Tanzania Safari Itinerary TZ400: 7 Day Kilimanjaro Climb

Challenge yourself and join us on a climp up Kilimanjaro - the largest of an East-West belt of about 20 volcanoes near the southern end of the East African Rift Valley.

The Machame Route, which is also known as the 'Whiskey Route', is one of various trekking routes that go up Africa's highest peak. It is a tent accommodated tour that starts at the Machame Gate. The Machame Route is a physically challenging climb with steep walks and long days, offering a scenic traverse of western breach's great views.

Highlights: Climb up Kilimanjaro, taking you through the midst of equator's jungle to reach the snow and breathtaking views from the summit.

Accommodation: Value for money fully equipped camping

Price: USD $1632*
*Rate per person for 2 to 4 people joining. Group discounts available.

Price Includes:
Park entry fees, rescue fees, camping fees, guide, assistant guide and 2 porters per person, camping equipment (tent, mattress, sleeping bag), 3 meals per day prepared by our chef while trekking, pre and post tour accommodation, return transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport.

Price Does Not Include:
Tips: recommended 15% of the total amount paid to the team for their excellent service, alcohol, personal medication and toiletries, Spare batteries for cameras and flash lights.

Extra Information:
There are different routes to climb up Kilimanjaro, i.e. Marangu Route (USD 1706 for 2 to 4 people joining). Please contact our office for more information.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1
We meet at border post Namanga/Taveta or Kilimanjaro airport and we'll be transfered to Kilemakyaro Mt. Lodge.

Day 2
Kilemakyaro Mt. Lodge (1450 m) Machame camp (3000 m). This route is more challenging with a fantastic opportunity to combine mountain skills and leisure. You will leave Kilemakyaro Mt. Lodge just after your breakfast and drive for about 50 minutes to Machame gate (1800m) where you will be introduced to the porters who will carry your food and gear during your trekking. You will be required to register yourself at the park office and after all the formalities you start your walk into the forest for about seven hours ascending to the first camp Machame (3000m). Half way through the forest you stop for your packed lunch and a short rest. Accommodation on this route is in tents and as you reach the camp, within no time your porters have put up your tents followed by dinner, boiling water for your washing and finally a deserved overnight rest.

Day 3
As usual breakfast is served early the next morning and on a clear day it is possible to view the western Breach of Kilimanjaro. The walk from the camp to Shira camp will take about six hours through the forest ridge into the moorland, and requires the occasional scramble before reaching the lunch stop at about (3600m). With a limited rest you continue. On the west side you will be able to see the Shira needle, Shira Cathedral and East Shira hill as well as the western breach with its respective glaciers. The temperature here is below freezing point.

Day 4
An early breakfast is served. Trekking starts east today, into a semi desert and rocky environment for about five hours walk to Lava Tower (4600m). At this point you will have a close view of little Penck glacier and the western Breach. From Lava Tower you descend a steep rocky area that joins the route to Barranco camp (3.950m) where you will camp tonight. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp. By now you will have adapted to the temperatures dropping rapidly to below freezing point making the night very cold with the possibility of frost in the morning.

Day 5
After your early breakfast you start the vertical climb to Barranco Wall at an altitude of 4200m. The path crosses through the southern slopes to reach the Karanga Valley in three hours. Packed lunch will be taken at this point, where you will have a great view of Heim, Kerstin and Decken glaciers which form part of the southern ice fields. It will take you another four hours to reach Barafu Camp (4600m), which is situated on an exposed and dangerous ridge making it necessary to familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark. Tents will be erected here by your porters followed by a nice meal and restful night.

Day 6
At around midnight you guide will lead you in a northwest direction up to the southeast valley towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The six-hour walk to Stella Point is a mentally and physically challenging.. Depending on the weather condition you will encounter snow and ice from below Stella Point all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5896m), which will take about an hour and half, during which you will experience great views of Rebman, Denken, Kerstin and Heim Glaciers. You will reach Uhuru peak (5896m) at sunrise, where you will be rewarded with the most beautiful African sunrise ever, on the roof of the highest peak in Africa! The walk back to Barafu Camp from the summit takes over three hours, after a short rest at Barafu and collecting your gear, you will proceed down to Mweka Camp (3100m) for dinner and overnight.

Day 7
Before departing to the Mweka gate, after breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your mountain crew. You will receive your certificates at KINAPA offices where you will meet with your driver who will drive you to Kilemakyaro Mountain Lodge for a hot shower. Before dinner it is time to celebrate with a drink and cheers, followed by dinner. Overnight at the lodge. In the morning your next optional adventure starts with a safari, or Beach leisure to Bagamoyo, Zanzibar or Mafia Islands.