Machame is without doubt the most beautiful route to discover Kilimanjaro, its environment and all its secrets. You will descend by a different route than that of the ascent and these multiple paths will allow you to observe a wide variety of its fauna and flora. You will thus cross liana forests or glaciers and will be able to observe, in their natural environment, monkeys, majestic and multicolored birds, antelopes, etc.
DAY 1: Kilimanjaro - Moshi Airport
Reception at the airport (JRO) and transfer to the lodge in Moshi (1h). Overnight at hotel: Key’s Hotel. Meals not included.
DAY 2: Machame Gate (1800m) - Machame Camp (3000m)
After breakfast, briefing at 8 a.m. with the guide and equipment checklist before leaving for Machame Gate (1h30 drive). Check in at the main door and meet the team. Departure and crossing of the tropical forest. After 4 to 5 hours of walking, picnic at Machame Camp. In the afternoon, to acclimatize, small ascent before going down to camp for dinner and overnight. Bivouac. Breakfast not included.
Walk: 5 to 7 h - 11 kms
DAY 3: Machame Camp (3000m) - Shira Camp (3800m)
After breakfast, departure for 4 to 5 hours of walking. Crossing of varied landscapes: savannah, forest and specific vegetation of Kilimanjaro. Picnic, then arrive at Shira Hut in the afternoon for dinner and overnight. Bivouac.
Walking: 4 to 6 h - 5 kms
DAY 4: Shira Camp (3800m) - Barranco Camp (3950m)
A day of acclimatization with a trek to Barranco Camp. Crossing semi-glacial zones and sandy expanses to reach Barranco Hut. Dinner and Bivouac.
Walk: 6 to 8 h - 10 kms
DAY 5: Barranco Camp (3950m) - Barafa Camp (4600m)
After breakfast and a picnic en route, continue the ascent through the glaciers to reach Barafa Camp. Temperatures are now dropping fast, but the excitement of the next day should warm you up. This last step before the final ascent is carried out at a slow and regular pace in order to preserve you for the next day. Bivouac at Barafa Camp
Walking: 4 to 5 h - 4 kms
DAY 6: Barafa Hut (4600m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m / SUMMIT) - Mweka Camp (3100m)
Wake up very early for this 5th day on Kilimanjaro. The bugle rings at 1 a.m. to begin the final ascent to the summit, via Stella Point (5 to 6 a.m.). You will then reach Uhuru Peak in 45 minutes, following the crater crest. Then descend to Barafa Camp via Gilman’s Point and reach the Mweka Camp where you can rest and eat. This last day is very long, prepare to walk for 12-13 h (ascent and descent). Bivouac.
Walk: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - 17 kms
DAY 7: Mweka Camp (3100m) - Mweka Gate (1640m) - Moshi
Final descent this morning to reach Mweka Gate and receive your certificate. The green certificate will be awarded to those who have reached Gilman’s Point while those who have reached Uhuru Peak will be awarded the gold certificate. At the end of the day, return to the lodge in Moshi. Night at the Key’s Hotel. Dinner not included.
Walk: 3 to 4 h - 10 kms
** Includes: **
- The transfers
- English-speaking professional guide, porters and cook
- Entrance fees to Kilimanjaro, camping and rescue
- Emergency medical evacuation by AMREF
- Meals unless otherwise stated and accommodation
- Camping equipment (except sleeping bag and pillow)
- Water purification filters during the ascent
- First aid kit
- Pulse oximeter and additional oxygen.
Do not understand:
- International flights, visas
- Personal insurance
- Tips, personal expenses
- Medical or hospital costs in the event of an accident
** Essential equipment to provide: **
- Backpack and waterproof cover
- Sleeping bag (down to -15 ° C)
- Hiking shoes: comfortable and waterproof
- Wide-brimmed hat, scarf, gloves, high-performance sunglasses
- Trekking pants, sweatshirt / sweater, waterproof jacket…
** Additional options: **
- Portable altitude box (210 USD)
- Additional night in the mountains (200 USD / person)
- Portable toilets (110 USD / group)