Private/Independent Kilimanjaro Climb on the Longer Machame Route

Standing high above Africa’s game-filled plains at 5,895m, Kilimanjaro is one of earth’s most impressive natural wonders. For any serious walker, reaching the summit of this extinct volcano will be one of life’s most memorable achievements. On this Kilimanjaro trekking holiday you’ll follow the Machame Route, a beautiful but longer mountain route. On the Machame Route you can experience the southwest and south sides of the mountain by ascending one way from Machame, and descending another way, via the Mweka Route to Mweka village.

The Machame Route climbs slowly through forest before emerging on the edge of the Shira Plateau and joining the Shira Plateau route. It then traverses the mountain taking in the south circuit trail with overnight stops at Barranco and Barafu campsites, before making a slow grind up Kibo to the summit. Because of the slow ascent it has one of the highest rates of success of any route on the mountain. Spectacular views of Mt. Meru in Arusha National Park can be gained on this route. There are only a couple of places where the trail gets steep.

Hiking for 6 days you’ll be accompanied by your own private local mountain guide, porters and a cook. Nights are spent under canvas, camping on the mountain in dramatic wilderness locations. Your porters will pitch your tent and carry your luggage/equipment. Meals are served in either a dinner tent or outside if the weather is fine.  As you gain altitude you’ll walk through five distinct climatic zones, from the lower slopes through rain forest, over heath and moorland to high alpine desert and finally scree slopes to Gilman’s Point.

If you’re feeling up to it, you can make the final push to Uhuru Peak, reaching 5,895m and the highest point in Africa. Reaching the top of Kilimanjaro for sunrise is not the only reward – there are outstanding views to be seen on the way, unique plant life, flora, animals and birds. After your trek you’ll have the chance to relax at your hotel pool and enjoy an optional game drive in the exceptionally scenic Arusha National Park.

Scheduled Departures and Operating Period

Climb Kilimanjaro - Machame Route Acclimatisation Insight

The Machame Route is normally completed in 6 days. This greatly helps your acclimatisation. On the third day of the trek the Machame Route takes you high to Lava Tower (4,630m) then brings you down to overnight at Barranco Camp (3,950m). This intermediate ascent and descent is the secret to a successful acclimatisation, and is the key reason that this route has a high success rate. A seventh day can also be added to this route to aid acclimatisation further.

Highlights of Climb Kilimanjaro - Machame Route

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Climb Kilimanjaro - Brief Itinerary of Machame Route

Day 1	Moshi	Arrive Kilimanjaro and transfer to Moshi (800m) at the foot of Kilimanjaro.
Day 2	Machame Camp	Transfer to Machame village and hike to Machame camp (3,000m).
Day 3	Shira Camp	Ascend moorland to Shira Plateau; continue to Shira campsite (3,840m).
Day 4	Barranco Camp	Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m); after lunch descend to Barranco camp (3,950m).
Day 5	Barafu Camp	Join Mweka Route and trek via Karanga Valley; high alpine desert to camp (4,550m).
Day 6	Mweka Camp	Pre-sunrise start to summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m); descend to Mweka camp (3,100m).
Day 7	Moshi	Descend to Mweka Gate (1,980m); transfer to hotel in Moshi.
Day 8		Optional day safari in Arusha National Park. End of trip.

View route map of Climb Kilimanjaro - Machame Route

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Responsible Tour Operating on Kilimanjaro

Porters on Kilimanjaro have an arduous job – they carry the clothing and equipment, rucksacks, food, water and utensils of climbers, as well as their own clothing and camping equipment. We are keen to ensure that the porters that work for us are treated fairly by senior crew members as well as climbers. In this regard Specialist Tanzania fully supports the work of Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) and is an official partner of IMEC’s ‘Partnership for Responsible Travel’. As an initiative of the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC), KPAP exist solely for the purpose of improving the working conditions of the porters climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

    

Specialist Tanzania works in close partnership with a locally owned and managed company in Moshi, Tanzania. We feel this approach has a more direct benefit on the local distribution of income from tourism. We support and fully endorse the recruitment and training of local guides, porters, local group tour managers, drivers and representation staff.

With our guiding principle of employing local people wherever possible our guests see a direct benefit in the improved local knowledge of our local team, whether that be knowledge of flora, fauna, history or just general Tanzanian life. Through this approach we can also maximise the amount of your tourism revenue that is delivered directly into the heart of the local economy, whilst at the same time providing our guests with a holiday which is fully financially protected by our bonding schemes and insurance cover.