Tanzania

Kilimanjaro climb - Machame Route

Price

3,495 USD

Duration

9 Days

Level

challenging

Date

February 23, 2024

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Overview Itinerary Details What’s Included Get Inspired

9 days

3,495 USD / 1,075 KWD / 12,895 AED / 13,285 SAR

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Overview

When the first recounts of a snowcapped mountain south of the equator in Africa reached Europe, they were believed to be hallucinations and folk tales. The stories, though, inspired the first explorers; centuries later, Kilimanjaro, majestically rising above the African plains, still attracts thousands of climbers and nature lovers from around the world who aspire to set foot on the top of Africa.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging but achievable dream for non-climbers, most frequently described as a high-altitude trek since it does not require any technical climbing skills or highly specialized gear. The trail is impressive, as it takes you through five distinct ecological regions and climate zones: 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 highland 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.

With this itinerary, we invite you to explore one of nature’s greatest wonders, challenge your limits, and put one of the Seven Summits under your belt.

Trip Highlights:
Get ready to:

Climb one of the 7 Summits and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Enjoy hiking through different climate zones that range from lush slopes and forests to moorland, alpine desert, and the summit.
Learn about the unique flora and fauna of the mountain.
Feel incredible thrill and excitement when standing at the top of Africa, enjoying magnificent views only a few can see.
Hone your hiking skills, as well as the stamina, commitment and patience needed to succeed in such an expedition.

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Activities: camping, hiking/trekking

Difficulty Analysis

Although climbing Kilimanjaro does not require any technical skills, one should not underestimate the difficulty caused by the mountain's high altitude. At the top, climbers are deprived of half the oxygen one breathes at sea level, affecting stamina, digestion, appetite, breathing, and sleep. As such, interested climbers should be in excellent physical shape and strongly desire to succeed in this adventure. To achieve this goal, Rahhalah's team will support you every step of the way. First of all, to further assist you in understanding whether you are fit enough to participate in this climb, Rahhalah's expert team will assess your fitness levels before your registration and, once you register, will help you prepare a training routine to guarantee the success of your trip. Then, while on the mountain, our highly experienced guides will help you reach your maximum potential – maybe even push you a bit beyond your perceived limits. All arrangements – equipment, porters, quality and quantity of food, water, and camping set-ups – plus our trained teams on the mountain will guarantee your adventure is safe, exciting, and successful.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 (23rd February 2024): Arrival at Kilimanjaro and transfer to the hotel (D)

Upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Rahhalah representative who will drive you to your lodge. There, you will attend a team-briefing on the climb and have an individual gear check. Accommodation: Weru Weru or similar.

Day 2 (24th February 2024): Transfer to Machame Gate (1,790m) – Trekking to Machame Camp (2,980m) (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you will head to the Machame Gate where you will get your climb permit and meet the climbing crew, before you begin your trek. From now on, your guide will keep sharing updates and information with you, including but not limited to weather predictions or details on the nature of the trail and the wildlife that surrounds you so that you immerse in the experience and enjoy it to the maximum. Do not hesitate to ask any questions; your guides will be more than happy to share their knowledge and expertise with you. Trekking distance: 10 km. Trekking time: around 6 hrs. Altitude gain: +1,190m. In the afternoon, you will reach Machame Camp, which is surrounded by small trees overgrown with lichen. The porters will have already set up the tents and prepared hot drinks for you, to enjoy upon your arrival. When the sun sets, it gets colder, and you will need to dress warmly, while using your headlamps around the camp. Overnight: tents in Machame Camp.

Day 3 (25th February 2024): Trekking from Machame Camp (2,980m) to Shira (3,720m) (B, L, D)

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. Trekking distance: 7 km. Trekking time: around 4 hrs. Altitude gain: +740m. Once you arrive at Shira Camp, you will be able to enjoy great views of the Kibo Peak, plus 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, listening to the distant cries of jackals. Overnight: tents in Shira Camp.

Day 4 (26th February 2024): Trekking from Shira (3,720m) to the Lava Tower (4,650m) and to Barranco (3,950m) (B, L, D)

Today is another acclimatization day. You will hike to an elevation of 4,650 meters before descending to the Barranco Camp. One of the highlights of the day is the Lava Tower which, if you wish, you may climb. The trail gradually takes you through the moorlands to the alpine desert zone where only the heartiest of grass and lichens survive. Trekking distance: 10 km. Trekking time: around 5 hrs. Altitude gain: +930m./Altitude loss: -700m. The Barranco Camp is located in a beautiful valley, with stunning views of Mount Meru: the twin volcano of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will also enjoy views of the Heim glacier, the southern slope of Kibo, and, of course, the impressive Barranco Wall. Overnight: tents in Barraco Camp.

Day 5 (27th February 2024): Trekking from Barranco (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (3,995m) (B, L, D)

You will start the day by climbing the Barranco wall, which seems mischievous, but not to worry: you are full of energy, the landscape is splendid, and you will greatly enjoy the experience. The slope is steep, so you will need around 2 hours to reach the top. Once there, though, you will enjoy wonderful, panoramic views of the area and the overhanging Heim Glacier. After a quick break, you will descend through a desert landscape into the Karanga valley, where you will find again ample vegetation that stands in stunning contrast to the barren slopes. The water that runs at the bottom of the valley will be your last source of water until Kibo, Kilimanjaro's top. The day will end with a last, difficult push on a steep, rocky wall that you need to climb. Twenty minutes later, you reach Karanga Camp, perched above the clouds, in the Karanga valley, below Heim, Kersten & Decken Glaciers. Trekking distance: 5 km. Trekking time: around 4 hrs. Altitude gain: +400m./Altitude loss: -355m. Overnight: tents in Karanga Camp.

Day 6 (28th February 2024): Trekking from Karanga (3,995m) to Barafu Camp (4,605m) (B, L, D)

Today you will climb a rock wall, not too steep but somewhat challenging. Nevertheless, your trip leader will make this part of the trekking safe and accessible to everyone. As you climb, you will have great views of the breathtaking Heim Glacier. You will proceed slowly and steadily, until you reach Barafu. As you go higher in altitude, you should remember to drink plenty of water and tea and eat small snacks, keep breathing and keep moving. After an early, well-deserved dinner prepared by the cook at the camp, you will rest in preparation of the upcoming summit day. Trekking distance: 5 km. Trekking time: around 4 hrs. Altitude gain: +655m. Overnight: tents in Barafu Camp.

Day 7 (29th February 2024): Summit day: Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Descent to Mweka (3,068m) (B, L, D)

The summit day is the most demanding part of your trip – but also the reason you have been preparing hard for months. At midnight, you will begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak. 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 a new perspective into your life. Depending on the weather, you will be able to spend some time at the top of Africa for pictures and videos, before beginning your descent, which will take approximately three hours. You will briefly stop at Barafu Camp for lunch, and will continue to Mweka Camp where you will spend your last night on Kilimanjaro, celebrating your success. Trekking distance: 20 km. Trekking time: around 14 hrs. Altitude gain: +1,290m./ Altitude loss: -2,828m. Overnight: tents in Mweka Camp.

Day 8 (1st March 2024): Descending from Mweka Camp (3,068m) to Mweka Gate (1,650m) – Transfer to the hotel (B, L, D)

Today is your last hiking day on Kilimanjaro. The trail is steep in places and may be slippery on a wet day, so trekking poles are highly recommended. At Mweka Gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and enjoy your last picnic lunch before being transferred to the hotel for a well-deserved hot shower and dinner. Trekking distance: 16 km. Trekking time: around 4 hrs. Altitude loss: -1,418m. Accommodation: Weru Weru or similar.

Day 9 (2nd March 2024): Departure from Kilimanjaro (B)

You will have one last day to relax under the sun of Africa. Those of you who depart on this day will be driven to the airport for their departure flights back home. 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 in the world. Alternatively, we can arrange a few relaxing days on the spice island of Zanzibar.

Notes

This cost is based on Double Occupancy. Single Supplement amounts to 840 USD per person.
All services stipulated above are subject to availability at the time of booking/reservation. All prices are subject to change.
This cost is based on a group of min 6 people. Rahhalah reserves the right to change the price if the trip runs with fewer participants.

The Price Includes:

Airport transfers upon arrival and departure (Day 1 and Day 8) from/to Kilimanjaro Airport.
2 nights’ standard lodge accommodation, double occupancy, Half Board basis.
3 meals per day on the trek plus tea, coffee, and as much filtered water you may need for the hike.
Climbing crew, certified guide, assistant guide, cook, group gear and personal porters (1personal porter per trekker).
Camping equipment including sleeping tents (double occupancy); mess tents; table and chairs; private toilet (1 for up to 6pax), oxygen tank; first aid kit; radio; stretcher; katadyn water filtration system.
All park fees.
Ground transportation as per the itinerary.
Free, pre-registration assessment by Rahhalah’s expert team and, post-registration, suggestion of a personalized training plan.

The Price Excludes:

International airfare.
Visa fees.
Extra baggage charges.
Personal gear equipment.
Cost due to an early descent.
Optional services.
Tips and gratuities.
Medical and Travel Insurances.
International airport taxes.
Expenses of personal nature.
PCR test and quarantine expenses, if needed.

Important: The itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, road challenges or operating conditions. At any moment, the guide has the RIGHT to change the program for the safety and convenience of the travelers.

Also, the trip's price does not cover expenses that may occur due to conditions beyond Rahhalah's control (force majeure). Such cases include but are not limited to extreme weather conditions, flight cancellations or delays, and natural phenomena (earthquakes, volcano eruptions, hurricanes, etc.). We, the Rahhalah team, both in our HQ and on the ground, will do our best to assist you with alternative arrangements (like new accommodation and/or transportation arrangements, revised itinerary and activities etc.), but ALL NEW COSTS incurred because of force majeure are to be covered by the traveler.

We strongly recommend that, before your departure, you purchase travel insurance that covers trip cancellation costs, loss of baggage or personal items, medical emergencies, and other unexpected circumstances that cannot be controlled by Rahhalah or any traveler.