MACHAME ROUTE
8 DAYS/ 7 NIGHTS
Day 1:On arrival in Kilimanjaro International Airport you
will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at
your leisure. Please note this is an arrival day and you may arrive
at any time.
In the evening there is a briefing on the trek. At this time you
will also receive your personal trek bag. This trek bag will contain
a kit bag that your porter will carry, an appropriate sleeping bag,
sleep sheet and down jacket. You will need to transfer your other
possessions into this bag. You will be able to leave your normal
traveling bag and any excess luggage at base hotel to be collected
upon your return.
Day 2:
from Arusha or Moshi,
drive to the Machame Park gate, set off climbing gently through the
south-western slopes of the mountain. This is original montane
forest, carpeted with unique “busy lizzie” flowers, begonias and
ferns. First camp amongst the giant heather at 3,000m. A 1,200m
ascent and 6 hours walking
Day 3:
Emerging from the forest into the giant heather zone
and out onto fine open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3,840m.
We’ve seen herds of eland up here and there are fascinating
geological features in the old volcanic caldera which can be viewed
during a half hour optional walk in the afternoon. 840m ascent and
4-5 hours walking
Day 4:
from Shira, climb towards the main peak Kibo,
with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged
high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around
its base and under the imposing western Breach, descend into the
sheltered Barranco Valley for mid-way camp at 3,950m. 5-7 hours
walking and only 110m total ascent – but having climbed much higher
and dropped back down assists acclimatisation.
Day 5:
Up the steep Barranco wall
with some sections of very easy scrambling and drop down again to
the Karanga Valley. This is a short walking day, 3-4 hours, with an
optional acclimatisation hike in afternoon up onto the scree below
the glaciers.
Day 6:
Up to a new camp about 150m above Barafu Hut
perched high on a rocky bluff at 4,750m. Fantastic views across to
Mawenzi peak and a bit less to climb tomorrow morning! This is
another short walking day, about 4 hours, with less exertion and a
good rest in afternoon immediately before the hard summit day
Day 7:
A bracing 1am start to climb the steep frozen scree.
This is unavoidable on any route but we aim to reach Stella Point on
the crater rim for sunrise - another 40 minutes and you’re at the
highest point on the continent, usually in warm sunshine. Ascent of
1,300m and about 7 hours trek to the summit; 2,600m descent and 5-6
hours trek to the new Rau campsite at 3,400m. This is a long hard
day - you’ll feel tired but ecstatic when you’ve done it!
Day 8:
A further 5-6 hour descent
through the virgin forest to Kidia Gate to collect certificates and
meet the vehicle. Return to Moshi or Arusha. |
