MT KILIMANJARO CLIMB – MACHAME ROUTE

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha where our representative will meet you. Transfer to Honey Badger Lodge, Moshi. Spend the day there and receive the climb briefing before dinner.

Leave Moshi at 9 am and drive for approximately 45 minutes to Kilimanjaro’s Machame Gate, on the southwestern side of the mountain. Your guide will handle your registration before the hike starts at about 10.30 am. The ascent  immediately takes you into the rainforest. The trail ahead is often very muddy and slippery due to heavy rains so good grip footwear, trekking poles and gaiters are recommended even at this early stage. Our cooks will have a welcome lunch ready at the halfway point. You should reach camp between 4 and 5 pm. The camp is set up ahead of arrival, giving climbers time to unpack, relax and socialize around the campfire. Machame Gate to Machame Camp Elevation: 1640m to 2850m Distance: 11 km Hiking Time: 5 - 7 hours Habitat: Montane Forest

After an early breakfast, the climb continues to the top of the rainforest, following a gentle gradient through the moorlands. A rocky ridge hike follows after lunch, and as Shira plateau comes into sight, you will be welcomed with some spectacular views of the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. The path leads to Shira camp which is located on moorland meadows next to a cold mountain stream. Estimated arrival time is  2 to 3 pm. The rest of the afternoon and early evening can be used to explore the plateau. Please note that this camp is exposed to the elements and at night temperatures can drop to below freezing. Machame Camp – Shira Camp Elevation: 2850m to 3810m Distance: 5 km Hiking Time: 4 - 6 hours Habitat: Moorland

Today’s hike will traverse past the Lava Tower at 4600m before descending down to Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3900m. Today is extremely important for acclimatization and will be the toughest so far. The terrain will change from moorland into semi-desert and the rocky landscape which surrounds the Lava Tower. Barranco Camp is in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall. You should arrive at camp at about 4 pm, allowing time to rest and find a prime position for what is sure to be a memorable sunset. Be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness and be sure to make your guide aware of how you are feeling so that they can plan accordingly and make recommendations for the following day's hike. Shira Camp - Lava Tower - Barranco Elevation: 3810m to 4630m Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours Habitat: Semi-desert

Over breakfast, take in the enormity which is the great Barranco Breach Wall and consider the next task of climbing it! The climb itself is not as hard as you may anticipate and brings you just below the Heim Glacier. Head down into the Karanga Valley, where the path meets with the Umbwe route. Arrival at Karanga camp should be by mid-day, leaving time to unpack, relax and socialize before dinner. Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp Elevation: 3976m to 4200m Distance: 5 km Habitat: Semi-desert

Day six is a shortish day but with some steep valleys to negotiate. Some hard hiking - especially as your body may be struggling with the altitude. The destination is Barafu Camp (Barafu meaning ‘ice’ in Kiswahili) from where the final ascent will be made at midnight. Once at the camp there will be time to walk around the rocky ridge for some spectacular views of Mawenzi peak and Kibo, weather permitting! The afternoon will be used to prepare equipment for the final ascent. An early dinner will allow for early sleep to allow for some much needed pre-climb rest and sleep. Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp Elevation: 4200m to 4673m Distance: 4 km Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today is the ascent day! Wake up at 23.30 pm, have a light breakfast, and prepare to journey under a starlit sky. It will be a very cold and steep hike, but everyone’s spirits will be high! It will be a 6 - 8 hour hike to the top of Africa. Once at Uhuru Peak, you would have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. You would have to travel more than 4800 kms toward the Himalayas to find a higher peak! Faster hikers will see an incredible sunrise from the summit, others from Stella Point, just below on the crater's edge, but both are sure to be a memorable and breathtaking experience. Once some ‘champion photos' have been taken, it will be time to head straight down to Mweka Huts, which will take around 5 hours. Get some well-deserved sleep after dinner! Please note that we will be doing the beginning of this climb in the dark with headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is, by far, the most difficult part of the trek. Slowly, slowly and in Kiswahili “pole, pole,” an optimistic attitude will get you there! Summit Day - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Huts Elevation: 4673m to 5895m to 3068m Distance: 4 km up, 11 km down Hiking Time: 13 - 16 hours Habitat: Stone scree/ice-capped summit

After a hearty and well-deserved breakfast, the trek down to Mweka Gate begins. The gate will be reached between 2 and 3 pm. Summit Certificates will be presented. Say goodbye to the guides, cooks, and porters. You will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Time for celebrations!!! Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Elevation: 3068m to 1640m Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours