Mount Kilimanjaro

MACHAME ROUTE

DAY 00: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Welcome to Tanzania. On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport you’ll meet our company arranged driver who will transfer you to Arusha city to Green Mountain Hotel for dinner and overnight. Our driver will display your group name on signboard. These procedures ensure that you are picked up by the correct driver, rather than by some of the airport taxi drivers who are looking for business. You’ll get a chance for Safari briefing/introduction before your dinner.

• Hours:45 Minutes
• Meals: Dinner and Overnight.
• Accommodation: Green Mountain Hotel
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 01: Arusha to Machame Camp

Altitude gain: 5,380 to 9,350, Hiking time: 5-7 hours, 7 miles

Drive from Arusha to Mt Kilimanjaro National Park, passing by the village of Machame to meet your climb crew at the Machame Gate. As you begin the gentle ascent, the trail winds though the verdant Afromontane rainforest that beards Kilimanjaro lower slopes. Moss and tattered lichen dangles from tall branches, tree ferns rest in soft cradles, and begonias, busy Lizzie impatiens, and violas bloom year-round in multiple colors on the forest floor. Many species of birds as well as colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and other creatures of the forest can be seen and heard. The first camp is set amongst giant heather at Machame Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Machame Camp
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 02: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

9,350 ft to 12,500 ft ,  3 miles,   Approx. 4-6 hours

Leaving the glades of the rainforest behind, you continue on an ascending path along a steep ridge onto heather-clad moorland. This is known as the heath zone and, as the vegetation becomes sparser, attractive helichrysum and lobelia are the only plants dominating the harsh mountain landscape. Various geological features can be observed, ranging from lava tubes to glacial valleys. A picnic lunch is taken on trial today. Continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau. By now you can see the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers, and after a short hike you reach the Shira Camp. Your tent tonight can definitely be described as room with a view looking out towards the snow-dusted Kibo peaks. Overnight Shira Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Shira Camp
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 03: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

12,500 ft to 15,223 ft (Lava Tower) down to 13,044 ft, 7km,   6-8 hours

Today is a walk-high sleep-low day. You ascend into alpine desert towards the main peak of Kibo, where the western glaciers become clearly visible. Lunch is taken as a picnic en route. If you feel very strong there is an optional ascent of the 300-foot-tall Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp in the afternoon, passing through the strange yet beautiful Garden of the Senec (giant groundsel), which also features many giant lobelias. The Barranco Valley is one of the prettiest areas of the entire trail. This is long day but the next time you head to this altitude is in two days time, making this a great acclimatization day! Overnight at Barranco Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 04: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

13,044 ft to 13,123 ft,  3 miles ,   4-5 hours

You now have a relatively short day to reach Karanga Camp, after conquering the intimidating Barranco Wall. Be prepared to use all four limbs as you traverse the wall to the top of the Karanga Valley. From here, follow a path that sojourns through many inclines and declines to Karanga Camp, arriving in the late afternoon. Our selection of Karanga Camp is strategic significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatization. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering over 3000 feet above you. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 05: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

13,123 ft to 15,288 ft, 2 miles,  4-5 hours

Today is another half day ascending to Barafu Camp. Once again lunch is taken in this high camp, allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and, at times, strong winds rip over this camp, yet in the evenings splendid views of Mawenzi Peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before resting for the evening. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 06: Barafu – Camp Summit Ascent, Mweka Camp

15,288 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,467 ft, 3 miles ascent, 7 miles descent, 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent

Depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit, and this is the coldest, windiest section of your adventure. Most likely by dawn, as the first rays of light start to appear across the Tanzanian landscape, you arrive near the rim at Stella Point, at an altitude of 18,652ft. Here, you are rewarded with the most glorious sunrise you are ever likely to see, appearing over Mawenzi Peak.

Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! Take as many pictures as you can! After a short celebration at the summit, begin the ebullient trek down. Go slowly and enjoy the wonderful rainforest scenery as you head towards Mweka Camp, arriving before dusk. With every step the air has more and more oxygen so although your legs will be jelly your heart will be light. Overnight Mweka Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 07: Mweka Camp to Arusha

12,467 ft to 5,380 ft  6 miles   3-4 hours

After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and at around midday, after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower and a celebratory dinner!

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Green Mountain Hotel
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

What’s included

• Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (before & after the climb)
• Breakfast is included at the hotel
• transport to and from Arusha to ALL Kilimanjaro park gates
• No additional transport fees will be charged to the Northern or Western route gates
• Kilimanjaro National Park permits
• Camping/Hut fees
• Mountain rescue fees
• Guides/Porters salaries
• All season mountain tents
• Foam sleeping pad (unless you opt to bring your own instead)
• Mess tents, tables, chairs for parties of two or more
• All meals on the mountain
• No single supplement fees for Private Climbs will be charged
• Mineral water
• Accommodations

Not Included

• Airfare
• Personal Gear
• Tips for porters & Guides
• Tanzania Visa
• Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
• Optional Tours (short safari after your climb)

MACHAME ROUTE

8 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE

THE MARANGU ROUTE: is also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. And the minimum numbers of days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Klimanjaro using the Marangu route.

Though, regardless of its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu route. The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favored only during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred over wet ground, or for those who only have five days to climb Kilimanjaro which we do not prefer most Otherwise, the Marangu route is a good choice for climbers.

DAY 01: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha.

Welcome to Tanzania. On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport you’ll meet your company arranged driver who will transfer you to Arusha city to Green Mountain Hotel for dinner and overnight. Our driver will display your name on Mupana Tours signboard. These procedures ensure that you are picked up by the correct driver, rather than by some of the airport taxi drivers who are looking for business. You’ll get a chance for Mountain Trekking briefing/introduction before your dinner.

• Meals: Dinner and Overnight
• Accommodation: Green Mountain Hotel
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 02: Arusha to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft, Distance: 8 km/5 miles , Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

After breakfast at 07.00 you’ll depart from Arusha to Moshi at Marangu gate arround 11,00 for nessessary registering before starting Mountain Trekking. You’ll start the walk in late morning, the hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, you have the opportunity to see blue monkeys and also you’ll be able to admire the rainforest vegetation on the ascent. Dinner is served at 19.30 Mandara Hut.

• Meals: Breakfast- Picnic lunch box and Dinner
• Accommodation: Mandura Hut (8,858 ft)
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 03: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft, Distance: 12 km/7 miles, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

After early breakfast at 07,00 before 08,00 you’ll leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing to your necked eyes to view. On the way you’ll enjoy your picnic lunch at 13.00, Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude and if you are lucky enough to have a clear day, you should get the first chance to see the snow-capped peak of Kibo and also the distinctive Mawenzi peak. Like Mandara, Horombo also consists of A-Frame huts and caters for those on the way up the mountain and those on the way back down. Once again, you will be in dormitory accommodation.. Dinner will be served at 18.00 Horombo Hut.

• Meals: Breakfast- Picnic lunch box and Dinner
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut (12,205 ft)
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 04: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft, Distance: 5 km/3 miles, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Today you choose to take the southern (left-hand) route. On this path you take the opportunity to fill up your water reserves at the Maua River as the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner tonight is at 17.30 Kibo Hut and you’re advised to get to bed early, in preparation for the midnight departure for the summit.

• Meals: Breakfast- Picnic lunch box and Dinner
• Accommodation: Kibo Hut (14,400 ft)
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 06: Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft, Distance: 16 km/10 miles, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), began to climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilmans point located on the crater rim. Continuing, you’ll now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here you descend, stopping for your delicious picnic lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you’ll need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly pole pole and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

• Meals: Breakfast- Picnic lunch box and Dinner
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut (12,205 ft)
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 07: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft, Distance: 20 km/12 miles, Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

After tasty breakfast from your private chef, a steady descent will take you down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Women Adventure Africa Vehicle will be waiting you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha. It is time for celebration!

DAY 08: Departure

After breakfast from your hotel the company driver will transfer you to the airport where you’ll board your flight heading back to your lovely country.

TOUR INCLUDES.

1. Arusha accommodation before and after trekking
2. Airport pick up and drop-off
3. All park fees and taxes
4. All meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5. Transportation to and from the hotel and trailhead
6. Tents
7. Sleeping mat
8. Private toilet
9. Support team (Qualified guides, porters and chef)
10. Mineral water

Award:

Certificate of Achievement if you reach Gilmans point (5681M), Stella point (5685M) or Uhuru point (5895M).

TOUR EXCLUDES.

• Visa
• Laundry
• Rental gear
• International Flights.
• Personal travel insurance
• Tips for the support team
• Sleeping bags and other personal gear