Machame Route 6 days
Mount Kilimanjaro
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.
Bush2Beach 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.
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro via this 6 day route means you miss out on the altitude / acclimatization day.
Tackling Kilimanjaro in 6 days leaves you with no window to rest up for a day and allow that little more
time at altitude. We always recommend the extra day as it can increase the chances of a successful summit attempt along with making the climb more relaxing with time to soak in the surrounding dramatic scenery that Kilimanjaro has to offer.
Preparation day
Your mountain guide will visit you at your hotel for a full briefing of your upcoming climb and check all your personal equipment for the climb.
Day 1
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)
Day 2
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 - 7 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)
Day 3
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)
Day 4
After breakfast you begin the daunting climb up the Baranco wall. It looks far worse than it is as you continue steadily to Karanga camp. Enjoy a hot lunch on arrival followed by relaxation and then continue towards Barafu Camp. Relax and soak up the vistas below you. Rest and try and get some sleep as you will be woken at around midnight for your final challenge.
O/n Barafu Camp - Altitude 4,600 mts (B, L, D)
Day 5
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)
Day 6
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)
Summary:
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: 7-8 hours of walking - Barafu Camp at 4,600 meters
Day 5: 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
Inclusive:
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees
Meals as stipulated
Professional mountain guide, chef and crew
Camping equipment such as sleeping tents, mess tent, table and stools and cooking equipment
Private chemical toilet and toilet tent
Emergency Evacuation Cover
Emergency oxygen
All transfers and activities as mentioned above
Exclusive:
Tips:
guide $80-$150
assistant guide $60-80
chef $50-$70, porter $25-$40 (per porter)
Drinks (drinking water will be boiled and treated on the mountain)
Personal climbing gear including sleeping bag and thermarest
Visa and airport departure tax
International flights and airport transfers
COVID testing and additional transport if required
Items of personal nature and not mentioned in the above itinerary