Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route - 6 days
Day 1: Machame Hut Camp (10,000') (day 1 on the mountain) Drive for 1 hour from the lodge in Arusha to Machame gate (10,000ft) for registration, and meet the rest of the crew (Cooks and Porters) ready for the climb. We will start the climb through rainforest and the giant heathers for 6 hrs to our first overnight camp.
Day 2: Shira Camp (12,480') (day 2 on the mountain) Short day but rather steep rocky and dusty trails. It's a slow hike with plenty of breaks and enough time to acclimatize. Most of the route is rather bare of vegetation providing little shade from heat. You will cross many ridges and see the first of many senecias.
Day 3: Barranco Camp (13,000') (day 3 on the mountain) Start with climbing over boulders and very few rocks, then steady uphill climb to Lava tower and stop for lunch around noon. For those interested we may climb up the Lava tower which is 14850ft (You may start to get a mild headache due to altitude change). From Lava tower we will go down for about 2 hrs through dusty and rocky trails to the Barranco Camp at 13000ft.
Day 4: Barrafu Camp (14,200') (day 5 on the mountain) Short but steep uphill climb across barren landscape with lots of boulders and shattered rocks. You will see the Decken glaciers on your left. Keep going a very steep ridge until we reach a rocky section formore scrambling for about hour and half. Our next camp will be on large rocks with very steep cliff faces. We will go to bed very early because we will have to wake up at 11.00p.m for the summit.
Day 5: Summit Day and Mweka Hut (10,500') (day 6 on the mountain) We will start the climb at around midnight. We will start with very steep rocks for 1 hour, and then will enter a snow covered area where you can see glaciers above. If it's a moonlight night, you may turn off your headlamp and walk in the moonlight, it is a wonderful experience. Next 2 hours to Stella Point, we will take a break every 15 minutes as a struggle gets more mentally and physically challenging. Then we will get to Stella Point where the Lava fields are like loose sand. It's very funny and frustrating because you will take a step up and slide back gaining 0 distances and if not careful slide back 2 steps and gain negative 2 steps. After break we will climb to UHURU PEAK for 1 hr just as the sun appears over the Mawenzi peaks. We will be at UHURU PEAK (19370ft) around 6.00am. We will stop for lunch and a good rest before we proceed down to Hut Camp.
Day 6: Arusha (day 7 on the mountain and hike out) Start the hike down to the park gate through steep downhill and very slippery. We will arrive at the gate around 11.00am ready to sign out and receive your certificates. Say goodbye to the crew (Porters and the Cooks). Drive back to Arusha for a nice hot shower and time to relax, Dinner and overnight at Arusha hotel
Included: Airport transfers, Accommodation as mentioned, Park fees, camping fees, cook, tent, 3 meals per day during climbing, porters and guides, rescue.
Cost Excludes, but highly recommended: Sunglasses, Rucksack & day pack, Balaclava pairs of socks, Gloves, Waterproof trousers & jacket, Warm sweaters raincoat Water-bottle, walking stick, Hiking boots - Pair of light, Toiletry requirements, Flashlight with batteries.