Kilimanjaro The Machame Route

6 Days Lightweight Specification

6 days on Kilimanjaro

Why this itinerary?

The shortest climb that Summits offers. This is designed as a budget trip that does NOT compromise ethics or safety. Suitable for fit hikers only but has advantages over the 6 day Marangu as hikers still see most of Kilimanjaro and do not descend down the same route as they ascend. The final ascent point is via Stella Point, which is considerably closer to the summit, Uhuru Peak, than Gilman's point on the Marangu route.

Description

This is a 6 day Kilimanjaro hike starting at Machame gate and ascending via Stella Point. There is a night time ascent to the summit. The trip is the most 'budget' trip we run although you still have a mess tent as standard and most importantly knowledgeable professional guides that go through bi annual training. Our logistics team at our base monitors your trip from start to finish.

Highlights

Kilimanjaro: afromontane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys and alpine desert, views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa!

In Detail
(note all bookings include an in depth information pack)

ON THIS ITINERARY ACCOMMODATION & AIRPORT TRANSFERS ARE NOT INCLUDED. YOU CAN REQUEST SUMMITS AFRICA TO BOOK TRANSFERS AND ACCOMMODATION TO SUIT YOUR REQUIREMENTS (or simply book through your travel agent). PRE AND POST CLIMB ACCOMMODATION MUST BE BOOKED PRE ARRIVAL AND OUR SALES TEAM INFORMED TO ALLOW US TO DO OUR PRE CLIMB BRIEFING AND KIT CHECKS.

DAY 1
KILIMANJARO / MACHAME

After breakfast you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro. At the gate your crew finalise packing and after finishing with formalities you start of from Machame gate. Today's hiking is through verdant afromontane forest to Machame camp and on route you have a picnic lunch. Look out for pretty endemic flora and a gradation of forest zones!

Overnight Machame Camp (breakfast - lunch - dinner)

DAY 2
KILIMANJARO / SHIRA

From Machame camp you hike to Shira Camp. The first section is relatively steep and altitude is gained rapidly. A picnic lunch is taken on trail today. The zone you pass through today is known as the heath zone where attractive Helichrysum and lobelia plants become apparent. Various geologic features can be seen today from lava tubes to glacial valleys.

Overnight Shira Camp (breakfast - lunch - dinner)

DAY 3
KILIMANJARO / BARRANCO

Today is a walk high sleep low day. You ascend into alpine desert and for those that are feeling strong you can even head up to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco camp. Lunch is taken as a picnic lunch on route. This is long day but note that the next time you head to this altitude is in two days time - great acclimatisation day!

Overnight Barranco Camp (breakfast - lunch - dinner)

DAY 4
KILIMANJARO / BARAFU

From Barranco camp, famous for its' giant groundsels (Senecio species), you ascend the Barranco wall and hike glacial valleys to Karanga camp. Lunch is taken at Karanga valley before heading to Barafu in the afternoon. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the evening.

DAY 5
KILIMANJARO / MWEKA

Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru peak, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down and your goal today is to reach Mweka camp.

Overnight Mweka Camp (breakfast - lunch - dinner)

DAY 6
ARUSHA

After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and around mid day after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transfer back to your chose drop off point.

(breakfast - picnic lunch)

End of Services

>> Follow on safaris include: Climbers Safari (3 days), The Big 5 (6 days), A Tanzanian Adventure (9 days)

Prices 2011 in USD $ - Machame Budget Climb (M6SSD)

2011 RATES & DEPARTURE DATES

please note that in 2010 we are only operating departures on demand rather than listing set dates. For a new departure we require just 2 people and 3 months notice.

NOTE:

• For listed set departures please contact on of our tour operator partners (as us for a list).
• For PRIVATE trips you can set up a trip on any date you like - again contact your tour operator for more info or ask us for more info on who to contact.

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