Tanzania
7 days Kilimanjaro climbing machame route
Overview
This is a thrilling adventure with a 7-day Kilimanjaro climbing expedition along the Machame Route. Located three degrees south of the equator in Northeastern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro stands as the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Comprising three imposing volcanoes – Shira, Mawenzi, and the prominent Kibo at the center – this majestic mountain offers a challenging yet rewarding climb.
At Taffies Safaris, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service to climbers seeking to conquer Kilimanjaro, ensuring a safe and memorable experience. Our expert team of guides and support staff are dedicated to assisting climbers reach the summit, guiding them through the Machame Route known for its breathtaking scenery and varied terrain. To enhance your chances of a successful summit, we recommend adding an extra day on the mountain for acclimatization purposes. This additional day allows climbers to adjust to the altitude and optimize their physical readiness, increasing the likelihood of a triumphant ascent to the summit. Whether you choose the Machame Route or any other available route, our goal is to make your Kilimanjaro climbing experience unforgettable. Start your adventure with us today!
Itinerary
Machame Gate (1500m) to Machame Camp (3000m), distance is about 18 km. It is approx. 45 minutes drive from Moshi to Machame gate. All your equipment and supplies are taken over by porters; a cook will prepare all your meals. Where accommodation on the Marangu route are in huts, the Machame route offers tents only. After all, formalities have been taken care at the gate, head into the forest and begin the 7-hour ascent to the first camp on the mountain, Machame camp (3000m)
Machame Camp (3000) to Shira Camp (3840), distance is about 9 kms. Breakfast is served early in the mess tent and, weather permitting; you could take in your first view of the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro. The lunch stop will be reached at about 3600m and after this short lunch and an equally limited rest you’ll continue up the rocky ridge to the next camp on the mountain, Shira camp (3840).
Shira Camp (3840) to Barranco Camp (3950), distance is about 15 km. The route now turns east into a semi-desert and rocky environment where you reach an altitude of 4600m after a 5 hours walk to Lava Tower. As you ascend from the Shira camp (3950m), there are good views of the Shira Plateau to the west, Oehler Ridge to the northeast and the Western Breach to the east. This day you will climb high and steep low.
Barranco Camp (3950m) to Karanga Camp (4200m), distance is about 6 kms. The morning starts with a scramble up the almost vertical Barranco Wall to an altitude of about 4200m and after approx. 3 hours, the path now crosses through the southern slopes to reach the Karanga Valley.
Karanga Camp (4200m) to Barafu Camp (4600m), distance is about 7 kms. After breakfast, you continue in a southeasterly direction to the junction before turning north to reach Barafu camp (4600m) after about 4 hours. Here you take a long rest and prepare for the midnight ascent to the summit.
Barafu Camp (4600m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m), distance is about 7 km. At around midnight, you’ll head in a northwesterly direction up the southeast valley towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour long walk to Stella Point is a mental and physical challenge with the steep face just below Stella posing the ultimate challenge. The time you spend on the summit is determined by the weather and wind conditions. The walk back to Mweka Camp from the summit can take over 7 hours.
Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (2000m), distance is about 15 kms. You will camp for the night at Mweka camp (3100m) before departing for the Mweka Parks Gate the next morning where your driver will pick up and take you back to the the hotel in Moshi
Inclusion / Exclusion
- Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
- Accomodation is at the tented camps
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits
- Camping equipments
- Gate Transfers
- Salary for the crew
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- Flights are excluded
- Travel insurance is not covered in the tour price(recommended)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal Expenses
- Drinks
