MACHAME ROUTE

Machame � The Best Route To Climb Kilimanjaro
If Marangu is the "Coca Cola" route, then the Machame Route is the "Whiskey" route. It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside.
It is done over 7 days, so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience. Descent is down the Mweka trail staying at the Mweka or Millenium camp the final night on the mountain.
Kilimanjaro + Safari Combo Discount: Save $50/person when you book a Kilimanjaro Trek and Safari (5 days or more).
7 � Day Machame Route
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Moshi.
A driver will meet you at the Kilimanjaro Airport after you go through immigration and customs. It takes a minimum of 45 minutes to get to Moshi with no traffic.
There will be a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide today and an opportunity to get any rental items that you may need and also pack for the trek. You can leave extra luggage that is not needed on the trek at the hotel.
If you have time, we recommend an extra rest day before your trek.
Meals included: n/a Mid-Range Accommodations: Chanya Lodge
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp
Drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (30-45 minutes). The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft Distance: 11km Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Hike Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft Distance: 5km Walking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Hike Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the �Shark�s Tooth� (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft Distance: 10km Walking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Semi-desert

Day 4: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft Distance: 4km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Budget Accommodations: Mweka Camp
Day 7: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Don�t forget to tip your guides and porters.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport
Drive to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure, or continue for your safari.
Meals included: Breakfast
Price Inclusive
� All accommodations per itinerary
� All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
� All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
� All transportation and transfers per itinerary
� 2 nights 3-star hotel in Moshi (upgrades available)
� Round-trip Kilimanjaro Airport transfers (shared)
� National Park gate fees
� Transport from Moshi to trail head and return to Moshi
� Camping fees
� Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
� Salaries for all crew members
� Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
� Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
� Oximeters
� Emergency Oxygen (2L canister)
Price Exclusive
� International and domestic flights
� Meals not listed
� Beverages and alcohol
� Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
� Optional tours
� Single room supplement
� Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
� Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
� Sleeping bags and personal gear
� $50 for a single tent
� Low season discount in April/May