6 Days
Kilimanjaro Trekking - Machame Route
Trekking
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 6-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the renowned Marangu Route, one of the mountain’s most popular and accessible trails. Journey through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest and heath-covered slopes to alpine desert and the rugged summit zone, while enjoying comfortable overnight stays in mountain huts. As you steadily ascend toward Uhuru Peak, take in spectacular scenery and breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Reach Africa’s highest point at sunrise before descending through beautiful mountain terrain, completing an inspiring adventure filled with achievement, natural beauty, and lasting memories.
Day by day
Full Itinerary
After and early morning pick up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi will drive to the Machame village. Here will do final packing, organize porters and, if need be, purchase last foodstuffs for the trek. Depending on the condition of the road with will either drive or hike on a dirt track another 3 kms through coffee farms and forest to the Park gate. At the gate we will spend an hour or so registering and paying park fees. A clear trail continues up through plantation and natural forest to the ridge between the Weru Stream and the Makoa Stream until the main trailhead is reached. From here a narrow forest (sometimes soggy and wet) path continues up to Machame Campsite.
After hiking through the forest, the trail and vegetation will dry and you will hike up a steep boulder ridge. At 3-4 hours the trail goes west into a gorge and ascends to Shira Hut/Camp on the Shira Plateau. We will spend a second night in this area around 16,000 feet, doing day hikes to higher altitudes to acclimatize. Alternatively, we will travel to Barranco, Moir or Lava Tower Camp to spend the third night.
We will travel to a short distance to Arrow Glacier above the Lava Tower camp. At the glacier you will have impressive views of the Shira plateau behind you and a rock/scree ridge, the Western Breach, in front of you leading up to the crater rim. Alternatively, we take a more moderate Barranco Trail if the Western Breach is to be avoided.
Day five will begin shortly after Day four is over. We will break camp early between 1 and 3 a.m. for the last push to Uhuru Peak through the Western Breach. After crossing glacial scree we will head straight up through a steep boulder field (this part of the route is strenuous and not recommended for anyone acrophobia). At the top…Kibo crater. Another 1-2 hours and Uhuru Peak will have been reached. Mount Kilimanjaro, the top of Africa.From the peak, any route down can be taken, but we recommend Marangu or Mweke. Mweke is less traveled and affords beautiful views of the mountain as we descend to Mweke camp slightly below the tree line.
Return
Down through the forest and to the Mweke trailhead/gate. Our car will pick you up and return you by dinner to your hotel. A hot shower will be awaiting you…
Safari Include
- All park fees, camping fees, and Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees
- Professional, experienced mountain guides, assistant guides, cooks, and porters
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Quality camping equipment including tents, tables, chairs, and dining tent
- Airport transfers and transportation to and from the mountain gate
- Accommodation before and after the trek in Arusha or Moshi (bed and breakfast)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate upon successful completion of the climb
Safari Exclude
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees and travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear and equipment rental
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and support crew
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
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When to Visit Tanzania?
The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what you hope to experience. Generally, mid-June to October is East Africa’s dry season, providing ideal safari conditions. The best months to see the wildebeest migration are from June to early October. The calving season from late January to early March offers a chance to witness the wildebeest calving and predator sightings. April-May is regarded as the low season due to heavy rains.
