Machame Route

The route is typically done on a Six or Seven day hike 

The campsites and gates (with corresponding elevations) are as follows Machame Gate (start of trek) 5,718 feet (1,743 m)

Machame 9,927 feet (3,026 m)

Shira 12,355 feet (3,766 m)

Barranco 13,066 feet (3,983 m)

Karanga (optional camp, used by 7 – day climbers)

Barafu (high camp before summit) 15,239 feet (4,645 m)

Mweka (descent) 10,204 feet (3,110 m)

Mweka Gate (end of trek) 5,423 feet (1,653 m)

One benefit of the Machame route is its quick rise to relatively high elevations (10,000 feet (3,000 m)), and a short ascent to the Lava Tower site (15,000 feet (4,600 m) before descending back to Barranco Camp (12,700 feet (3,900 m) on the same day. This follows the climber’s adage “climb high, sleep low” and helps altitude acclimatization the initial steep ascent also helps trekkers acclimatize better.

We start off at the impressive dense rain-forest where the gigantic trees of rubber and fig trees rises up mysteriously to the sky home of many exotic birds and monkeys. Here we can find many exotic flowers and other tropical vegetation. A stop for lunch will be taken half way to this evening campsite. As you continue to ascend, the tropical has given away to tall grass and gigantic Heather. Machame route travels upwards through the mountain. One benefit of this rout is its quick rise to relatively high elevations. The arrival time at Machame camp is usually at 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 pm.

The camp is set up near some metallic huts, which were once used for shelter and it is now for use of ranger   station.

Day 1  Depart travel to Arusha / Tanzania

We recommend flying from Amsterdam directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Day 2  Arrival Meet your AHS guides and transfer to Lodge 

Day 3  Machame Gate (1830 m/6000 ft.) Machame Camp (3000m/10,000 ft.)

After early breakfast we start the journey to Machame Camp crossing the famous and mysterious tropical rain forest at the foothills of Kilimanjaro Altitude gain: 1200 m/3940 ft.  

Day 4  Machame Camp / Shira Camp (3850 m/12630 ft.) 

Today we cross a stream valley moving then to the moorland of the Shira plateau, a very unique and mesmerizing area of Kilimanjaro.
Camp tonight at Shira Plateau Altitude gain: 820 m/2690 ft.

Day 5  Shira Camp via Lava Tower (4550 m/15,000 ft.) Barranco Camp (3,950 m/13,000 ft.)

Today you will encounter five-to-six-hour hike and see the vegetation of Kilimanjaro such as giant
synecious, lobelia and helichrysum as well as the wonderful views of the lava tower
and the glaciers if weather permitting. You will climb as high as 4,640m, and then will descend to camp at Barranco Valley at about 3,985m allowing your body for acclimatization and enjoying the first glimpse of Kilimanjaro Kibo Peak.
Altitude gain: 100 m/370 ft. (790 m/2,590 ft. to                                                                                                                         

Day 6  Barranco Camp / Karanga Camp (4040 m/13,255 ft.)

Today you ascend Barranco wall before crossing scree and ridges that will lead you to the Karanga valley reaching camp at lunch time and we will have time for an acclimatization walk.  From here you can see the views of western breach and southern glacier at about 4,040m
Altitude gain: 55 m/185 ft.    

Day 7  Karanga Camp / Barafu Camp (4,650 m/15,360 ft.)

Early we start our climb to Barafu, climbing at an easy pace up in a moraine ridge enjoying the views of the southern glacier and glacial valleys along the way. We reach camp at lunch time with enough time to relax and prepare for the summit day! You will be going to the summit this evening and going to sleep at about 5:30pm. Attempt to summit Uhuru peak starts at mid-night
Altitude gain: 640 m/2,105 ft. 

Day 8  Barafu Camp / Summit / Mweka camp

9 – 12:00am Summit attempt via Stella Point (5,752 m/18,871 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft.)
With a very slow pace you will make your final ascent across scree along the way to Uhru Peak
coming across the famous glaciers of Kilimanjaro and see the most beautiful sunrise way above the clouds
After summit, descent back to Barufu camp (4,650 m/15,350 ft) for hot lunch continuing then at 2:00Opm
to Mweka camp 3,000 m/10,000ft
Altitude gain: 1,245 m/3,340 ft. Barafu/ Uhuru. Camp at Mweka for the night.                       

Day 9

 We Leave Camp at 8:00am and continue descending to Mweka Gate. This last section takes you back to Kilimanjaro rain forest before reaching the Gate of the National Park. End of climb

Includes

Arrival and departure transfers while in Tanzania
Accommodations in Moshi full board
All Lodge Levi fees
Transportation to the mountain and Back 
Guides, assistant guides, porters, cooks, assistant cooks
Salaries for the crew is according to Kilimanjaro National Park Rules
Guides speak fluent English
Guides with license of Kilimanjaro
All Kilimanjaro entrance fees 
All government fees
3 full meals daily + packed water bottles
Accommodations in mountain
Certificate of summit accomplishment, Kilimanjaro N. P. Rescue fees

Excludes

International flights, Visas, personal items, phone calls, laundry, trekking gear(can be rented on arrival) Alcohol, Gratuities for guides in mountain, portable toilet, travel insurance (highly recommended)