Tanzania

Kilimanjaro climb - Machame Route

Price

2.995 USD

Duration

9 Days

Level

challenging

Date

February 21, 2020

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Overview Itinerary Details What’s Included Get Inspired

9 days

2,995 USD / 910 KWD / 11,050 AED

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Overview

The missionaries who in their dispatches to London first recorded seeing a snow capped mountain just south of the equator, were assumed to be hallucinating by the European geographers of that time.They weren’t, and the incredibly beautiful image of the snow capped mountain rising high above African plains full with wild life, has been attracting climbers, nature lovers and adventurers from all over the world.

A challenging but achievable dream for non-climbers, Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t require any technical climbing skills or gear and is most frequently described as a high-altitude trek. However, do not underestimate how strenuous and physically demanding this climb can be. You will be deprived of half of the Oxygen you breathe at sea level, and that is why great physical shape and a strong desire are required for this adventure. A highly experienced guide will be there to support you and help you reach your maximum potential – maybe even push you a bit beyond your perceived limits.

Climbing Kilimanjaro means that you move to a different climate zone almost daily, going through five distinct ecological regions: the lower slopes, the forest, the moorland, the highland desert, and the summit. You will start in a dense, forest area, possibly with muddy forest floors, which is Kilimanjaro’s most fertile zone. Then vegetation becomes shorter,as you pass by giant Groundsels and Lobelias with a great blue sky shining above. Above 4,000 meters, you will be climbing in the desert where seasons interchange within the same day: summer by daytime and winter by night. Finally, above 5,000 meters you will face semi-arctic conditions: subzero temperatures at night and blistering sun during the day.

Rahhalah will ensure that everything in our power is done to increase your chances of realizing your dream. We are prepared to lead you to the Top of Africa. Our climbing arrangements will enable you to better cope with the challenges of the mountain.

Do not miss this opportunity of a lifetime. You are given a chance to explore yourself one of nature’s great wonders!

Trip Highlights:
Get ready to...

Climb one of the 7 Summits and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Explore different climate zones- the lower slopes, forest, moorland, highland desert, and the summit.
Learn about the unique flora and fauna of the mountain from our expert guides.

Machame route
Known for its stunning scenery, Machame Route is one of the most popular routes up on Kilimanjaro. Slightly more strenuous than the famous Marangu Route, Machame offers an exciting challenge with extraordinary views.

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Activities: camping, hiking/trekking

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival Kilimanjaro and transfer to the hotel (D)

Upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, our representative will greet you to drive you to you where you will attend a team-briefing on the climb and have an individual gear check.

Overnight: Lodge

Note: 3 group transfers are arranged. Timings will be advised in due course.

Day 2: Machame Gate (1,790m) – Machame Camp (2,980m) (B, L, D)

Distance: 10 km/ Altitude gain: +1,190m/ Time: 6 hours

Today after breakfast you will be driven from the hotel to the Machame Gate where you sign in and get a permit to start climbing. There, you will join the climbing crew, and together you begin your trek. Your guide will tell you exactly what to expect on each day: the weather prediction, the nature of the trail, and the wildlife that you will grow to know so well. While you hike, do not hesitate to ask your guide to point out any special features that might interest you.

Machame Camp

Machame camp is surrounded by small trees overgrown with lichen. Our porters will set up the tents and prepare hot drinks for you. When the sun sets, it gets colder, and you will need to dress warmly, also using your headlamps.

Day 3: Machame Camp (2,980m) – Shira (3,720m)(B, L, D)

Distance: 7km/ Altitude gain: + 740m/ Time: 4 hours

Today is an easy-paced acclimatization day. You will continue your hiking through streams, a river gorge, and moorlands. The camp is set a little higher on the Shira Plateau with expansive views of Kilimanjaro. There is an optional hike in the afternoon where you can enjoy the large, tenacious, sand lobelias that grow at this elevation.

Shira Camp

This camp offers a great view of the Kibo Peak. This location displays vast prairies and bushes, which you will find regrouped to face the cold and wind. At night, the sky is covered with thousands of stars, and you can admire the famous Southern Cross and hear the distant cries of jackals.

Day 4: Shira (3,720m) – Lava Tower (4,650m) – Barranco (3,950m) (B, L, D)

Distance: 10km/ Altitude gain: +930m/ Altitude loss:-700m/Time: 5 hours

Today is another acclimatization day. You will hike to an elevation of 4570 meters before descending to your camp. The hiking time is between 5 to 6 hours. You will pass by the Lava Tower which you will have the opportunity to climb. This area will be your first introduction to the alpine zone where the only living plant is the heartiest of grass and lichens. You will ascend through the moorlands to the alpine desert zone. You will climb slowly.

Barranco Camp

Barranco Camp is located in a beautiful valley, with stunning views of Mount Meru: the twin volcano of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will also have the Heim glacier views,the southern slope of Kibo, not to mention the impressive Barranco Wall.

Day 5: Barranco (3,950m) - Karanga (3,995m) (B, L, D)

Distance: 5 km/ Altitude gain: + 400m/Altitude loss-355m/ Time: 4 hours

The slope is steep, so, once you climb, you will enjoy wonderful views of the area. The wall may seem mischievous, but never mind: it is the beginning of the day, and you are full of energy! Moreover, the landscape is so beautiful that you will really enjoy this trail towards the wall’s summit (which you are expected to reach in less than two hours). Once at the top, Heim glacier is overhanging. After a quick break, you will start to descend in a desert landscape as far as the Karanga valley. Then the vegetation is back again offering a stunning contrast. The water that runs at the bottom of the valley will be your last source of water until Kibo, Kilimanjaro's top. Here lies the last difficulty of the day: a steep, rocky wall that you need to climb. Twenty minutes later you reach Karanga camp... set in the clouds.

Camp Karanga

Karanga camp is located in the Karanga valley, below Heim, Kersten & Decken Glaciers.

Day 6: Karanga (3,995m) – Barafu (4,605m) (B, L, D)

Distance: 5km/ Altitude gain: +655 m/ Time: 4 hours

Today you will climb a rock wall, not too steep but challenging for some people. Your trip leader will make this safe and accessible for everyone. You will be able to see the breathtaking Heim Glacier. You continue hiking through rolling hills as you gradually approach Barafu. You are going to climb slowly and slowly and slowly, at a snail-pace. Remember to drink plenty of water and tea and eat small snacks. Keep breathing and keep moving. After an early dinner, you will rest. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Barafu Camp

You will spend the night at Barafu camp, after a well-deserved dinner cooked by our chef on site.

Day 7: Barafu (4,605m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka (3,068m) (B, L, D)

Distance: 20 km/Altitude gain: +1.290m/ Altitude loss: - 2,827m/ Time: 14 hours

At midnight you will begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak. Today is the big day: you are going to complete some serious achievements and goals. After hiking for six to eight hours, you will stand on the top of the highest free-standing mountain in the world, and this will bring new perspectives into your life. The time you will be able to spend on the top of Africa for pictures and videos will depend on the weather. Your descent will take approximately three hours, and you will have a short stop for lunch around Barafu camp. Later, you will proceed towards Mweka Camp where you are going to spend your last night on Kilimanjaro and have your victory celebration!

Mweka Camp

You shall spend your last night on the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro at Mweka Camp, located more than 2,700 meters lower than the summit. This will be the time to celebrate your victory!

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,068m) – Mweka Gate (1,650m) – Hotel(B, L, D)

Distance: 16km/ Altitude loss: -1,418m/ Time: 4 hours

Today is your last hike. The trail is steep in places and may be slippery if it is a wet day. Please use trekking poles. At Mweka Gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and enjoy your last picnic lunch. You will then be taken to the hotel for a hot shower and dinner.

Day 9: Departure Kilimanjaro (B)

You will have one last day to relax under the sun of Africa. Those of you who depart on this day: you will be driven to the airport where we will say Goodbye. Those of you who would like to see more of Tanzania: we would be glad to take you to some of the most amazing national parks. Alternatively, we can arrange a few relaxing days on the spice island of Zanzibar.