7 DAYS MOUNT KILIMANJARO MACHAME ROUTE CLIMBING ADVENTURE

MACHAME ROUTE CLIMBING GEARS:

– Waterproof boots mountain type that are not too heavy for you.
– Trekking pole to help with personal balancing while climbing.
– Head Torch with a strong beam and a spare battery.
– 4 season rated 0F(-15F) Sleeping bag. {Available for hire}
– Sleeping mat, we provide one but you can also bring yours.
– Sleeping bag liner for extra warmth.
– Waterproof compression sack for sleeping bag.
– Personal first aid kit.
– Toiletry items, snow goggles, and water purification tablets.

Machame route is the best climbing route as it creates a full day of acclimatization. The route exposes climbers to higher elevations for proper body adaptation of the higher attitudes. Machame route climbing requires physically fit climbers who are in good shape due to the challenges of high attitudes. Join Easy Budget Safaris crews with this seven-day package and become a conqueror of the highest peak in Africa.

DAY 1: ARUSHA – MACHAME CAMP.

Breakfast at your Arusha hotel then before 0800am meet our driver, guides, porters, and chef for a transfer to Machame gate via Machame village. Registration and immediately we commence the Mount Kilimanjaro Machame route walking through the dense forest of fig and rubber trees, and other tropical vegetation. The more we ascend the vegetation will keep changing, walk on the ridge and the Samira stream on the left and to the right weru weru.

This initial stage of Machame route climb is tranquil and relatively easy to cover and there is little to cover. The mountain crew will recommend a slow ascent for gradual acclimatization. The porters and chef may hurry to Machame camp 10,000 fts for preparation of dinner, so never keep up with their face, enjoy the beauty of the rain forest.

DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP.

Breakfast will be ready by 0600 am and the chef will greet you with a cup of tea and coffee. On a clear morning enjoy a fabulous view of Uhuru Peak. The day climb takes you up a steep track through the savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rocks, and bearded heather. You will come across giant groundsels as you climb through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves, and foamy streams. 

The guide will recommend walking slowly and taking some rest, enjoying your lunch and views of the Shira plateau. We arrive at Shira camp at 12,500 fts in the early evening to relax, have dinner, and overnight.

DAY 3:SHIRA CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP.

We wake up at 0600 am for breakfast and views of the entire Shira plateau sweeping vistas across to Meru and the Shira needles. Today’s climb takes us up to a higher altitude Lava Tower at 15,000 fts and descent down to Barranco camp crossing the Bastains stream. The descent takes us along an immense canyon called Grand Barranco. 

We will also find numerous waterfalls which are fed by streams coming from the mountain and converging to form the sources of the Umbwe River. We spend the night at Barranco camp which has the same attitude as Shira Camp.

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP.

After breakfast we spend the day acclimatizing as we conquer the great Barranco wall which may look intimidating at first glance, climbers state that this class 2 hike is usually easier than they anticipate. While at the top of the wall, you will have a view of Heim Glacier and will be above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down the Karanga valley making it an ideal climbing day. We spend the night at Karanga Valley 13,100 fts from 13,000 fts of Barranco Camp.

DAY 5: KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU HUT.

After well served breakfast we leave Karanga Camp 3959m and follow the trail that intersects with the Mweka Route used to descend on the final two days. We make a stopover at Barafu hut which is the last water stop for porters as there is no accessible water at Barafu camp 4550m. Barafu Camp {Swahile word translated as Ice) is located on a rocky, exposed ridge. Our tents will be exposed to wind and rocks so we need to familiarize ourselves with the campsite before darkness. 

We will also enjoy an early dinner to enable us to relax and rest before attempting the summit as the final part ascent. Briefing from the guide then enjoy your short sleep at Barafu Hut 4600m.

DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP 15,300 fts – SUMMIT 5885M – MWEKA HUTS 10,000 fts.

By midnight enjoy breakfast and start the final part of the Machame route climbing to attempt the summit before sunrise. We follow the route northwest where we ascend over stone shree, this is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the climb. We arrive at Stella Point with an elevation of 5685M located on the crater rim to enjoy a magnificent sunrise. 

We continue ascending on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak which is the highest peak in Africa region, achieve a lifetime accomplishment enjoy the views from all directions, take pictures, and enjoy tea. After you are satisfied we descend to Mweka huts which will take at least 3 to 4 Hours.

DAY 7: MWEKA HUTS – MWEKA GATE – ARUSHA.

Breakfast and celebration for a successful Machame route climbing adventure, appreciate the guides, Porters, and cook by presenting them with tips. Descend for at least three hours to Mweka Gate to receive your certificates of achievement as per the point each reached. We trek further down the Mweka Village to the point of Hot Lunch. Meet our Driver for the final transfer to Arusha for the long overdue shower, celebration, and other plans to other safari destinations or back home.

INCLUDED:

– Machame route entrance fees and Rescue fees.
– All activities, hiking, climbing, and trekking.
– All accommodation as per the Machame route itinerary.
– Professional and knowledgeable mountain crews.
– Transfer to and from Machame gate.
– 3 Meals a day as specified on the itinerary.
– Porterage.

EXCLUDED:

– Mandatory tipping to Machame route crews{ Guides $15-$20, chef $15, porters each $10 per day}
– Mountain Climbing gear, climbers/Hikers to bring their own or hire at our Arusha store.
– Personal items and personal travel insurance.
– Any government-imposed taxes or Entrance fees imposed after booking the trip.
– International flights as well as local flights.