Arrival
Arrival
Day 1
Machame Camp
Machame Camp
The first day of trekking begins at Machame Gate. Normally one hour’s drive from Moshi lies the gate to the Machame route. At the gate, you will meet your trekking crew, your guide, porters, and cook. There will be a flurry of activity as porters assemble gear for the trek as you complete park formalities. The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforests. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Shira Camp
Shira Camp
On day two, you will rise early, since your route continues up through the forest until you reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively steep as you enter the low alpine zone which is characterized by moorlands and grasslands. Shira Camp 2 sits on a plateau that provides you with the first views of Kibo in the North-West and Mount Meru in the East. Day two takes approximately 4-6 hours and covers a distance of 5.4km / 3.4 miles.
Shira Camp
Distance: | 5.4km / 3.4 miles
Approx. trekking time: | 5 hours
Zone: | Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
-
Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Shira Cave
Shira Cave
On day three, walking on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. You will traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp. The day has been spent at an altitude (up to 4600m). Although you end the day at a very similar elevation to when you started from Shira Camp. It is arguably one of the most important days on your trek as it gives you a chance to climb high and sleep low which is important for proper acclimatization.
Barranco Camp
Distance: | 10.8km / 6.7 miles.
Approx. trekking time: | 8 hours.
Zone: | Low alpine zone / High alpine zone.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp
Day four on the Machame Route begins by descending into the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. You will then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical, but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, you will head towards the Karanga Valley, which is your last stop for fresh water before the summit. Note: Trekkers on the seven-day route spend the night at Karanga Camp before continuing to Barafu. This additional day is beneficial in terms of acclimatization.
Barafu Camp
Distance: | 8.5km / 5.3 miles.
Approx. trekking time: | 8 hours.
Zone: | High alpine zone.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Barafu Camp
Barafu Camp
Day five is summit night and day! You will start at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. You will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. You should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit you. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround you and the views of jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes you to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). You will begin your descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on a steep slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Mweka Camp for a long well-earned rest.
Uhuru Peak
Distance: | 16.4km / 9.6 miles.
Approx. trekking time: | 13hours – 15hours.
Zone: | Glacial zone and all preceding zones.
Day 6
Departure
Departure
After breakfast, you will trek down to Mweka gate where the whole team will be waiting to celebrate together.
- Main Destination:
- Arusha (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
