Kilimanjaro - Machame Route
9 Days Starting and ending in Arusha, Tanzania
Visiting: Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mweka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KIM
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 15
Trip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Camping, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Kilimanjaro - Machame Route tour, a thrilling journey through Tanzania's breathtaking landscapes. Begin your expedition in Arusha, nestled at the base of Mt Meru, before setting off on a challenging trek through lush montane forests and panoramic viewpoints. Experience the awe-inspiring sunrise over Mawenzi as you ascend to the summit of Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5895m. This fully supported camping tour includes 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners, with accommodations ranging from a 3-star hotel in Arusha to twin-share tents on the mountain. Guided by experienced local mountain guides and supported by porters, this trek offers a unique opportunity to explore the majestic beauty of Kilimanjaro, from the Shira Plateau to the Southern Icefields, ensuring a memorable and rewarding experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Arusha
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: Moivaro Coffee Plantation
Today is an arrival day. If you choose to fly into Kilimanjaro Airport we recommend a private transfer to Arusha where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at the Moivaro Coffee Plantation which has spacious rooms, a pool, and restaurant. This afternoon at 16:30 you will meet the rest of the group and your guide for a trip briefing.
Day 2 : Drive To Machame Gate, Commence Climb To Machame Camp (3000M)
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation Name: Machame Camp
After completing the necessary registration formalities, the climb starts from Machame Gate (1800m) and follows a ridge through dense montane forest. This is the richest forested area on the mountain, and also the zone from where 96% of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days, and especially in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful; it can also be a very muddy experience, particularly if it has rained recently! We have lunch at ‘Halfway Clearing’, a small opening in the trees, and continue climbing steadily. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame Hut (3000m). We may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. [6-8 hours walking]
Day 3 : To Shira Two Camp (3840M)
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation Name: Shira Two Camp
A shorter day that begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau from here, and it is a good rest point too! The trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp near Shira Hut (3840m) which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro; close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across to Mt Meru floating on the clouds. [4-6 hours walking]
Day 4 : Trek Near Lava Tower Junction (4550M)
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation Name: Barranco Valley Camp
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4550m) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3900 m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking]
Day 5 : To Karanga (4000M)
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation Name: Karanga Camp
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4000m), the last water point on the way to the summit. There is plenty of time to rest, or for a short optional acclimatisation walk in the afternoon up the valley above the camp. [4-5 hours walking]
Day 6 : To Barafu Campsite (4600M)
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation Name: Barafu Camp
We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach the Barafu campsite (4600m) for lunch. There is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East valley (4800m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. [4-5 hours walking]
Day 7 : Summit Uhuru Peak (5895M), Then Descend To Millenium Camp (3800M)
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation Name: Millenium Camp
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5735m), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite Millenium (3800m). [11-15 hours walking]
Day 8 : Descend To Mweka, Transfer To Arusha
Location: Mweka
Accommodation Name: Moivaro Coffee Plantation
A sustained descent on a well constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m). Here we sign out from the National Park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalisingly close! Overnight at Moivaro Coffee Plantation. [4-6 hours walking]
Day 9 : In Arusha, Trip Concludes
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
In Arusha, after breakfast at your hotel, the trip arrangements end.
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights camping -
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners
The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners.
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2 nights in 3 star hotel in Arusha on a twinshare basis
The tour includes 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Arusha on a twinshare basis.
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6 nights fully supported camping on a twinshare tent basis
The tour includes 6 nights of fully supported camping on a twinshare tent basis.
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Group camping equipment including tent
The tour provides group camping equipment including a tent, but sleeping bag and mat are not included.
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Experienced local mountain guides, cook and camp crew
The tour includes experienced local mountain guides, a cook, and camp crew.
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Porters to carry personal and group equipment
The tour includes porters to carry personal and group equipment.
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Park entrance fees valued at US$968
The tour includes park entrance fees valued at US$968.
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Emergency oxygen
The tour includes emergency oxygen.
What's Not Included
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International or domestic flights
The tour does not include international or domestic flights.
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Arrival or departure transfers in Arusha
The tour does not include arrival or departure transfers in Arusha.
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Sleeping bags and mats
The tour does not include sleeping bags and mats.
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Aerated and alcoholic drinks
The tour does not include aerated and alcoholic drinks.
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Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
The tour does not include items of a personal nature such as phone calls and laundry.
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Tips
The tour does not include tips.
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Airport and departure taxes
The tour does not include airport and departure taxes.
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Visa
The tour does not include visa fees.
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Travel Insurance (compulsory)
The tour does not include travel insurance, which is compulsory.
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Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
The tour does not include meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.
Grading
As with all our Moderate to Challenging programs, we expect clients to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around three to four times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance hill walking, with and without a daypack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear.
Whilst this ascent of Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, it is nevertheless a short and steep trek at altitude, and for many people it will be the hardest physical walk of their life. In order to get the most out of the trip, people should join in Arusha with a maximum state of fitness. There is not time to ‘get fit on the trek’ as with some of our other longer trekker programs elsewhere.
Come and talk to us if you are unsure about your suitability; we would be happy to discuss your level of experience and fitness with you and put you in touch with one of our guides to help you make your decision.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes a drive to Machame Gate to commence the climb, and a transfer back to Arusha after descending to Mweka. Arrival or departure transfers in Arusha are not included, and international or domestic flights are also excluded.
Accommodation
Enjoy 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Arusha on a twin-share basis, and 6 nights of fully supported camping on a twin-share tent basis, with group camping equipment provided. Please note that sleeping bags and mats are not included but can be hired locally.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are provided during the Kilimanjaro - Machame Route tour?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners. Meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Arusha on a twinshare basis and 6 nights of fully supported camping on a twinshare tent basis.
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Are sleeping bags and mats included in the tour package?
Sleeping bags and mats are not included in the tour package, but they can be hired locally.
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What is the level of difficulty for the Kilimanjaro - Machame Route tour?
The tour is graded as Moderate to Challenging, requiring participants to be regular outdoors people with a good level of fitness. It is a short and steep trek at altitude, and for many, it may be the hardest physical walk of their life.
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What should I carry in my daypack during the trek?
You should carry extra warm clothing, a rainjacket, a water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen and lip balm in your daypack.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for this tour.
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Are there any additional costs not covered by the tour package?
Yes, additional costs not covered include international or domestic flights, arrival or departure transfers in Arusha, aerated and alcoholic drinks, items of a personal nature such as phone calls and laundry, tips, airport and departure taxes, visa, and meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
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What kind of support staff is available during the trek?
The trek is supported by experienced local mountain guides, a cook, camp crew, and porters to carry personal and group equipment.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.