The Machame Route + Tanzania Safari

This is the easiest route to take to ascend Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa with its two main summits, the craggy Mawenzi, 5149m, and the 'flat-topped', glaciated Kibo, 5896m. The Saddle, a 5km wide, high-altitude, semi-desert separates the two. From the summit glaciers, screes, cliffs, afro-alpine moorland then forests lead down to the cultivated foothills. The Marangu route takes you at a gentle pace through these dramatically different zones.
For the ascent to Uhuru Peak from Kibo Hut a very early start is made since the scree is easier to climb when frozen and the views from the crater rim at dawn can be spectacular.

Day 1 - Arrive in Kilimanjaro Airport.
We'll meet for an introductory briefing upon our arrival in Kilimanjaro Airport, before transferring to Kibo Palace Hotel / Impala Hotel for the evening.

Day 2- Kilimanjaro Climb - to Machame Camp
From Moshi drive to the Machame route, often called the Whiskey Route. From the Machame Park gate is a gentle climb up through the original montane forest, carpeted with unique busy lizzie flowers, begonias and ferns. First camp amongst the giant heather at 3,000m. Ascent of 1,200m and 5 -6 hours walking.

Day 3- Kilimanjaro Climb - Machame Camp to Shira Camp.
Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through fine open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3,840m. Herds of eland up here (& occasional lion!) and there are fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera which can be viewed during a half-hour optional walk in the afternoon. Ascent 840m and 4 - 5 hours walking.

Day 4- Kilimanjaro Climb - Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
From Shira, climb towards the main peak Kibo, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and under the imposing western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for mid-way camp at 3,950m. 6 - 7 hours walking and only 110m total ascent. But having climbed much higher and dropped back down assists acclimatization.

Day 5- Kilimanjaro Climb - Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp
Up the steep Barranco wall with some sections of very easy scrambling and drop down again to the Karanga Valley where you take a break for lunch.
After lunch hike on to Barafu Hut 4600m, having hiked a total of 7 - 8 hours and ascended 650m. You have fantastic views across to Mawenzi peak from the camp after having completed a longer day of hiking which now requires you to adequately relax in preparation of the challenging summit hike early the following morning.

Day 6- Kilimanjaro Climb - Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Camp
We'll trek up through the Karanga Valley, the trail turns steadily uphill, following the lava ridge to the Barafu camp. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed flat area on a ridge, acting as a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight tonight. Barafu camp (15,200 feet, 6-7 hours of walking).

Day 7- Kilimanjaro Climb - Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Just after midnight we start of a challenging trek(12-17 hours of trekking). You begin trekking at 12:30 to 1am, passing between the Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers to the rim at Stella Point. The temperatures range from just below freezing at midnight, to between 10 deg. F (-12 deg. C) to –10 F. (-23 deg. C) just before dawn at the summit. As dawn nears, we'll summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19,340 feet. Uhuru will be the culmination of - and the reward for - 6-7 hours of strenuous hiking. We'll then descend back to Barafu Camp, resting for a while before continuing our descent to Mweka Camp (9,840 feet, 3-4 hours of walking on the descent).

Day 8- Kilimanjaro Climb - Mweka Camp to Park Gate, transfer to Arusha
From Rua campsite it is a 4 - 5 hours descent through the forest to Kidia gate (depending on individual fitness) to collect certificates and meet the vehicle. Return to Moshi for night at Kibo Palace Hotel / Impala Hotel

Day 9 Lake Manyara National park:
Depart Arusha in the morning for Lake Manyara, arriving there by lunch time. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Loswira luxury tented Camp. Lunch box and dinner.

Day 10 Ngorongoro crater:
After early breakfast, depart for Ngorongoro crater for a full day game drive in the crater. Late afternoon drive to Loswira luxury tented Campon the crater rim for dinner and overnight. All meals included.

Day 11 Tarangire National park
After breakfast drive to Tarangire. Afternoon game drive, meals and overnight at Kikoti luxury tented lodge . All meals included.

Day 12 - Tarangire - Arusha
After breakfast walking Safari at the parks boundary, then drive back to Arusha. Breakfast.

Zanzibar beach Holiday

Tanzania Safaris and Kilimajaro Testimonials

TIPPING:
Tipping is an accepted part of life in Tanzania, and you will be expected to tip to reward service. You will be briefed on arrival as to when and how much is appropriate, however, depending on the size of your group you should budget on a personal contribution of around $ 45 to $ 50 for your trek guides, cooks and porters on the trek.