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2008 dates: August 9 to 17 & October 11 to 19
2009 dates: January 31 to February 8, June 27 to July 5, August 8 to 16, October 10 to 18
Departures for private groups can be arranged anytime from mid December to March and from June to mid October
Grade & trek days:
Strenuous (grade 4), 7 trek days
Number of days:
9 days
Accommodation:
2 nights hotel, 6 nights camping (option 2: 5 nights)
Trip cost '08: £650
excluding local payment for National Park feesof USD$745
Trip cost '09: £699
Kilimanjaro Machame route photo gallery
Online quotation for trekking insurance
Information on booking international flights
The Machame route is known as one of the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro and the best for acclimatisation, which is the reason why it is highly recommended by us!
The route starts above the village of Machame on the south western slopes of Kilimanjaro and heads up to the Machame and Shira huts and then traverses around to the Barranco and Barafu huts. The summit day starts from here, ascending the rocky prow of the rib above the hut before winding its way up a gravel trail to the rim and then on to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro at Uhuru peak.
The Machame route is graded as a strenuous trek (grade 4) with several tough days including a long summit day. The first day one climbs from 1,900m to 3000m through the rainforest and the summit day takes at least 14 hours walking at high altitude.
We offer both a 6 and 7 trekking day option, although recommend the 7 day option as it allows more time for acclimatisation. The other advantage of the 7 day option is that the day before your summit attempt is only 4 hours compared to 8 hours in the 6 day option. Typically you will arrive at the Barafu camp by midday and can spend the rest of the afternoon sleeping and preparing before the pre midnight start for the top.
Do not underestimate Kilimanjaro! If you have not been to altitude before it is very hard to explain the effects but please read the Altitude section below which highlights ways of optimising your acclimatisation and some areas to be aware of during the climb. Although fitness itself does not help acclimatisation, it is worth training beforehand by walking in the UK or other aerobic activities- you will not regret this on the summit day!
If you would like more information click here to download the Trip Dossier.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
- Day 1 Arrive at Kilimanjaro International airport
- Day 2 Drive to Machame village, trek through the rainforest to the Machame hut (3,100m)
- Day 3 Trek to the Shira Hut campsite passing along a rocky ridge and through a river gorge
- Day 4 From Shira Plateau to the Lava Tower and Arrow Glacier (4,876m), then a descent to Barranco hut (3,950m) to camp
- Day 5 Pass the Baranco Wall to the Karanga valley (4,100m)
- Day 6 Karanga valley to the Barafu hut (4,600m)
- Day 7 Ascend to Stella Point (5,745m) between the Remann and Ratzal glaciers and to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), descend to Mweka hut
- Day 8 Descend to the Mweka Park gate, drive back to the Marangu Hotel
- Day 9 Fly back home
Recommended books & maps:
Kilimanjaro
Take a look at our other Kilimanjaro climb:
Kilimanjaro Umbwe route
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