Kilimanjaro Machame Route with Karanga Valley acclimatization 10 days

Often called the “Whiskey Route” this is a scenically beautiful trail, longer and much gentler than Umbwe or Marangu (the “Coca Cola Route”). Our itinerary provides valuable acclimatization by having extra, but shorter walking days during the trek to the 19,340 foot summit and return.

Day 1
Upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro Airport you will be met by a car driver guide and transferred to a Hotel in nearby Arusha or Moshi for the night.

Day 2
Visit Arusha National Park to view wild animals found in typical safaris including buffalo, wildebeests, dik-diks, giraffes, and various primates. Return to the hotel for a late lunch and relaxation. Before dinner meet with your guide to receive briefing of your trek plans and review the packing of your gear.

Day 3
From Arusha or Moshi drive to the Machame Park gate, then a gentle climb up through the original montane forest carpeted with unique “busy lizzie” flowers, begonias and ferms. Your first camp will be amongst the giant heather at 3,000m/10,000ft at Machame Camp. The ascent will be 1,200m/3,600 ft and 5-6 hours of walking.

Day 4
Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through fine open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3,840m/12,650ft. It’s possible to see some few wild animals e.g. Eland and Black backed Jackal. Also fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera. Which can be viewed during a half-hour optional walk in the afternoon. The ascent will be 840m/2,500ft and 4-5 hours walking.

Day 5
From Shira, climb towards the main peak, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude, desert to volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and under the imposing Western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley the scenic camp at 3,950m/12,900ft. This will be 5-7 hours walking and only 110m total ascents – after having climbed high and walking down - low to sleep that assist acclimatization.

Day 6
Climb the steep Barranco Wall, which includes some sections of very easy, scrambling and walk down again to the Karanga Valley at 3,800m/12,700ft. This is a short walking day, 3-4 hours, with an optional acclimatization hike in afternoon up onto the scree below the glaciers.

Day 7
Up to Barafu camp perched high on a rocky bluff at 4,750m/ 15,200ft. Fantastic views across to Mawenzi peak and a bit less to climb tomorrow morning! This is another short walking day, about 4 hours, 950m, with less exertion and a good rest in afternoon immediately before the hard summit day.

Day 8
Around midnight, enjoy breakfast and start to climb the steep frozen scree. This is unavoidable on any route but we aim to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise – another 40mins and you’re at the highest point on the continent 5,895m/19,340ft, usually in warm sunshine. Return on the Mweka descent route. Ascent of 1,300m/4,000ft over the seven hours treks to the summit. Enjoy standing at the highest point in the African Continent and then descend over 2-3 hours back to Barafu camp for lunch. After lunch continue trek descent 1,750m/ 5,000ft over 3-5 hours to the Mweka camp at 3,000m/10,000ft. This is a long strenuous day but you will feel absolutely ecstatic when you have finished! Enjoy dinner and a good night’s rest.

Day 9
A morning descent of 4-5 hours through the forest brings us to Mweka Gate where you collect your certificate and meet the vehicle. We return to the Hotel in Arusha for a hot shower and overnight after the climb; or early dinner and transfer to the airport for a flight back home. There is option for safari extension in the next day.

Day 10
A day room will be provided for you. In the morning go for shopping for goody souvenirs around Arusha back to the Hotel for lunch and packing your duffle earlier evening dinner and transfer to the airport for home departure.

General:
Accommodation is camping throughout in 3 person mountain tents shared by two people. Vehicles or local porters will carry all your gears; you only carry a daypack with personal gear. When camping, you will not have to participate in camp chores. We buy fresh produce locally and to ensure good standards of hygiene all food is prepared by our own staff. We can cater for special dietary requirements and there are no extra food-kitty payments. We can also arrange extra hotel bookings and airport transfers for before and after your trip.

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