from Shira Camp. The hike to the next campsite takes approximately five hours and you should arrive between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Most climbers tend to pace themselves, walking slowly and resting about every half-hour.
Overnight: Shira Camp (3800 Mts).
Day 3
Shira Camp – Barranco Camp
The entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning with sweeping vistas across to Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (4600 Mts), where you stop to have lunch. Crossing the Bastains stream, you will begin to descend towards Barranco Camp. The descent takes you along an immense canyon called Grand Barranco. Along the way, you will see numerous waterfalls, which are fed, by streams coming from the mountain, converging here to form the Umbwe River. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as the night before. Today’s trek lasts for about six hours and arrival at camp is between 4:30PM and 5:30PM.
Overnight: Barranco Camp (3950 Mts).
Day 4
Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp
This morning you begin your hike to Barafu Camp via Karanga Camp, which is on the same altitude as Barranco Camp.
You will encounter a bit of a climb at Barranco Cliff and spend the rest of the trek climbing up and down the slopes of the mountain most of the way to camp. The climbing is not considered difficult and you should arrive in time for lunch (approximately 1:00PM) having trekked for about four hours.
In the afternoon you have to hike in the Karanga Valley where giant senecios and lobelia grow; then continue with the scenic climb to Barafu which is mostly on a moraine with a view of Mawenzi peak towering majestically to the right, and overhead, Kibo peak seemingly just out of reach. The alpine desert terrain encountered at this point is mostly a mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Climbers arrive at Barafu Camp at around 3:30 or 4:30PM. Climbers who choose to ascend the peak will go to bed very early this night, as the next day is the longest one.
Overnight: Barafu Camp (4600 Mts).
Ascent to Summit (5895 Mts) / Descent.
Day 5
Barafu Camp – Mweka Camp (3100 Mts)
You will be awakened at midnight and after a light breakfast, start climbing at around 12.00 0r 1:00 AM. It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult. Here, very few will not be suffering from altitude sickness in some form or another; and climbers should carry as little as possible on this portion of the climb. Temperatures will range from -4° to 5° Fahrenheit. Making your way up a path that is flanked by the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, you will climb for about six hours before reaching the edge of the crater, between Stella and Hans Meyer points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit.
Uhuru stands at 19,340 feet and is the highest point on the continent of Africa. The track around the edge of the crater is rocky and icy. Concentrate on your feet, and follow your guide very closely for this portion of the journey. 6 Days Kilimanjaro climb Machame route The descent is no easier than the ascent. You will reach Kibo Hut after about three hours (around 11:30 AM). Climbers will be given the opportunity to rest and have some refreshments before continuing on to Mweka Camp for the night. Arriving into camp at around 5:00PM, you will have trekked a total of thirteen hours today.
Overnight: Mweka Camp (10,200ft) Mweka to the Gate.
Day 6
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
A delicious breakfast is followed by a traditional farewell ceremony from your mountain crew, before you start your final stretch down the mountain. You will once more trek through the rainforest, giving you another opportunity to spot the cheeky colobus monkeys, finally reaching the Mweka gate in about 2 – 3 hours. You will be met at the gate and taken back to the Hotel in Moshi for a long shower and relaxed day by the pool. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at leisure and giving yourself a pat on the back for conquering the famous Kilimanjaro.
WHAT INCLUDES
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Two nights accommodation at the Hotel in Moshi double (before and after the climb)
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First night includes breakfastLast night includes dinner & breakfast
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Qualified guides with mountain crew
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National park fees
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Hut/camping fees and tents
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Tents foam sleeping pads, Cooking equipment, and ( Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils.
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Rescue fees (required by the National Park)
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Pulse oximeters
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Emergency Oxygen
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First aid kit
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Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
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Boiled water on the mountain
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Airport transfers (JRO - Kilimanjaro International Airports)
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All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
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Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain.
NOT INCLUDE
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Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips
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Meals and drinks not specified
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Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags)
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Gear for your climb, Some equipment is available for rent.
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Car Supplement USD$145 per car for clients who go through Lemosho/Rongai/Shira Routes
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Items of personal nature ( expenses)
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Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
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Extra activities (waterfall tour, cultural village visit).
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Visa fees & travel insurance.
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Flight tickets