Machame Trek
A more rugged ascent of Kilimanjaro from the West on the steeper Machame route, providing stunning views of the south west glaciers and western breach. Because of the remoteness we need to camp but porters will carry all the camping equipment.
KILIMANJARO CONQUEST!
In Swahili, Kilimanjaro means 'the mountain that glitters'. The tougher Machame route offers great views of the glaciers and icefields and scree-covered dome invoking the powerful imagery of Hemingway's 'Snows of Kilimanjaro'.
6-DAY TREK ON MACHAME ROUTE
This ascent of 'Kili' starts at the Machame Gate (1900m) on the western flank of the volcano and then climbs steeply through beautiful rainforest to our camp-site at Machame (3000m) and up across moorland to Shira camp (3840m). There are fantastic views of Kibo and its icefields as we trek around the mountain, acclimatising, before finally attempting the summit (5895m) via Stella Point (5795m). We descend via the Mweka route which offers a different perspective again of the 'Roof of Africa' down to the plains.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(HK-3470-P) |
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Flights from London |
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Accomodation |
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7 breakfasts |
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6 lunches |
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7 dinners |
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Price Excludes |
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The Local Payment for this tour is 635 USD. |
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Suitability / Level |
Strenous |
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Theme |
Small Group Travel
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Max Group Size |
16 |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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Among the many highlights featured on this tour, we particularly mention:
KILIMANJARO
Climbing Africa’s highest mountain on this camping-based trek led by an Explore Leader and experienced guides.
ZANZIBAR
Opportunity to unwind and relax in an idyllic tropical island paradise.
DAY 1. SATURDAY. JOIN TOUR MOSHI
Arrive Moshi and check-in at our hotel.
DAY 2. DRIVE TO MACHAME GATE; TREK TO MACHAME CAMP
We make a short drive to the National Park Machame Gate where we will begin our trek up the mountain. Porters will assist throughout the trek carrying all of our luggage. You only need carry what you will need for the day – waterproofs, a camera, water bottle and a packed lunch.
The first stage of walking along the Machame Trail is mainly through rainforest, with lichens and bright ferns, huge trees and tiny colourful flowers all adding interest to our first day as we ascend from 1900m to 3000m. About 6 hours walking.
DAY 3. WALK TO SHIRA CAMP
Leaving the rainforest behind, we carry on with a steep ascent walking though moorland. Here the vegetation clings to what soil it can find on the steep rocky ridge. We eventually climb onto the Shira Plateau and welcoming flatter ground! Although we are above the main vegetation line, it is not unheard of to see a herd of eland on the plateau and they sometimes even wander onto ‘The Saddle’ – the broad plain separating Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Our overnight camp is at Shira (3840m) which is superbly situated overlooking the Shira Plateau with Kibo Peak towering above. About 5/6 hours walking.
DAY 4. WALK TO BARRANCO CAMP
Today we begin our walk with a gradual ascent following the Shira trail. We pass large boulders before descending into a broad valley. As one of the world’s largest volcanoes, Kilimanjaro’s geology is fascinating! The large black buttress, known as ‘The Wedge’, contrasts sharply with the orange cliffs of the ‘Lava Tower’ (4700m).
We will also find ourselves walking on scree slopes and past sheer cliffs. The last few hours of the walk are a steep descent into the Great Barranco Valley where we will overnight at Barranco Camp (3950m). About 6/7 hours walking.
DAY 5. WALK TO BARAFU CAMP
The vistas we will see as we ascend up the Karangu valley today are stunning. After a very steep and exhilarating ascent up the Barranco Wall, we see Kibo Peak, towering majestically above us. Later in the day we cross through sparse moorland, occasionally interspersed with dry heather.
Very little water is found in this barren area, and only the hardiest of vegetation, such as lichens, can be found. Tonight’s camp is at Barafu, swahili for ice, (4600m) which gives us impressive views of the main peak of Kibo, the plains below and across ‘The Saddle’ to Mawenzi Peak. About 7/8 hours walking.
DAY 6. WALK TO SUMMIT; DESCEND TO MWEKA CAMP
Today we begin our ascent to the summit at 5895m. It is a strenuous and long day, particularly with the high altitude and extreme cold, so we will make a pre-dawn start. At this time, the snow and scree are still frozen and we aim to be down before the top layer of scree becomes wet and slippery. Our path zigzags up the scree and after passing Rebmann Glacier, we reach Stella Point (5680m) on the crater rim.
Although at times you may be able to walk for only 10 paces before you have to stop and rest, there is no doubt that it is all worth it when you reach the top. From Stella Point, you may continue around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5895m. Then we descend, down the scree to Barafu camp for a rest and then down to the Mweka camp (3100m). About 14 hours walking.
DAY 7. WALK TO MWEKA GATE; DRIVE TO MOSHI
After a good rest, we pass once more through rainforest enjoying the increasing warmth and richness of the mountain air. From Mweka gate (1700m) we will continue by road to Moshi and on to our hotel. Approx. 3 hours walking.
DAY 8. IN MOSHI; OPTIONAL GAME DRIVE. TOUR ENDS
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before the evening group flight home. Weather permitting, we may be treated to some final views of Kilimanjaro from here. You could join an optional game drive around the Momella Lakes area in Arusha National Park famed for its high giraffe population in addition to elephants, hippos and buffaloes to name but a few. |
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Accommodation
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2 nights hotel
5 nights camping |
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Holidays
Extras |
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Included
