Kilimanjaro Mountaineering Expedition - Machame Trek - 6 days
This route offers breathtaking scenery and can at times be steep and demanding. We acclimatize ourselves by sleeping low and trekking high to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Our journey starts at Machame, the charming mountain village at Kilimanjaro's south side. Into the moorland zone, coming from the Machame forest, we climb up and over rocky terrain and eventually arrive at the Shira Plateau. We then move on to the southern face of Kibo, trek the Lava Tower for absolutely beautiful panoramas, advance to the Great Barranco Wall, a demanding and exciting rock scramble, and then aim for Uhuru Summit from Kossovo or Barafu Camp and the ridge of the Southeast valley. We experience amazing views of Kilimanjaro's remnant volcanic cone and Mawenzi Peak while climbing from Barafu.
Would you like to climb Africa's highest peak?
Kilimanjaro is the worlds highest free standing mountain and one of the seven summits.
The best months for your Kilimanjaro ascent:
Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year. Throughout the year temperatures don't vary much.
June to December is the busiest months, mainly because of the Safari conditions, which are favorable during these months. 2 months booking ahead is highly recommended.
January and February are the warmest months and also a very big recommendation.
April and May are the wettest months. With similar conditions, the peak can be reached throughout the year.
Day 1:
Pre-trek briefing | Machame Gate (1830 m / 6000 ft) – Machame Camp (3048 m / 10, 000 ft)
After early breakfast you and one of your guides will go through a pre-trek briefing, gear check, an overview of the route and answer any questions regarding your time in Tanzania. After the briefing your trek begins from Machame park entrance gate, through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers and other tropical vegetation.
A walk of about two to three hours will take you to the campsite for the evening. As you continue your ascent, you will find that the tropical forest has given way to tall grass and giant heather.
Watch your steps as you walk on a ridge to the left of which is the Semira stream and on the right, the Weru. Depending on the pace of climbers, arrival at Machame Camp is usually between 17h00 and 18h00.
'Peaceful and relatively easy' are the words which best describe the initial stage of this climb. Take some time to admire the beauty of the rainforest. Your guides are very knowledgeable about the botany in this area and listening to them will make the walk all the more interesting and rewarding.
Day 2:
Machane Camp – Shira Plateau (3810 m / 12, 500 ft)
Enjoy the fabulous view of Uhuru Peak as it greets you this morning.
Today’s trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grass, volcanic rock and bearded heather. You will encounter giant groundsels as you hike through an ethereal landscape of volcanic lava, caves and foaming streams.
A trek of approximately six hours will take you to your next campsite. You should arrive between 14h00 and 15h00. Most climbers tend to pace themselves, walking slowly, sipping at their water bottles and resting approximately every 30 minutes.
Day 3:
Shira Plateau – Barranco Camp (3962 m / 13,000 ft)
On your 06h00 wake–up call today, you will find the entire Shira Plateau at your feet with sweeping views across to Mount Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (4572 m / 15,000 ft), where you will stop to have lunch. After crossing the Bastains stream, you begin the descent towards Barranco Camp. Grand Barranco is an immense canyon. Numerous waterfalls, which are fed by streams coming from the mountain, converge here to form the Umbwe River. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as on the previous night. Today’s trek lasts for about six hours and arrival at camp is between 16h30 and 17h30
Day 4:
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4633 m / 15,200 ft)
The lovely scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on alpine desert terrain, mainly a mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Mawenzi Peak towers majestically to the right and Kibo Peak seems just a stone throw away.
We arrive at Barafu camp around 16h30 We should retire early tonight, as the next day is the longest of the whole climb.
Feel the Nature around you.
Day 5:
Ascent to summit (5895 m / 19,340 ft) - Descent to Mweka Camp (3108 m / 10,200 ft)
It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult and hikers should carry as little as possible for the start at midnight. Temperatures range from 4 degrees to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Climbing steadily, flanked by the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, for about six hours will bring you to the edge of the crater between Stella and Hans Meyer points.
Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit. Concentrate on your footsteps and follow your guide very closely for this section of the journey. The track around the edge of the crater is rocky and icy.
Uhuru tower´s is the highest point on the continent of Africa and this is where you now stand! Relax and enjoy a refreshment at Kibo Hut before continuing to Mweka Camp for the night.
Arriving at the camp at around 17h30, you will look back and realize that today you have trekked a total of thirteen hours!
Day 6:
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate (3048 m / 10,000 ft)
Congratulate yourself today on your great achievement! The descent to the gate takes approximately five hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival at the gate, you will be rewarded with a certificate attesting to your success at conquering the mountain.
Continue your dream trip with an amazing safari extension or head for departure. We also provide transfers to the bus station or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Clothes and Gear
Your trekking requirements:
Two pair of liner socks
Six pair of heavy wool or synthetic socks
Hiking boots of medium weight
One pair of either low or high gaiters made of breathable material
Sandals or running shoes to wear at the camp sites
For your lower body, you need:
One pair of quick drying hiking shorts
One pair of long thermal bottoms of wool or synthetic
One pair of comfortable wool, bunting or pile pants
Rain pants of Gor-Tex or waterproof nylon
Wind pants (optional if you've got rain pants of Gor-Tex material)
Lycra or polypropylene made tights
Under garments
For you upper body:
You should avoid cotton, please use items made of pile, synthetic or wool
Two t-shirts
Hooded waterproof jacket
Wind shirt (optional if you've got rain gear made out of Gor-tex)
Poncho (optional)
Gloves or mittens
For your face and head you need the following items:
Wool or pile hat (we recommend models that covers the ears)
Shade hat
High quality sunglasses
Sunscreen SPF 30+
Lip balm SPF 15+
Bandanas for the neck (protection against the sun)
Hydration wise you need at least:
Two one liter wide mouthed plastic bottles
Your gear daypack:
Should be a frameless climbing daypack (16-20 liters)
It should have a waist belt and possibly side pouches to store water bottles
You also need a pack cover to protect against rain (this can be a commercial pack cover or a simple plastic bag).
For your best sleeping:
We recommend to invest in a high quality sleeping bag as the temperatures can get down to freezing -20 Celsius (-4 F) at night, we recommend a rated 4 season bag. It should be made of high quality synthetic material.
We recommend a sleeping bag liner.
Protect your bag from rain and dust by packing it into a standard stuff sack lined with a plastic garbage bag.
You will need a mountaineering mattress
We also advice to bring a few plastic bags in case of encountering rain
Additional items:
Small knife – good for cutting water melons and other exotic fruit
Flashlight
An extra pair of glasses
Avoid contact lenses due to the risk of infection
Small microfiber towel
Baby wipes for general hygiene
Toilet paper for a variety of emergencies
Toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, tampons etc
Hiking treats like energy bars and comfort food
Camera and battery charger as well as an extra battery or memory card
Gifts for children at the orphanages like pens, balloons, second-hand clothes and shoes
Mobile phone – or buy a cheap unlocked one and use a Tanzanian SIM
Mosquito repellent
If you forget to bring clothes or gear items, we can assist you in showing you places where you can hire or buy the missing items.
Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha shuttle bus terminal and to/from park entrance/exit gates for your selected route
Accommodation
Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping/hut and rescue fees
Professional wilderness first responder trained guide and porters carrying a max 20kgs
Emergency oxygen
Expedition medical kit
Pulse oximeter
Blood pressure cuff
Stethoscope
Comprehensive vital sign monitoring
Medievac stretcher
2 way radios
Katadyn expedition water filtration system
Portable tented private flush toilet
Luxury chairs with backrest and arm supports
3 person expedition tents (2 clients)
8 person expedition walk in mess tent
Mountaineering helmets for Western Breach
Return transfer Arusha/Moshi hotel to Park Gate
Costs of visas
Immunizations
International airfare
Excess baggage charges
Airport departure taxes
Travel insurance
Medical insurance
Flying doctors membership
The use of a Gamow bag
Sightseeing Game drives or meals not listed in each itinerary
Personal expenses such as beverages (other than those included with meals, as listed in each itinerary)
Room service
Souvenirs
Laundry
Communication charges
Medical or extra evacuation fees
Staff gratuities (tips)
Additional transportation
Meals incurred by a client unable to continue a planned itinerary due to illness, health, medical conditions or due to airline schedule changes and accommodation before and after the trek.
Our driver will welcome you on arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport or at the Arusha shuttle bus terminus and transport you to your accommodation.
Day 1: Pre-trek briefing and gear check. Drive through Kilimanjaro’s semi-tropical foothills to enter Kilimanjaro National Park and start your trek.
Depending on the chosen trek, you will walk between 4 to 7 hours a day.
Summit day: you will start the last section around midnight and reach Uhuru Peak, the rooftop of Africa. You will be happily standing among the sparkling glaciers and ice cliffs in the early morning light – you made it!
After the descent, you will receive your Certificate of Achievement and join our driver for the trip back to town, where your accommodation is waiting.
If your schedule includes your departure the next day, our driver will take you back to the Kilimanjaro International Airport or the Arusha shuttle bus terminal.
Mountain Cuisine
It's important that the food is easy to digest, therefore sandwiches, soups, cooked vegetables and seasonal fresh fruit are good choices with meat such as chicken or beef.
If you are vegetarian, please let us know.
What if I'm slow?
We never rush the trek. We like to take in the views and enjoy ourselves. Some trekkers are fast and some are slow, our crew will support you all the way.
Your day pack typically weighs about five to six kilos. If needed, a personal porter can be arranged to help you carry this.
What if I have to come down early?
All Expedition guides, Safari guides and Assistant guides are certified and licensed by the Tanzania National Parks. They are medically trained to perform evacuation and first aid. The guides are trained to respond accordingly in a calm way as well as to act quickly at all times. They will guide you down the mountain or to the nearest lower camp as required. They know the mountain perfectly including all the shortcuts.
In the event of clients cancelling their reservations Xtreme Safari Africa shall have the right either to claim the total amount of any deposit paid by such client or to claim any damages suffered by the company. In accordance with the international policy adopted by tour operators Xtreme Safari Africa reserves the right to cancel any tour before departure in which event the entire payment will be refunded without any further obligation on the part of the Company. If you wish to cancel your booking you must advise us immediately. You will be liable to pay the following cancellation charges:
• When we have a signed booking form and the reservation is cancelled (even without a deposit received), Xtreme Safari Africa shall have the right to claim any damages suffered by the company due to this cancellation.
• Where your booking is for a package, you will be responsible for all cancellation charges, of whatsoever nature, imposed by the suppliers providing the component parts of such travel arrangements.
• Xtreme Safari Africa charges a cancellation fee equal to 40% of the package price on any finalised booking. However, Xtreme Safari Africa reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of up to 100% of the total package, in its sole discretion, in particular circumstances. Any monies, which you have already paid to Xtreme Safari Africa, will be taken by us as payment or part payment of any cancellation charges.
Booking Conditions
Please read the following booking conditions carefully, as they set out the terms and conditions of the contract between you and Xtreme Safari Africa. Bookings for our services will form a direct contract between you and the Xtreme Safari Africa, and will be subject to our standard terms and conditions.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Xtreme Safari Africa shall not be liable for injury, damage or loss including consequential loss to any person or their possessions how so ever caused, including personal injury, disease or death caused by or contributed to by negligence by the corporation, its employees or agents. Xtreme Safari Africa shall not be liable for any claims or if any additional expenses incurred through delays, accidents, or disruption of planned itineraries beyond the control of Xtreme Safari Africa (e.g.: flight delays, wars, strikes, weather, act of God, etc) or considered advisable by us, such expenses are to be borne by the client. If Xtreme Safari Africa considers any client as an unsuitable person for any tour, it may in its absolute discretion, cancel such client’s booking or decline to carry such person further. All baggage including personal items is at all times and in all circumstances at "owner’s risk". The information in the brochures, circular, leaflets and other advertisements issued by Xtreme Safari Africa is given in good faith and unless specifically stated shall not form part of any contract between the client and Xtreme Safari Africa. No agent, servant, representative or client of Xtreme Safari Africa has any right to alter, vary or waive any of these conditions. While every precaution is taken on the tour, Xtreme Safari Africa does not hold itself responsible for death or any injury or loss, which might occur to such persons sustained from any cause whatsoever. The client hereby indemnifies and holds Xtreme Safari Africa harmless against any and all claims in respect of personal injury or damages, either direct or consequential arising from any cause whatsoever as a result of the participation by the client and persons under his authority on the tour.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
A deposit of 25% (non-refundable) is required to secure a booking. The exchange rate on the date of final payment will be used as the basis to calculate the balance of your tour package. The balance of payment is due no later than 30 days prior to date of departure. Bookings shall be considered full and paid up once a final invoice has been issued and paid within 48 hours of the issuing of such an invoice. Should the invoice not be paid within this time, Xtreme Safari Africa reserves the right to re-issue the invoice if increases in foreign exchange rates or any other related costs occur. Booking confirmations are not released until Xtreme Safari Africa has received full payment & a complete signed booking form.
CANCELLATIONS
In the event of clients cancelling their reservations Xtreme Safari Africa shall have the right either to claim the total amount of any deposit paid by such client or to claim any damages suffered by the company. In accordance with the international policy adopted by tour operators Xtreme Safari Africa reserves the right to cancel any tour before departure in which event the entire payment will be refunded without any further obligation on the part of the Company. If you wish to cancel your booking you must advise us immediately. You will be liable to pay the following cancellation charges:
• When we have a signed booking form and the reservation is cancelled (even without a deposit received), Xtreme Safari Africa shall have the right to claim any damages suffered by the company due to this cancellation.
• Where your booking is for a package, you will be responsible for all cancellation charges, of whatsoever nature, imposed by the suppliers providing the component parts of such travel arrangements.
• Xtreme Safari Africa charges a cancellation fee equal to 40% of the package price on any finalised booking. However, Xtreme Safari Africa reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of up to 100% of the total package, in its sole discretion, in particular circumstances. Any monies, which you have already paid to Xtreme Safari Africa, will be taken by us as payment or part payment of any cancellation charges.
TOUR LEADER RESPONSIBILITY
The traveller who signs the booking form for and on behalf of all travellers will be responsible for passing on all information, vouchers, schedule changes or any other information forwarded by Xtreme Safari Africa to him/her/them. Xtreme Safari Africa does not take any responsibility for failure to do so.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is strongly advised that all clients take out adequate insurance cover such as cancellation due to illness, accident or injury, personal accident and personal liability, loss of or damage to baggage and sports equipment. Xtreme Safari Africa will not be responsible or liable if the client fails to take adequate insurance cover or at all. Kindly check with the respective credit card companies in order to obtain specific details for the cover of your credit cards as well.
PASSPORTS, VACCINATIONS, VISAS & INOCULATIOINS
It is entirely the clients duty to ensure that all passports & visas are current, valid, obtained on time and that any vaccinations, inoculations, prophylactics (e.g. for malaria) and the like, where required, have been obtained. Xtreme Safari Africa and their staff cannot be held liable for any required travel documents such as visas, etc. not held by the guests, nor can it be held liable for the cost of obtaining visas and other required documents. Passports must be valid for 6 months after return to South Africa.
UNSCEDULED EXTENSIONS / CHANGES In the unlikely event of there being an unscheduled extension to the holiday caused by flight delays, bad weather, strikes or any other cause which is beyond the control of Xtreme Safari Africa, it is understood that expenses relating to those unscheduled extensions will be for the passenger’s account. Whilst Xtreme Safari Africa uses its best endeavours to ensure that all anticipated accommodation is available as planned, there shall be no claim of any nature whatsoever against Xtreme Safari Africa for a refund either in the whole or part, if any accommodation or excursion is unavailable and a reasonable alternative is found. If the guest is unable to use any of the services provided in the amended itinerary, no refunds will be due. In the event when the itinerary must be re-route by our service providers Xtreme Safari Africa cannot be held responsible.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Documents (vouchers, itineraries, etc.) are only prepared on receipt of full payment of the package price, and signed & completed Booking Form, and will be ready 48 hours after payment has been received. It is important that you check all details of your travel documents (including your itinerary) before leaving. If there are any inaccuracies on any of your travel documents, or should you have any further queries, you should contact your travel agent immediately. Xtreme Safari Africa will not be liable for any delay and/or loss occasioned as a result of any inaccuracies on any travel documents once you are in receipt thereof and you have left.
BREAK-AWAYS, CLAIMS & REFUNDS
Except for verifiable extenuating circumstances, refunds are not made for any missed tour services. Whilst it is possible to break away from the planned holiday itineraries, it is understood that such break-aways will be for the passenger’s account and there will be no refunds under any circumstances for unused services unless prior arrangements have been made with Xtreme Safari Africa prior to the issue of documentation. Refunds will not be made for unused sightseeing trips or meals. Xtreme Safari Africa will not accept any liability for any claims that are not received within 7 days of the termination of your tour.
COMPLAINTS
In the event that you have any reason to complain, or experience any problems with your holiday whilst away, you must immediately inform the supplier of the services in question. If you are still dissatisfied, you must notify Xtreme Safari Africa immediately to enable us to resolve the problem. Failure to give us the opportunity to resolve any problem at the time it occurs may result in either a reduction, or complete extinction, of any rights which you may have to claim compensation. If you remain dissatisfied, contact your booking consultant with full details of your complaint.