On this 6 days Machame route, total Days will be 8 days; this means the arrival day, 6 days on the mountain and the departure day. On the Arrival day you will meet your Guide in Arusha at Hotel/lodge for a Pre briefing as well as Checking all the trekking gear to make sure that you’re well-equipped.
Day 1: Arusha – Machame Gate – Machame Camp
In the morning, we depart from our hotel to the Gate at approximately 8:00 AM. This will take 45 minutes up to one hour Drive. It will take about one hour to do registration before you start trekking. You will walk for about four to five hours depending on the pace of the climbers. You will walk through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers, and other tropical vegetation. A stop for picnic lunch will be made halfway to this evening’s campsite. As you continue your ascent, you will find that the tropical forest has given way to tall grasses and giant heather.
This initial stage of the climb is tranquil and relatively easy. There is no point in rushing to get to the camp, as there is little to do there. Guides tend to recommend a slow ascent, even at this point, for gradual acclimatization. Do not try to keep up with your porters, who will usually bind ahead. Instead, take time to admire the beauty of the rainforest. Overnight at Machame Camp (3,000m)
Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp
On this day you will wake-up at 6:00 or 6:30 am. You will be greeted with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, and weather permitting, by a fabulous view of Uhuru peak if the view will be clear. Today’s trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock, and bearded heather. You will encounter giant groundsels as you hike through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves, and streams.
Lunch will be taken just below the Shira Plateau, about three to four hours from Shira Camp. The hike to the next campsite takes approximately five hours and you should arrive between 1:00 PM and 2:00 pm. Most climbers tend to pace themselves, walking slowly and resting about every half-hour.
Overnight: Shira Camp (3,800m).
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
The entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning with sweeping vistas across to Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower (4,600m), where you stop to have lunch. Crossing the Bastains stream, you will begin to descend towards Barranco Camp. The descent takes you along an immense canyon called Grand Barranco. Along the way, you will see numerous waterfalls, which are fed, by streams coming from the mountain, converging here to form the Umbwe River. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as the night before. Today’s trek lasts for about six hours and arrival at camp is between 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm. Overnight at Barranco Camp (3,950m).
Day 4: Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp
This morning you begin your hike to Barafu Camp via Karanga Camp, which is at the same altitude as Barranco Camp.
You will encounter a bit of a climb at Barranco Cliff and spend the rest of the trek climbing up and down the slopes of the mountain most of the way to camp. The climbing is not considered difficult and you should arrive in time for lunch (approximately 1:00 pm) having trekked for about four hours.
In the afternoon you have to hike into the Karanga Valley, where giant senecios and Lobelia grow; then continue with the scenic climb to Barafu which is mostly on a moraine with a view of Mawenzi peak towering majestically to the right, and overhead, Kibo peak seemingly just out of reach. The alpine desert terrain encountered at this point is mostly a mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. The climbers arrive at Barafu Camp at around 3:30 or 4:30 pm. Climbers who choose to ascend the peak will go to bed very early this night, as the next day is the longest one.
- Overnight at Barafu Camp (4,600m).
- Ascent to Summit (5,895m) / Descent.
Day 5: Barafu Camp – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
You will be awakened at midnight and after a light breakfast, start climbing at around 12.00 0r 1:00 am. It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult. Here, very few will not be suffering from altitude sickness in some form or another; and climbers should carry as little as possible on this portion of the climb. Temperatures will range from -4° to 5° Fahrenheit. Making your way up a path that is flanked by the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, you will climb for about six hours before reaching the edge of the crater, between Stella and Hans Meyer points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit.
Uhuru stands at 5,895m/19,340 feet and is the highest point on the continent of Africa. The track around the edge of the crater is rocky and icy. Concentrate on your feet, and follow your guide very closely for this portion of the journey. 6 Days Kilimanjaro climb Machame route.
The descent is no easier than the ascent. You will reach Kibo Hut after about three hours (around 11:30 pm). Climbers will be given the opportunity to rest and have some refreshments before continuing on to Mweka Camp for the night. Arriving in camp at around 5:00 pm, you will have trekked a total of thirteen hours today. Overnight at Mweka Camp (3,100m / 10,200ft).
Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
On the final day of the journey, climbers descend from Mweka camp to the base. The descent to the gate will take approximately 3 hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival at the gate climbers will be rewarded with certificates for their success at climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and then get transferred back to your hotel/lodge in Arusha or Moshi.
Safari to Serengeti:
Day 1: Safari from Arusha to Serengeti
After breakfast start drive at 6; 30 am to Serengeti via Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoy an evening game en route while on the way to Seronera (the middle of the park) for overnight. Dinner & Overnight at Nguchiro Public Campsite. Meal Plan Full Board.
Day 2: Safari Half Day in Serengeti
After an early morning (6 am) breakfast start drive for half day in Serengeti, This Park covers an area of 14,763sqkm enjoy game drive at this endless plain as per Masai Language. Also wildlife like lion, cheetah, Thompson, Grant’s gazelle, zebra, and elephant are seen in this beautiful plain park. Here you will be able to trace migration along Mara River while crossing to or from Masai. Drive to Seronera at late noon for overnight. At Seronera wildlife lodge. Meal plan; Full Board.
Day 3: Safari from Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
After early morning breakfast at 600am start driving to Ngorongoro Crater while enjoying a game en route. Descend to Ngorongoro Crater with picnic lunch enjoying beautiful morning hours crater Tour. You come across unique attractions near this historical caldera where man and wildlife are living together without harming one another. Get a chance to observe wildlife, including Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo, Wildebeest, Warthog and Zebra, and see also lake Magadi, Lerai Forest and Ngoitokito swamp. Later, after your lunch at the picnic site start drive to Arusha for overnight/departure.
Do not hesitate, please, contact us at info@zorillasafaris.com for our current prices and as well, for more information about this combined trip!
Included in this tour:
- Quality, waterproof mountain sleeping tents
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- All Park fees and Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Sleeping Mattress
Excluded:
- Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival.
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc.)
- Tips and any items of personal nature.
For the Head
Wool Hat, Balaclava, Sunglasses, glacier glasses better, Sunscreen (SPF 25+), Lip Balm (SPF 25+), Sun Hat, Bandana
Clothes (No Cotton)
Synthetic base layer (2) , Wool or synthetic layer (2), Wool or fleece sweater, Wind/Water-proof jacket, Convertible hiking pants, Underwear, Water-Proof Pants, Synthetic or wool pants for layering, Gloves or mittens, Glove Liner, Lycra tights.
For the Feet
Thin sock liners (2), Wool hiking socks (6), Good- broken-in hiking boots, Gaiters (knee lengthy is better), Tennis shoes or sandals (for camp)
For Sleeping
Zero degree sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner (optional), Inflatable pillow (optional)
For Hiking
Day pack (no larger than 2,200cu), Water bladder 100oz/3ltr, Rain cover for pack, Headlamp, Extra batteries, Large duffel bag for gear (porters carry), Energy bars/gels, Plastic bags
Personal Items
Toiletries, Small first aid kit, Small towel, Diamox for altitude sickness, Cash for tipping, Wet wipes, Bug Spray
Other Items
Sunglasses, Sunscreen (SPF 25+), Lip Balm (SPF 25+), Sun Hat, Bandana, Camera, Bug spray, Malaria pills, Flashlight/torch, Batteries, Cash for tips, etc.
