9-day trip: climbing Kilimanjaro
Overview
The Machame route was voted as the most beautiful climbing route in the world! This is due to the stunning views of Mount Meru, the impressive ascent along the Barranco wall and other highlights you see. The route also has well-maintained hiking trails. You can also see more of Kilimanjaro, because the Machame route takes a different route to the summit than for the descent.
The ascent via the Machame route takes a total of six days, but is also possible in seven days so that your body can acclimatize properly. We recommend this extra day as it increases your chances to reach the summit. In this case, you would take an extra day to hike from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp and day five of this route will correspond with day five and six of the Lemosho route.
Spectra Tours Tanzania offers a unique service throughout the climb
Climbing Kilimanjaro is the ultimate challenge! Little details can make a world of difference, which is why with us, you climb with professional guides, porters, and a cook. They take care of you during your ascent via the Machame route, by checking your health twice a day and serving you delicious food. Sounds like a bit much? Not if you want to reach the top! Because we know that altitude sickness can creep up on you unnoticed and that proper nutrition* is essential to keep you going during a strenuous climb.
Besides, we offer a comprehensive information package to help you prepare for your climb via the Machame route. It gives information about Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro, how to best prepare and what materials to buy or rent. And did we mention that we are a partner of the Kilimanjaro Responsible Travel Organisation (KRTO)? That means we take care of our crew and the mountain during our climb, making sure you can climb with a clear conscience. Are you ready for an unforgettable experience?
*If you would like to see the menu, we can send it in advance.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb
- Day 2: Machame Route (1/6) | Machame Gate (1,800 m/5,905 ft) – Machame Camp (2,835 m/9,301 ft)
- Day 3: Machame route (2/6) | Machame Camp (2,835 m/9,301 ft) to Shira Camp (3,839 m/12,595 ft)
- Day 4: Machame route (3/6) | Shira Camp (3,839 m/12,595 ft) – Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft) – Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft)
- Day 5: Machame route (4/6) | Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft) – Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft)
- Day 6: Machame route (5/6) | Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) – Millennium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft)
- Day 7: Machame route (6/6) | Millennium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) – Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) – Hotel
- Day 8 – 9: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb
Included/Exclude
- Park fees
- 9 days
- Pickup and transfer airport
- Porters who carry your luggage
- Private cook speaking fluently English
- Private guide speaking fluently English
- Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- High quality tents (including dinner-tent)
- Portable toilet
- Rescue fee (up to 11.483 feet above sea level by car
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- International flights (can be booked for you on request)
- Accommodation on day of arrival and departure
- Tips for guides, porters and cook
Tour Plan
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our guide is there waiting for you. He then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.
Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.
The first morning, your guide picks you up from the hotel and takes you to Machame Gate. The first part leads you through coffee and banana plantations, as well as an untouched and very green rainforest. After a five to six-hour hike, you reach the Machame Camp on the edge of the forest area with a heather zone. This is your first day at this altitude, so remember to drink plenty of water!
This second day on the mountain starts with another nice climb that is a little steeper. You first pass to a small circular cliff known as the picnic rock where you are rewarded with stunning views of Kibo (a peak of Kilimanjaro) and Shira (one of the other volcanic peaks). From the picnic rock, you hike on to Shira Camp via a beautiful route to have lunch and rest. If you wish, you can take an acclimatisation walk towards the Lava Tower (to an altitude of 4630 meters and a distance of 2 km).
From Shira Camp to the beautiful Lava Tower, you go through many ascents and descents with amazing views along the way. You have lunch at Lava Tower for one to two hours for your body to acclimatize as you might feel uncomfortable with the increase in altitude. After lunch, you descend to Barranco Camp. Watch out for strange-looking flowering plants that grow up to five meters high! Barranco Camp is located at the foot of the imposing Barranco Wall, which is impressive in both its sheer size and steepness.
After breakfast, you depart Barranco Camp and hike towards Barranco Wall. After a challenging but enjoyable route, you reach the top of the Barranco wall and have a spectacular view of the Kibo volcano to your left and of the distant Mount Meru to your right. Then a more difficult hike starts through Karanga Camp, with many ascents and descents, after which you reach your camp for the night: Barafu Camp, the last camp before the summit! Enjoy a hot meal and make sure to relax and sleep, before your final ascent to the summit!
Today is the day! Around midnight you start from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak. The climb leads over good trails and the most challenging part is the high altitude. Once you reach the summit you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! After a small time at the top, where you celebrate your ultimate triumph you descend slowly to the scenic Millennium Camp.
The Millenium camp is located in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up today, you feel a sense of relief from the reduced altitude and satisfaction from reaching the summit. After breakfast you take an easy walk to the park exit.
Your driver then brings you back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest!
Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!
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