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Mount Kilimanjaro Hike

Mount Kilimanjaro Overview

Conquer the Roof of Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro Expeditions

Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa and one of the most iconic mountains in the world. A Mount Kilimanjaro expedition promises breathtaking views, challenging hikes, and a sense of accomplishment like no other.

Why Choose a Mount Kilimanjaro Expedition?

Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at a majestic 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level, offers a unique opportunity for adventurers to test their limits and conquer the Roof of Africa. The mountain is a dormant volcano located in Tanzania, surrounded by diverse ecosystems ranging from lush rainforests to alpine deserts. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list item for many outdoor enthusiasts, offering a chance to witness stunning sunrises, glaciers, and panoramic views of the African plains below.

Planning Your Expedition

Before embarking on a Mount Kilimanjaro expedition, it is essential to choose the right route and tour operator. There are several routes to the summit, each varying in difficulty and scenery. Popular routes include the Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai routes, with varying durations and success rates.

It is highly recommended to book your expedition with a reputable tour operator that provides experienced guides, proper equipment, and safety protocols. Acclimatization is key when climbing Kilimanjaro, as altitude sickness can be a significant risk. Proper training, physical fitness, and mental preparation are also crucial for a successful summit attempt.

The Ultimate Adventure

Embarking on a Mount Kilimanjaro expedition is not just about reaching the summit; it is a transformative journey that pushes your limits, tests your resilience, and connects you with nature in its purest form. The sense of achievement upon reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro, is unparalleled and stays with you for a lifetime.

6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Hike Machame Route

Detailed Itinerary 

DAY 1:  ARUSHA – MACHAME CAMP

Elevation (m): 1830m to 3100m
Distance: 18km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

The drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

DAY 2:  MACHAME CAMP- SHIRA CAMP

 Elevation (m): 3100m to 3840m
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP

Elevation (m): 3840m to 4630m to 3860m
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664 ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP – BARAFU CAMP

Elevation (m): 3860m to 4600m
Distance: 13km
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m / 13,779 ft), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP- SUMMIT(UHURU PEAK 5895M) – MWEKA HUT 

 Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent
Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m / 18,652 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP – ARUSHA

Elevation (m): 3100m to 1830m
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. 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).From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to a hotel in Arusha.

Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Gear, Equipments & Essentials

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