Mount Kilimanjaro trek/Hike

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, climb to Machame Camp

Your 7 days Machame route climbing start for driving you from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate it takes about 45 minutes.

We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft

Distance: 11km/7mi

Climbing Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft

Distance: 5km/3miles

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Day 2: Climb Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft

Distance: 5km/3mi

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Day 3: Climb Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction, which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation, as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Day 4: Climb Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft

Distance: 5km/3miles

Climbing Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Climb Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft

Distance: 4km/2miles

Climbing Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6: Climb Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft

Down to 3090m/10,150ft

Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8miles down

Climbing Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

Day 7: Climb Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and then drive to Moshi.

After breakfast we continue descending down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). End of your 7 days Machame route climbing

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Climbing Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest

GEAR AND ALL PREPARATIONS

• Waterproof hiking boots (heel/ankle support – 1/gym shoes to wear at the camp (optional)

• 1 – Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood

• 1 – Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down jacket

• 1 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell

• 2 – Long Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking fabric

• 1 – Short Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking fabric

• 1 – Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper recommended)

• 2 – Hiking Pants

• 1 – Fleece Pants

• 1 – Shorts (optional)

• 2 – Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric

• 3 – Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric

• 2 – Sport Bra (women)

• Wool or fleece gloves – medium/thin – 1

• Wind/waterproof gloves — heavy weight – 1

• Wool or synthetic stocking cap — windproof – 1

• Sun hat – 1

• Balaclava – 1

• Gaiters – 1

• Sunglasses or goggles – 1

• Day pack, 30-35L for you to carry your daily packing – 1

• Duffle Bag/Rucksack for porter to carry your gears.

• Sleeping bag (rated to 0°F) – 5-15c/

• Trekking poles – 1 pair

• Camping Mattress

• Headlamp & spare batteries – 1

• Hand warmers for summit day.

• Camp towel – 1

• Water bottles (nalgene) or camelback – 3 litters minimum

• Sun cream and lip balm – 30+SPF – 1

• Lightweight toilet articles – toothbrush & paste, floss, hand and face cleansers/wet wipes (Baby wipes – 1, hand sanitizer, water purification tablets, small towel

• Extra batteries – 6

• External Battery/Power bank for charging.

• Camera – 1

• Energy bars & snacks (energy gel/gu is best for summit day) – 2 per day –

Paper work and cash

• Passport (needed at entry gate for registration)

• Money for tips/souvenir at the end climb

• Visa available at airport.

Personal first Aid items

Please consult with your doctor as necessary. The following are our suggestions only.

• Blister Kit – moleskin, second blister pads, Vaseline or any good lubricant to prevent chafing skin and heal the blister friction.

• Band aids

• Antiseptic

• Pain Killers (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Tylenol for mild headaches, pain, fever…)

• Decongestant

• Medication for nausea or indigestion – Pepto bismol, Tums, Maalox or Mylanta

• Over the counter medication for diarrhea and stomach cramping, such as Imodium

• Cold/Flu Tablets

• Throat lozenges or cough drops – helpful with dry throat

• Topical first aid antibiotic ointment – Neosporin or Bacitracin

• Ace bandage or knee support elastic for weak knees or ankles used especially on a descent.

• Eye drops (spare contact lenses and fluid, if worn)

• Diamox or High Altitude Medication (optional, please consult with your doctor)

• Any medication you normally use.

• Water purification tablet.