8 Days (7 Nights) Tanzania Mountaineering Tour
8 Days (7 Nights) Tanzania Mountaineering Tour, Machame route
Route duration: Six days
Total hiking distance: Approximately 100 kms
The Machame route offering only tented accommodation is suitable for hikers who are quite adventurous. This route is known to be the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro rewarding hikers with unique scenic views including the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall and the late afternoon sunsets at Shira. The route also offers hikers fast high elevation views while allowing for altitude acclimation with a short ascent to the Lava Tower site before descending back to Barranco for overnight camping.
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrival day 1: JRO Airport to Moshi Town
Our tour agent will drive you from JRO/ KIA Kilimanjaro Airport to your hotel in Moshi Town. The drive takes about 45 minutes and you may have time to go for a brief city tour before retiring to your hotel - Marangu Hotel or Parkview Inn or Springlands Hotel or Kibo Hotel.
A briefing by our tour guide will enable you to ascertain that you have all the necessary requirements for the mountain trek adventure.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Hut
Hike time: Approx. 5 hours
Camp elevation: 3100 m
Distance: Approximately 18 kms
Habitat: Montane forest
The driver will take you to Machame Gate to begin your 5-6 hour trek through the dense vegetation of the montane rainforest. Muddy trails and steep hikes require that you put on appropriate boots and gaiters. This first day trek ends at Machame camp where the forest gives way to the moorland. You will greatly enjoy the scenic mountain views at this point.
Day 3: Machame Hut to Shira Hut
Hike time: Approx. 6 Hours
Camp elevation: 3840 m
Distance: Approximately 9 kms
Habitat: Moorland
The 6-7 hours hike offers you outstanding views along the way as you head to a small plateau in the high moorlands (site for the Shira Camp). Enjoy the magnificent views of Kibo and Mount Meru while you relax at the Camp. Lookout for White necked ravens as you take a short walk to the Shira caves.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Hike time: Approx. 5 hrs
Camp elevation: 3860 m
Distance: Approximately 15 kms
Habitat: Semi-desert
This 5-6 hour hike is quite tough taking you through the moorland to alpine desert with fewer trees and more rocks. It will take you to the highest elevation of the day at the base of the Lava Tower (4630m). Some hikers start feeling the discomfort of this altitude but a 2 hour descent to Barranco camp is a beneficial acclimatisation exercise.
This campsite in the Barranco Valley is possibly the most impressive with marvellous views of Kibo, the valleys and rainforest below. Take beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall and watch the sun go beyond the far horizons while you relax and wait for your dinner.
Day 5: Barranco Hut to Barafu Hut
Hike time: Approx. 7 Hours
Camp elevation: 4600 m
Distance: Approximately 13 kms
Habitat: Alpine desert
Ascending the Barranco Wall is sight scaring but you will be surprised and realise that eyes lie after making your way up. You will be rewarded with unforgettable spectacular views of Kibo and the scenery around and beyond. Take time appreciating the beauty of Kilimanjaro when you reach the top of Barranco Wall just below the Heim Glacier. You will then proceed with the rolling trail to cross Karanga River after crossing several small streams. Your day’s hike ends at Barafu Camp on a rough rocky terrain. Eat well, organise your hiking gear and have adequate resting so that you will be ready to rise at midnight to start your journey climax – the summit trek.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to the Summit and then to Mweka Camp
Hike time: approx. 7 Hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 Hours to descend to Mweka Camp
Summit elevation: 5895m
Camp elevation: 3100m
Distance: Approximately 7 kms ascent - 23 kms descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Wake up few minutes before midnight to have some snacks and thereafter embark on the trek in the dark, cold early morning hours of the day. You will use torchlight and lanterns to overcome the darkness and the cold conditions make the trek less tiring. Yet it is equally fascinating to enjoy the hike without the need for artificial light provided you are lucky to be hiking when there is a full moon in the sky. At dawn, as the sun is preparing to rise, you will have a spectacular view as you stand at Stella Point (5685m) on the crater rim. You will need a brief rest since this hike to Stella point is considered to be the most challenging on this route. As you proceed, delight in the impressive views of the snow features on your 2 hour ascent to Africa’s highest point - the Uhuru Peak (5895m).
Finally, you will enjoy the picturesque view and the contentment of making it to the top. To avoid fatigue and coldness, do not take too long at the summit. Make a 3 hour descent to Barafu camp where you can relax briefly before proceeding through a simple downward route to Mweka Camp. Spend a serene overnight at the camp.
Day 7: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate then Mweka Gate to Moshi
Descent time: Approx. 4 hrs
Final elevation: 1828 m
Distance: Approximately 15 kms
Habitat: Forest
On your trek through montane forest to Mweka Gate you will be rewarded with views of black-and-white colobus monkeys. After registering and getting a certificate of achievement (either green certificate for Stella Point - 5685m or gold certificate for Uhuru Peak - 5895m), our driver will take you back to your Hotel in Moshi to relax, have a chat with your travel partners and guides and you can tip the porters if you are delighted with their service.
Departure Day 8: Back to Kilimanjaro airport
Our driver will take you to Kilimanjaro airport so that you can fly back home or to your next destination.
Note: a 6 day Mountain Kilimanjaro hike is also possible at your request but you must be aware of the shortcomings of this arrangement.
Very important to note: We are specialists in tailor made vacations:
Contact our experts for further information.
TEL: +255 27 2750448, Hotline:+255 754 679909
P.O.Box 2029, Moshi Tanzania
Email info@tanzaniasafaritours.com
Very important to note:
We are specialists in tailor made vacations:
Contact our experts for further information.
TEL: +255 754 370466, Hotline:+255 786 370466
P.O.Box 2029, Arusha Tanzania
Email info@tanzaniasafaritours.com
