The Machame route is one of the most popular routes and rated amongst the most scenic hikes on the,mountain offering designated camping spots in logistically placed locations making trekking times and,altitude gain do-able to all ages with good levels of fitness.
Starting point at Machame gate is 1,800 meters and as with all routes immediately delivers climbers into,heavy Afromontane forested sections which in turn slowly give way to a scene out of Jurasic park with,Giant Senecio scattering the landscape through the heather zones eventually breaking out into Alpine,desert. Plenty of bird life in the lower areas and also chances of seeing black and white colobus monkeys.
Lovebird Safaris offers the Machame-route climb of Kilimanjaro in both a 6 and 7 day version with the 7 day,version adding an extra day at altitude allowing for a more leisurely pace and more time to enjoy the,vistas, as well as increasing the chances of a successful summit attempt.
During the extra acclimatization day around the Karanga valley you can enjoy a side trip to gain some,altitude and explore the caves carved in the rocks through ice water runoff that lie in close proximity to,Karanga camp.
Summary of Machame route 6 days
Day 1: Approximately 7 hours of walking – Machame Camp at 2,980 meters
Day 2: 5–7 hours of walking – Shira Camp 3,840 meters
Day 3: 7-8 hours of walking – Baranco Camp at 3,900 meters
Day 4: Approximately 8-9 hours of walking – Barafu Camp at 4,600 meters
Day 5: Summit to Uhuru peak, After the summit you descend for another 5-6 hours of walking – Mweka Camp at 2,985 meters
Day 6: 3-4 hours of walking to Mweka Gate
After breakfast you will transfer to the Machame gate. Enjoy a coffee or tea while your guide secures the,climbing permits and then enter into the cover of the natural rain forest which surrounds the lower slopes,of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This part of the walk is very gradual with great photo opportunities as the sun’s rays,filter through the dense canopy overhead with chances of seeing black and white colobus monkey.
Your first overnight is at Machame Camp and hot water is provided to refresh yourself before dinner.
O/n Machame Camp – Altitude is 2,980 mts (L, D)
Today you will continue your ascent leaving the lushness of the rain forest behind you. This part of the,walk cuts up along various ridges which are dotted with scrubby lowland bush and eventually gives way to,the hardier Alpine flora of the open plateau.
The walk will take you 5 hrs – 6.5 hrs including your picnic lunch and the views are stunning as you begin,to gain altitude. On one side you have the soft outline of Kilimanjaro towering over you and off in the,distance stand’s Mount Meru.
O/n Shira Camp – Altitude 3,840 mts (B, L, D)
Enjoy a hot breakfast freshly prepared by your mountain chef and then begin a gradual climb cutting your,way through the low Alpine bush. Bird watching on these open slopes can be rewarding with several,different types of birds of prey scouring the scrub for small mammals. The scenery will change to rusty red,moraine fields as you continue toward Lava tower at 4,630 mts and finally descend to Baranco Camp.
This is a good day for acclimatization as you reach a higher altitude than that of Baranco and walking,times averages between 5 – 7 hrs.
O/n Baranco Camp – Altitude 3,900 mts (B, L, D)
This morning you head around the South side of the mountain passing through the Alpine desert and moraine fields. Barafu camp is reached in 8.5 hrs – 9hrs. Relax and soak up the vistas below you. Rest and try and get some sleep, you will be woken at around midnight for your final challenge.
O/n Barafu Camp – Altitude 4,600 mts (B, L, D)
Gear up and start your ascent to the highest peak in Africa (Uhuru Peak) standing at (5,895 mts). Have,your camera’s ready for when the sun winks a sleepy eye at you. After you’ve done the victory dance on the,summit you start the descent to Barafu Camp for breakfast and a short rest.
Proceed down toward Millennium Camp or Mweka Camp depending on the descent pace.
O/n Mweka Camp – Altitude 2,985 mts (B, L, D)
The final stretch proceeding back down into the forest, a beautiful walk again offering good bird watching
opportunities. There are some good view points en route looking into the valley below. Continue down to
the gate for celebrations and champagne brunch with the entire team. You transfer vehicle will be taking
you to your hotel for well deserved showers and relaxation. (B, L)
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