Kilimanjaro Climb Routes: Machame

<p>Departure from Arusha will be at around 8am for the Machame Gate trail head, about 1.5 hour driving. Upon completion of entry registration formalities we will meet the rest of the crew (Cooks and Porters) ready for the climb. We will start the climb through rainforest and the giant heathers for 5 to 6 hours with a lunch stop halfway then continue on to our first overnight at Machame camp.( 5,950 ft.)</p>

<p>Short day but rather steep rocky and dusty trails. It’s a slow hike with plenty of breaks and enough time to acclimatize. Most of the route is rather bare of vegetation providing little shade from heat. You will cross many ridges and see the first of many Senecios, one of Kili’s most recognizable plant species.</p>

<p>Proceed steadily upward over extensive ridgelines of high desert to Lava Tower, for lunch. The trek is about 4 hours. Lava Tower, a 300 foot volcanic plug, marks an exposed pass at 15,000 feet. In the afternoon, descend the steep track into the Great Barranco Valley. Hanging glaciers glint in the sunshine above, amidst the eerie landscape of plants such as the giant groundsels (Senecio Kilimanjari), and the uniquely endemic Giant Lobelia. Total trekking time is 6-7 hours.</p>

<p>Start scrambling up the steep Baranco wall for an hour and a half. While you will be using your hands to reach and pull yourself upward, the climb is not as challenging as technical rock climbing would be. At the top of the wall you can see the Baranco valley and the campsite you slept at the previous night. You will walk up and down the greener valley which is the last water point before the Kibo Summit.</p>

<p>Short but steep uphill climb across barren landscape with lots of boulders and shattered rocks. You will see the Southern Ice field and Rebmann glaciers on your left. Keep going along a very steep ridge until we reach a rocky section for more scrambling for about one hour and a half. Our next camp will be on large rocks with very steep cliff faces. We will go to bed very early because we will have to wake up at 11 pm for the summit.</p>

<p>We will start our ascent by head lamps at 12 midnight so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well- graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point in about five to six hours. We will rest there for a short time with a hot cup of tea while enjoying 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 (19,340 ft) 5,895m. Passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. We will start our descent which is steep and rigorous via Stella Point to Barafu hut Camp. We will stop at Barafu Camp for lunch and a good rest before we proceed down to Mweka Hut, (10,170ft./ 3760m.) very comfortable hike, but long.</p>

<p>This festive day will include Kili songs, a hike down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate Today’s hike will take us about 3 to 4 hours and will include a picnic lunch, presentation of certificates and photos. After lunch we will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha, where you will have hot shower and a relaxing dinner.</p>