Mt. Kili Climb – Machame

Whenever you arrive, you'll be personally met and transferred to the Arusha Hotel. The first-class 4-star hotel is "base camp" for almost all Kilimanjaro climbers, located in the city and therefore in proximity to a variety of restaurants and other services. There are many other choices in the Arusha/Kilimanjaro area, including some of Tanzania's finest boutique hotels and lodges. Please contact us for additional choices in your base lodging.
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The day is spent in Arusha National Park on the mid slopes of Mt. Meru, Africa's 5th highest mountain. The day is intended to help you acclimatize to higher altitudes. This is a big game park with most of Africa's traditional game, most of which is found at altitudes of 6,000' or more. A picnic lunch is carried for you. For an additional nominal charge, you may hire armed rangers to accompany you on day hikes to altitudes as high as 10,000'. You'll return to your hotel for the afternoon climb briefing, where you are given a full briefing and equipment check with the Climbs Manager and your guide. Overnight at the Arusha Hotel.
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After breakfast you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro. At the gate your crew finalize packing and after finishing with formalities you start off from Machame gate. Today’s hiking is through verdant afromontane forest to Machame camp and on route you have a picnic lunch. Look out for pretty endemic flora and a gradation of forest zones! Overnight at Machame Camp.
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From Machame camp you hike to Shira Camp. The first section is relatively steep and altitude is gained rapidly. A picnic lunch is taken on trail today. The zone you pass through today is known as the heath zone where attractive Helichrysum and lobelia plants become apparent. Various geologic features can be seen today from lava tubes to glacial valleys. Overnight at Shira Camp.
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Today is a walk high sleep low day. You ascend into alpine desert and for those that are feeling strong you can even head up to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco camp. Lunch is taken as a picnic lunch on route. This is a long day but note that the next time you head to this altitude is in two days time – great acclimatization day! Overnight at Barranco Camp.
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You now have a relatively short day to Karanga Camp, after conquering the Barranco Wall. The selection of Karanga Camp is strategic – significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatization and in the late afternoon you arrive in camp. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering 1,000 meters (over 3,000 feet) above you. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
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Today is another half day ascending to Barafu camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. Your guide will brief you fully for the final ascent which begins shortly after midnight. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the evening. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
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Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. The going is slow, and often quite frustrating on the scree, but persistence and patience ensure steady progress. Near the summit you pass through the gap between the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers. At Stella point you can then choose to return - you are after all already higher than any point in Africa! Otherwise, continue to Uhuru peak (5,896m). Despite the distance being relatively short, progress is slow - there is less than half the oxygen than at sea level! Uhuru Peak provides a unique satisfaction and usually releases a plethora of emotions. If progress is good you can watch the sunrise from the rooftop of Africa!

What goes up must come down and your goal today is to reach Mweka camp before dusk. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
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The final descent takes you through the lower heath section that quickly turns into rainforest. Your time on Kilimanjaro ends at Mweka Gate where your landrover will be waiting to transfer you back to the Arusha Hotel. You may now relax, take a hot shower or even lounge by the pool! Join your climb guides in Arusha town this evening for a grand celebration!
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You will be privately transferred to Kilimanjaro or Arusha airports for your departure.
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Don't go yet! The great safari savannas are just ahead! Check out our many short East African safaris or call us for suggestions.