7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

Day 1 – Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha:

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa, close to Arusha. The rest of the day is for you to do as you please. You can opt to spend the day relaxing by the lodge pool or explore the town of Arusha. In the late afternoon you will be briefed by our team on what to expect on your upcoming trek.

Day 2 – Arusha – Machame Gate (1,790m) – Machame Camp (3,010m):

After breakfast you will be picked up at your lodge and taken to the Kilimanjaro National park gate. After completion of all the necessary paper work, your adventure commences. Your destination for today is the Machame Camp. Soon you will be hiking through the lush rainforest with its large ancient trees, primeval ferns and endemic flowers, like the Impatiens kilimanjari. You might also spot black and white colobus monkeys, peeking through the leaves. Reaching the campsite you will have time to relax, stretch your legs and enjoy a hearty meal, before snuggling into your tent for the night. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3 – Machame Camp (3,010m) – Shira Camp (3,845m):

Today’s early start is not due to a long stretch, but rather to allow you to reach Shira Camp at around mid-afternoon. As you walk you will notice the dramatic change in the landscape – from lush and green rainforest to dry moor and heath land. Arriving at your campsite a beautiful view of the mountain range opens up before you. The glaciers of Kibo glistens in the golden hue of the setting sun as you enjoy another lovingly cooked meal before climbing into your tent. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4 – Shira Camp (3,845m) – Lava Tower Hut (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m):

Acclimatisation is on today’s menu. You will climb roughly 800 m, but sleep on a level not much higher than the previous night. Starting at Shira Plateau, you will make your way up to Lava Tower. Here you will rest a while, before continuing through the Barranco Valley to the beautiful Barranco Camp. The trek will take approximately 6 to 7 hours, but the various distractions of the alpine desert as well as the Barranco Valley with its small lobelia plants and giant senecios will keep your mind off the stretch still ahead. A well-deserved dinner and overnight awaits you at Barranco Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5 – Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m):

Today the Barranco Wall stands before you to conquer. Some stages will require you to use your hands for a better grip, but no actual climbing is necessary. Your guide will be with you every step of the way to lend a helping hand. The route with its numerous ascents and descents allow for further acclimatisation and leads you to the mountain ridge. Walking along the ridge you can take in the beautiful landscape with its stunning contrasts of desert and vegetation, before finally reaching the cloudy Karanga Camp. Your trek will take between 3 to 4 hours, leaving more than enough time to rest and play a game of rummy. Evening meal and overnight at Karanga Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6 – Acclimatization at Karanga Valley (14,800):

Hike time: 3.5 hrs., Elevation change: +100 M
Estimated distance: 4km, Maximum elevation: 4590 M
Final elevation: 4000 M
From Barranco Hut we climb up through the edge of great Barranco 95 percentage of that day walking will be on elevation of 4250m. We will break our day at Karanga valley campsite at elevation of 4,000m walking time is 4 to 5 hrs. on this day.

Day 7 – Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m):

At around midnight you will be woken up by your guide with a warm cup of tea and biscuits to get you ready for your final ascent. The moon and your headlamps will be your only source of light as you make your way up to Stella Point (5,730m), reaching the crater rim in about 5 to 7 hours. Another 1 to 2 hours will take you to Uhuru Peak, where you can enjoy the sun rising over the African landscape, casting a pink hue over the snowy peak and making the glaciers sparkle like diamonds around you. After capturing this incredible view and achievement on film, you will start your descent along the same route back to Barafu Camp, where your team awaits you with some snacks and refreshments. Rested and relaxed you will make your way to Mweka Camp for your last night on the highest mountain in Africa. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 8 – Mweka Camp (3,080m) – Mweka Gate (1,630m) – Arusha:

A scrumptious breakfast is followed by a traditional farewell ceremony from your mountain crew, before you start your final stretch down the mountain. You will once more trek through the rainforest, giving you another opportunity to spot the cheeky colobus monkeys, finally reaching the Mweka Gate. You will be met at the gate and taken back to the Meru View Lodge for a long shower and relaxed day by the pool.  Stay overnight at Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa on bed and breakfast basis.

How are emergencies handled during the Kilimanjaro climb?

In the event of an emergency during the Kilimanjaro climb, the mountain rescue services in Tanzania are not comparable to those found in the European Alps. If you cannot walk, you will either be carried or transported on a wheeled stretcher, which is an unpleasant experience. It is important to only push yourself as far as your body allows to prevent emergencies. Helicopters are not often deployed due to altitude limitations. It is recommended to have adequate health insurance coverage for medical expenses, including rescue and repatriation costs.

Is vaccination required for Tanzania?

The Tanzanian health department does not require vaccinations for entry. However, visitors are advised to receive a yellow fever vaccination as Tanzania is a yellow fever region. Additionally, it is recommended to have all other shots such as Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, and Hepatitis A & B up to date. Malaria is present in Tanzania, but there are no mosquitoes at high altitude. It is advisable to consult with your doctor or travel clinic for taking any precautionary medication.

What are Tanzania’s visa requirements?

For most travelers, it is possible to obtain a visa upon arrival. It is still every visitor’s obligation to check the latest visa regulations with their respective embassies. Every traveler is responsible for carrying the required travel documents.

What kind of clothes and gear are recommended for Kilimanjaro?

There are specific items that should be packed for a Kilimanjaro climb, and a detailed packing list is provided once the booking is confirmed. For convenience, essential clothing items and gear are available for rent.

Is tipping required for the mountain crew?

Tipping the mountain crew is a common practice, and gratuities are a large portion of the crew’s income, so they are highly appreciated. Recommended tipping amounts per group, not per person, are provided by the tour provider.

Should I bring extra money?

It is recommended to bring extra money for tips, souvenirs, and personal expenses. If bringing USD, it is essential to ensure that the bills have been printed after 2004 as earlier printed ones will not be accepted.

How can I cope with altitude sickness during the climb?

Almost everyone climbing Kilimanjaro will be affected by altitude sickness in some way. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea. It is essential to replace lost body fluids by drinking enough water and taking magnesium to prevent muscle cramps. Mild symptoms allow continuing the hike, but severe altitude sickness is a serious matter and can be life-threatening. It is vital to bear in mind that a medical descent may be required.

What meals will be provided during the climb?

Meals are included in the itinerary. For breakfast, there is a choice of fruit, scrambled eggs, porridge, toast, jam, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. Lunch is provided in a lunch box containing sandwiches, boiled eggs, chicken, etc. Dinner consists of soup and bread followed by meat or poultry with starch (i.e., chips, mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice) and vegetables, topped off with dessert in the form of fresh fruit, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea, and milk. Special dietary requirements or food allergies can be catered with advanced notification.

What are the ablution facilities like?

Basic long drops (simple latrines) are available, and climbers are provided with a bowl of warm water for daily wash.

How big is the group?

This is a private tour, and there won’t be any other climbers joining the group. The group will only consist of the people who chose to travel together and their mountain crew.

Is there an age limitation for this climb?

Yes, there is an age limitation for this climb. Climbers must be at least 18 years old to participate. This is to ensure that climbers have the necessary physical and mental maturity to undertake the climb safely and responsibly.

Can I bring my own climbing gear?

Yes, you are allowed to bring your own climbing gear. However, it must meet our safety requirements and pass a safety inspection before use. If you are unsure whether your gear meets our safety standards, we recommend renting equipment from our facility.

Do I need prior climbing experience?

Prior climbing experience is not required, but it is recommended. Our climb is designed to be accessible to climbers of all skill levels, but it can be physically demanding. We recommend that you are in good physical shape and have some familiarity with climbing techniques.

Is there a weight limit for climbers?

Yes, there is a weight limit for climbers. Climbers must weigh between 100 and 250 pounds to participate. This is to ensure that our safety equipment can support your weight and that you can physically handle the demands of the climb.

What happens in case of inclement weather?

In the event of inclement weather, we may need to postpone or cancel the climb for safety reasons. We will do our best to notify you as soon as possible if this occurs and work with you to reschedule your climb for a later date.

Is there a refund policy?

We offer a full refund for cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled climb time. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled climb time will not be refunded. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we will work with you to reschedule your climb for a later date if possible.