Machame – 7 days climb

WHY THIS ITINERARY?

Many people list Kilimanjaro as a lifelong dream adventure. This itinerary allows you the time to see all of Kilimanjaro’s main areas and with a 7 day ascent it also allows you a great chance of successfully making it to the roof of Africa! A great route.’

DESCRIPTION

This is a 7 day Kilimanjaro hike starting at Machame gate, ascending through afro-mo-ntane forest and then into the heath zone and on to the edge of the remnants of the Shira volcano. The route then circumnavigates the main peak, Kibo, anticlockwise on route passing some spectacular features such as giant steps and glacial valleys. The final ascent is from Barafu camp. It is a night time ascent to Uhuru Peak via Stella Point. The descent is via the Mweka route.

HIGHLIGHTS

Kilimanjaro: afro-montane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys and aline desert, views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa!

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL – LODGE

On arrival you are met by True Travel Tanzania driver guide and transferred to your evenings accommodation. In the late afternoon there is a briefing with our expedition manager and head guide to go over the itinerary in detail, check gear and answer any questions you may have. Dinner & overnight Lodge (dinner).

DAY 2 KILIMANJARO – MACHAME

After breakfast you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro. At the gate your crew finalize packing and after finishing with formalities you start of from Machame gate. Today’s hiking is through verdant afro-montane forest to Machame camp and on route you have a picnic lunch. Look out for pretty endemic flora and a graduation of forest zones! Overnight Machame Camp (full board).

DAY 3 KILIMANJARO – SHIRA

FromMachame camp you hike to Shira Camp. The first section is relatively steep and altitude is gained rapidly. A picnic lunch is taken on trail today. The zone you pass through today is known as the heath zone where attractive helichrysum and lobelia plants become apparent. Various geologic features can be seen today from lava tubes to glacial valleys. Overnight Shira Camp (full board).

DAY 4 KILIMANJARO – BARRANCO

Today is a walk high sleep low day. You ascend into alpine desert and for those that are feeling strong you can even head up to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco camp. Lunch is taken as a picnic lunch on route. This is long day but note that the next time you head to this altitude is in two days’ time – great acclimatization day! Overnight Barranco Camp (full board).

DAY 5 KILIMANJARO – KARANGA

FromBarranco camp, famous for its’ giant groundsels (Senecio species), you ascend the Barranco wall and hike glacial valleys to Karanga camp. Today is a relatively short day hiking and lunch is taken at Karanga camp. In the afternoon a walk can be taken with your guides for great views of the southern walls of Kibo and deep glacial valleys. Overnight Karanga Camp (full board).

DAY 6 KILIMANJARO- BARAFU

Today is another half day ascending to Barafucamp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the evening. Overnight Barafu Camp (full board).

DAY 7 KILIMANJARO – SUMMIT / MWEKA

Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru peak, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down and your goal today is to reach Mweka camp before dusk. Overnight Mweka Camp (full board).

DAY 8 – ARUSHA

A final descent of 4,500 ft brings you down to Mweka Gate where your team will have prepared another scrumptious and fresh lunch and your transfer vehicles will be waiting to collect you. Here you will say goodbye to our mountain staff before heading to the hotel near Arusha for a farewell dinner and either overnight or a day room and departure. Extend your Tanzanian vacation with True Travel Tanzania on safari, walking safari or other adventures.

DAY 9 – DEPART

After breakfast you are transferred onto onward connections. Note if you want to spend the day at rest please request a day room (extra charge).

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