Machame Route, Climbing Kilimanjaro Trek
MACHAME CLIMB KILIMANJARO CLIMBING (SF8MAC)
8 days / 7 nights (6 day / 5 night hike)
Starts and ends in Moshi (transfers can be arranged)
This route offers some of the best scenery – ascending form the western side or Kilimanjaro Tanzania Safari and descending down the southern face. All tents and camping equipment are carried by porters for you and meals are prepared by your cook.
TRAVELLERS COMMENTS
We were told that if the Marangu Route is the Coca Cola route then the Machame is the whiskey route and we agree with that! Fewer people, a longer walk allowing us to get used to the altitude, sleeping in tents and great meals (thanks Joseph) made it all the more comfortable.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
The safari departs early from Arusha – we recommend you spend Saturday night in Arusha and we can recommend accommodation to suit your budget.
Day 1
Arrive in Moshi and overnight at Keys Hotel, meet your guides have your gear checked and a climb briefing before enjoying dinner and an early night.
Day 2
Transfer to the Park Gate and hike to Machame Camp will take up to 7 hours and you ascend from 1500 to 3100 metres.
Day 3
Machame Camp to Shira Camp is a climb of about 6 hours and your altitude ranges from 2980 metres to 3850 metres.
Day 4: Kilimanjaro Tour Climb
Shira Camp to Lava Tower & Barranco Camp, up to 7 hours of walking will take you up to the Lava Tower at 4600 mtrs and then back down to the camp at 3950 mtrs.
Day 5
From Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp is about 7 hours and you climb from 3950 to 4560 metres.
Day 6
Today you strive for the summit and Uhuru Peak is at 5895 metres. You then descend to Mweka Campsite, covering an altitude range from 4560 metres to 5895 metres and then down to 3100 metres. Hiking time will be 6 to 8 hours ascent and 7 to 8 hours descent
Day 7
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate will take about 3 hours and bring you from 3100 to 1970 mtrs. Transfer to Keys Hotel and overnight.
Day 8
After breakfast check out of the hotel and we can arrange for a transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport or to the Nairobi shuttle service (not included).
HIGHLIGHTS & FEATURES
* Machame is the second most popular and so can be busy at times.
* There are no huts so your porters will carry tents and camping gear and you will not feel that the mountain is as ‘crowded.
* Cooks prepare your meals and they are eaten either in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside.
* This is a 6 day climb so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high.
* You will circle halfway around the mountain with great views from all angles.
* This route is approximately 40 km versus 20 km on the Marangu route.
* This route is for physically fit people with preferably with some hiking experience.
* Excellent camping gear is provided, meals are cooked on gas (to protect the environment) and proper waste disposal guidelines are adhered to.
* Our porters & guides are fairly paid, appropriately dressed and well trained – the climb may cost a little more than some but we believe in the Climb should be satisfying for all!!
IS THIS SAFARI RIGHT FOR YOU?
* The Machame Route is much longer in terms of distance but you do climb at a slower pace so acclimatisation is easier.
* No technical mountaineering climbing is needed but you do need to be fit; at times you will walk in cold and icy conditions for up to 15 hours.
* Accommodation is tented – we carry everything in and everything out, so equipment whilst adequate is necessarily kept simple.
* Meals are simple but filling and designed to give you energy.
* You need to be properly kitted out for a climb – we can provide detailed information on preparing mentally and physically for the climb and on equipment you will need.
BEST MONTHS FOR THIS SAFARI
You can climb Mt. Kilimanjaro all year round. It is so close to the Equator that days and nights are always the same length, and there is no real summer or winter. However, they have two wet seasons (the “short rains” in October and November, and the “long rains” in March, April, and May).
If you plan to combine your Kilimanjaro climb with wildlife viewing in Tanzania or Kenya, you might wish to avoid the rainy season.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
In April and May & October / November you may get quite a lot of rain
Best time for Tanzanian game viewing – migratory herds are passing through the Serengeti and calving takes place on the southern plains from January to March.
Game viewing is good but you might like to include Kenya’s Masai Mara to get migration viewing.
