1. Is This Route Right for You?► Total Hiking Distance: 62km (38.5mi) ► Altitude: 1,640-5,895m (5,380-19,341ft) ► Recommended Age: 12-60 We arrange 7 days for you to reach the top along the Machame Route, also known as the “Whisky Route” which has a high summit rate of 80%-85%, the most popular among the 7 official trekking routes. Moderately difficult, it is relatively challenging but offers the best trekking experience, suitable for experienced climbers. Since trekking on rocky paths at a high altitude is not easy, we expect the participants to be healthy without cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and have good stamina to hike 10 km (6 mi) per day.  Note: If you have little trekking experience, Lemosho Route is a better choice. It has the most stunning view and is the easiest route. However, it takes 8 days and is a bit more expensive. You can contact our consultants to tailor a Lemosho trekking tour if you need to. 2. Packing ListThick clothes, gloves, windproof goggles, hiking shoes and poles, a sleeping bag, and other climbing equipment are a must. During the hike, our cook will boil the drinking water for you, so remember to take a thermal mug. In addition, there is no electricity in the supplied tent at night, so it is essential to take several portable chargers. We will arrange a porter to help you carry the luggage all the way, so don’t worry that the luggage is too heavy to take. 3. Best Time for TrekkingJune - October and December - February are the best time for trekking when the days are fine and paths are safe and dry. However, peak time always means crowds of climbers cram in. If you want to escape the crowds, January and February are more recommended. Please avoid the rainy season (April - May) as much as possible, as the paths may become muddy and slippery.
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Day 1: Moshi - Mount Kilimanjaro National Park - Machame Camp↑
Performance of the Masai People As the highest mountain in Africa and the largest free-standing mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,896 meters (19,340 miles) above sea level. It has three main volcanic peaks: Kibo (5,895m/19,341ft), Mawenzi (5,149m/16893ft), and Shira (4,005m/13,140ft). Although located near the equator, its peaks are always covered by snow, which attract many travelers every year. We highly recommend you to see its stunning view as it is said that its snow will disappear in 2050. ► Altitude: 1,640-2,850m (5,380-9,350ft) ► Distance: 11 km (7mi) ► Hiking Duration: 5-7 hours ► Habitat: Rain Forest Our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Moshi this morning, so we suggest you arrive in Moshi one day before. After about a 50-minute drive, we will arrive at the Machame Gate on the southern base of Mount Kilimanjaro, where we will finalize packing and complete formalities. Then the incredible trekking will begin! The path is relatively flat so it doesn’t need much effort today. We will hike through coffee and corn plantations leading to the rainforest where you will see lush fig and rubber trees and begonia flowers. The trail finally directs to the Machame Camp located near the edge of the rainforest. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Machame Campsite
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Day 2: Machame Camp - Shira 2 Camp↑
► Altitude: 2,850-3,810m (9,350-12,500ft)
► Distance: 5 km (3mi)
► Hiking Duration: 5-6 hours
► Habitat: Heath
Today we will continue to hike through the rainforest, cross the valley on an ascending path, and then journey into the moorland zone, during which you may encounter monkeys. You will find that the road is gradually filled with rocks, which makes walking relatively more difficult than the first day. You need to climb over a rocky ridge before reaching the Shira 2 Camp. It may be the first challenge you meet on the trip but the breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks on its top make it worthy. If you arrive at the camp early, you can visit the caves nearby and enjoy the panoramic view of the surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shira 2 Campsite
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Day 3: Shira 2 Camp - Lava Tower↑ - Barranco Camp↓
► Altitude: 3,810-4,630-3,980m (12,500-15,190-13,057ft) ► Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi) ► Hiking Duration: 6-8 hours ► Habitat: Alpine Desert After breakfast, follow the guide to climb up along a rocky slope before arriving at the huge Lava Tower, also known as the "Shark's Tooth". We will take a lunch break to acclimate to the high altitude here. Then, trek through the Senecio Forest and descend to the Barranco Camp for a good rest to replenish energy. Setting on the moorland, the camp is surrounded by moss-covered rocks and giant lobelias. Birds may come to the camp to seek food sometimes. When fog pervades the mountain, you will have a feeling of being in the clouds. How to Adjust to High Altitude:If you have little trekking experience, we suggest you do physical exercises for 1-2 months before the trip to improve your cardiac and pulmonary functions. Besides, you can prepare some Diamox, Dexamethasone, or Aspirin. Drinking hot water and getting enough sleep are also helpful. If you feel too sick to continue, please tell our guide immediately to avoid danger. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Barranco Campsite Mount Kilimanjaro Camp at Sunset
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Day 4: Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp↑
► Altitude: 3976-3995m (13044-13106ft) ► Distance: 5 km (3 mi) ► Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours ► Habitat: Alpine Desert ★ Conquer the Vertical Rocky Barranco WallToday is scheduled to adapt to the plateau environment, so the altitude just elevates 19m (62 ft) on the whole. But you need to spend 1-2 hours climbing over the Barranco Wall before arriving at the Karanga Camp. Standing at the foot of the wall, you may be deterred by its rocky and vertical shape which seems to be hell difficult to climb. Don’t retreat! Actually, it is the most interesting part of the whole trek. You can pretend you are Spiderman climbing to the top of the wall to save the world. We suggest you put the trekking poles away and climb with your hands, which is easier and safer. After reaching the ridge of the wall, you can see the stunning view of the Herm Glacier. Note: To reduce costs, some operators may combine the fourth and fifth days, but it may make you exhausted and greatly reduce your chances of reaching the summit. Our 7-day trekking offers you enough time to prepare for the summit day. If you are experienced or have good stamina, we can also tailor a 6-day trek for you. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Karanga Campsite
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Day 5: Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp↑
► Altitude: 3,995-4,673m (13,106-15,331ft) ► Distance: 4 km (2 mi) ► Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours ► Habitat: Alpine Desert Departing from the Karanga Valley, we will come to the junction connecting with the Mweka trail. You just need to walk 4 km (2 mi) to the Barafu Hut today, but the high altitude and poor path full of rocks will make the process laborious. The environment around Barafu Camp is more desolate than other camps, but you can enjoy the splendid views of the Uhuru Peak here. Arriving at the Barafu, you have finished the south circuit of Kilimanjaro. Take a good break to rise to the last challenge before reaching the top. We suggest you go to sleep before 19:00 today because we will start the sixth day’s summit climbing at midnight. Note: As the weather becomes changeable with elevation, you may experience sunlight and suffer from rainfall, hail, mist, and snow within 1-2 hours. Stay calm and maintain your rhythm! You can successfully reach the camp safely following our guide’s steps. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Barafu Campsite
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Day 6: Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak↑- Mweka Camp↓
► Altitude: 4,673-5,895-3,068m (15,331-19,341-10,065ft) ► Distance: 5 km (3 mi) up and 12 km (7 mi) down ► Hiking Duration: 6-7 hours up and 6-7 hours down ► Habitat: Arctic and Rain Forest ★ Watch the Equatorial Sunrise and the Snow Peak on UhuruToday is the biggest day, but also the hardest day! Because you will step on the highest summit on the equator - Uhuru Peak. We will start today’s climbing at around 0:00 and try to reach the top by dawn. As you climb higher, you will find the ground is gradually covered by the snow. Following the path, you will finally step on the peak, standing on the Roof of Africa! You can see the sun coming out of the clouds and the amazing golden sunrise casts golden hue over the glaciers and mountain ridges. Tips: 1. It is not recommended to linger on the top for a long time since it is too cold and too high. Besides, the electric devices may stop working because of the low temperature, so we suggest you take pictures as quickly as possible. 2. Please be careful when getting down, as the paths may be slippery. Knee pads can protect you from hurt and trekking poles are very necessary. We will rest and have lunch at Barafu Camp and then continue to descend to the Mweka Campsite where you will have a rest tonight. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Mweka Campsite
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Day 7: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate↓- Arusha
► Altitude: 3,068-1,640m (10,065-5,380ft)
► Distance: 10 km (6 mi)
► Hiking Duration: 3-4 hours
► Habitat: Rain Forest
From Mweka Camp, we will travel through the wilderness into the beautiful lush green forests and get back to the Mweka Gate before noon, where you will receive your summit certificate. Then we will drive about 20 minutes to Moshi and enjoy lunch. After that, our guide will drive you around 2 hours to Arusha airport or the hotel you have reserved. Your adventurous Mount Kilimanjaro trekking tour will end here.
Want to reward yourself after the toilsome trekking? We can arrange an island tour to Zanzibar for you, where you can have a deep relaxation by sunbathing on its white beaches or diving in the crystal water. Contact us if you are interested!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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