6 Day Kilimanjaro Climb Special

Kilimanjaro Climb by the Machame Route

The immense and awe-inspiring massif of Kilimanjaro, mythical snow-clad summit of Africa, is situated entirely in Tanzania and dominates from nearly 6000 metres the surrounding plains. It consists of Kibo, whose crater is always covered in ice and its Uhuru Peak (5895 m) Mawenzi, the jagged eastern peak (5149 m) and rarely climbed - even by experts - because of the dangerously 'crumbly' rock and then there is Shira to the west, a high rolling plateau of 3962m. Machame Route is used by the more adventurous climber but is not any tougher than the more traditional and well-trodden Marangu Route. In fact, neither route is 'easy'- this is a common misconception.

For both routes climbers should allow a minimum of 6 days and 5 nights - thus ensuring the best chance of success. Overall, the ascent on the Machame Route is more gradual, except the final gruelling ascent day where the final 800m of very steep scree slope, sometimes covered in snow and ice, is a challenge for all. It is virtually the same on all routes because of the nature of the peak.

Machame is the route where we use our tents and equipment in spectacular highland sites.

Climb - Day 1 - Arusha to Machame Site
(10kms taking approx. 6-7 hours - 1200m climb)
After breakfast, transfer by vehicle to Machame Gate at 1800m altitude. During the National Park entrance formalities, you meet your team of guides and porters - a Senior Guide with many years of experience is in charge. This first day is quite a strenuous, long walk up through the montane forest along a wide path and there is a picnic stop. There is no hurry - the pace is slow and the walk is pretty and enjoyable. The camp is at 3050m and there are nice views of the peaks depending on weather. Dinner and overnight at Machame Camp Site.

Climb - Day 2 - Machame to Shira
(6kms taking approx. 6 hours 840m climb)
Start out from Camp over a small stream, walking over some old lava flows up into the moorland of the Shira Plateau to Camp at 3690m. This is a good area to spend an extra day simply exploring and strolling about to help acclimatisation. Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp Site.

Climb - Day 3 - Shira to Barranco Camp
(10kms taking approx. 6 hours 110m climb)
Leaving the Shira Plateau, you walk towards the Kibo Massif, up to Lava Tower Pass at 4750m, pausing to admire the imposing Lava Tower. Then there is a descent to the Barranco Camp Site at 3950m. This valley offers perhaps the most stunning views and scenery of the climb - especially looking north up at the steep cliff-like slopes of Kibo with its glaciers. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.

Climb - Day 4 - Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
( 8km taking approx. 9 hours 650m climb)
The steep slope which you have been admiring looks imposing enough but is smilingly and mischieviously called 'Breakfast' by the porters. You walk through a succession of valleys and water courses which tumble down off the slope and picnic at the 'Last Water' of Karanga River as the vegetation becomes high desert type, consisting of tussocky grass clumps and alpine plants and rocky sandy areas. Again, Karanga Valley can be an extra night stop if this is felt necessary, making for a 7 day and 6 night climb. It is a long slow slog from Bararanco to the Barafu site often in mist and altitude really begins to tell here. The site is rather precarious, perched on an old jagged lava flow with sheer drops close to the toilet area - please take extra care here. Dinner and overnight (well, a few hours at least - so go to bed at 7 p.m. latest!) at Barafu Camp.

Climb and Descent - Day 5 - Barafu Camp to 'UHURU PEAK'
('Freedom Peak' - the Summit) Then back to Barafu Hut and on to Mweka Camp Site.
5 km taking approx. 7 hours (or as long as it takes !) AND on descent, 14 km taking approx. 7 hours & 2800m
Around midnight, you will be awoken with a hot drink - and encouraging words - to start the final stage of the Climb in the night, led by your guides who will illuminate the track. Departure is at this time so that you can walk on the still frozen snow and scree and enjoy the magical sunrise at your arrival on the crater rim.

The cold can be very intense and the wind violent. The path is mainly scree and rock, becomes very steep and the 5-6 hour climb exhausting because of the lack of oxygen. You follow the path between the Ratzel and Rebmann Glaciers, arriving at the Crater Rim of Kibo between Stella and Hans Meyer Points. After only another hour, you will reach 'UHURU PEAK' at 5896m ('Peak of Freedom' where the TANZANIA national flag was hoisted on Independence Day 9 December 1961.

This is the Roof of Africa and is the crowning achievement of all your hard effort and for you and your climbing companions it is a very special day….. The view is wonderful but the Summit can be windy so do take care. After photos and a rest, one hour back to Stella Point and then 2 more hours of rather steep descent through the ankle deep scree. This greyish thick sand has now lost its early morning frosty firmness and is very slippy before reaching the rocky site of Barafu Hut for a short rest and pack up camp. Again, take care here. Press on to Mweka Camp Site - a long and demanding stage downhill but usually done in an elated state! This route is steep, over the high desert, a very rutted and gullied path way down through the heather and moorland vegetation bands and then into the scrub forest where the camp site is situated in a lovely glade with views of the peak. A well-deserved restful night follows. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Hut.

Descent - Day 6 - Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate to Arusha
( 8 kms taking approx. 5 hours 1400m descent)
Now follows an exhilarating, calm descent down the well-worn gullied track off the Mountain into the high trees of the montane forest - a chance of seeing colobus monkey - a picnic break, if required and then proceed down to Mweke Gate where your transfer vehicle awaits - receive your Certificates and proceed to Arusha - one and a half hour drive to Moivaro Lodge for a very well deserved 'R&R !' This good lodge is fifteen minutes from Arusha, with comfortably furnished rooms and charming staff and good food. Celebratory dinner and overnight at Moivaro Lodge

Price Guide

6 Day Kilimanjaro Climb Special
Safari starts and finishes in Arusha.
Fully serviced Kilimanjaro Climb over 6 days & 6 nights
Includes Full Board in our mountain tents as the Trek Itinerary; all Park Fees; Conservation Fee, Rescue Fee & all local taxes.
Excludes flights to and from Africa , drinks, tips & other normal personal purchases.
Price Per Person Sharing
from £810.00
based on 2 people on the climb
(Excluding all flights to and from Africa)
Safaris subject to availability and prices can change without prior notice.

To check availability for this safari, please contact us at
holidays@safari-africa.co.uk

Price Guide for different sized groups
for a single climber the cost of the climb is £885.00 per person
For 2 people the cost is £810.00 per person
For 3 or more people the cost of the safari is £785.00 per person

Maximum group size for the climb is 8 people.

For further information on what to take for the climb and other general information
Click Here

For the best chance of achieving the climb we recommend that you have a few days on safari at altitude, so we have put together a special safari just for this reason visiting the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater Click Here for further details.