Native Tanzania Tour Guide, Zanzibar, Maasai Culture, Walking Safaris,
Mt Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, The Serengeti, Olduvai Gorge,
The Wildebeest & Zebra Migration
ACROSS TANZANIA EXPEDITIONS
CONQEUR THE ROOF OF AFRICA
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Accommodations: Hotels, Huts & Campsites
Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Route
Six Day Itinerary: Sleeping in Campsites
If Marangu is the "CocaCola" route, then Machame is the "whiskey" route. It is the second most popular, and arguably, the most scenic route on the mountains. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served on the floor of a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. It is done over a period of six to seven days, to make acclimatization easier, and the success fairly high. With the Machame/South Circuit Route, you will circle halfway around the mountain having great views from all angles. This route is approximately 40 km versus 20 km on the Marangu route. It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience. (An alternative ending is to start on the Machame and cut off to summit via the Western Breach. This route is shorter in distance, but the final day is very steep up rock, and in the dark.) Most people descend down the Mweka Trail and stay at the Mweka Camp the final night on the mountain. An alternative is to descend the Marangu route and stay at the Horombo Hut if you like crowds, but availability may be limited. The trip can be done in 6 days, but 7 or 8 is recommended. (The extra
day(s) can be spent resting at Shira Plateau or cutting up the Barranco - Barafu part into 2 easier days (recommended).
6 to 7 days, 65 km
Day 1: To Machame Hut
GPS Location: S3 05.721 E37 15.975
Altitude: 9927 ft / 1830m to 3100m
Duration of Trek: 4 – 5 hours
The drive from Moshi to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey takes us through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once we reach the park gate, climbers are requested to make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging their packs containing the food, water, firewood, and other equipment. Make sure that you have all your day pack items with you as the porters travel very quickly. The guides will be pleased to assist with any additional information. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail to the first uniport hut which is located at an altitude of 3,048 meters. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea through this area. We then continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Hut. Here we will make camp, rest, enjoy our dinner, and spend the night. We have now reached an altitude of 3,100 meters.
GPS Location: S3 04.028 E37 16.576
Altitude: 12355 ft / 3100m to 3840m
Duration of Trek: 3 – 4 hours
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns West onto a river gorge at 3,658 meters. Here we stop for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira Hut Camp Site. For acclimatization purposes, some parties stay here an extra night.
Day 3: To Barranco Hut
GPS Location: S3 05.741 E37 19.777
Altitude: 13066 ft / 3840m to 3860m
Duration of Trek: 4 – 5 hours
From the Shira Plateau, we continue east, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,876 meters. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3,860 meters. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 4: To Barafu Hut
GPS Location: S3 05.956 E37 22.690
Altitude: 15239 ft / 3860m to 4600m
Duration of Trek: About 8 hours
After breakfast we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (4200m) and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue to the Barafu Hut, which is located at an altitude of 4,600 meters. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers beautiful views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position. This section can also be divided into 2 separate days, where an inbetween camp will be made in or near the Karanga Valley. This makes the summit day a lot easier.
Day 5: To Summit and Mweka Hut
GPS Location: S3 04.585 E37 21.240
Altitude: 19098 ft to 19340ft - 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)
Duration of Trek: About 11 hours
Early morning we begin our climb to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,985 meters. This will take about 6 hours. At these elevations, it can be very cold at night, but at the end of the hiking day, it will be quite warm. You will want to have clothing for both extremes. At Uhuru Peak, we will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now start our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Camp Site at 3,100 meters. This part of the descent takes about 5 hours. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Beer and soda may be available for purchase at the Mweka Hut - the only place on this route.
Day 6:To Moshi
Altitude: 3100m to 1830m
Duration of Trek: About 4 hours
After breakfast we will continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will be of help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, however keep raingear and warmer clothing handy. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebrating!
Day 1:
Following breakfast, we will drive a "mini-course" to Kilimanjaro National Park where you will have the chance to view the beautiful country. Upon arrival, we will register with the park staff and then begin the adventure of ascending Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa, and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world! We will proceed through the Mandara rain forest, and then will rest for the evening at the Mandara encampment, located at 9,000 ft (2,700m). Duration 3-4hrs
Day 2: Passing through the glades, we will follow a trail along the open moorlands to our evening destination of the Horombo encampment at 12,000 ft (3,700m). Duration 4-5hrs
Day 3: The day will be spent at the Horombo Hut for acclimatization to the elevation. Day trip to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4330m), then we will have lunch, dinner, and overnight at Horombo Hut. Duration 4hrs
Day 4: Passing our last watering point, our ascent continues upon the saddle of Kilimanjaro and between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. We will be stopping for the evening at the Kibo encampment located at 15,000 ft (4,700m). Here we prepare for our midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak. Duration 5hrs
Day 5: At midnight we begin our ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro. We advance upon steep and heavy scree reaching Gilman's Point on the crater rim of the mountain located at 18,640 ft (5,861m). We then continue on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa located at 19,340 ft (5,895m). After we leave Uhuru Peak, we will return to the Horombo encampment for the evening. Duration 6-7hrs
Day 6: Our journey back down brings us past the Mandara encampment and to our entrance point at the park's gate. Climbers will then be presented with a certificate of achievement for the successful climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro! Duration 3-4hrs
End of climb.
Five Day Itinerary: Sleeping in Huts
Day 1: Following breakfast we will drive a "mini-course" to Kilimanjaro National Park where you will have the chance to view some very beautiful country. Upon arrival and after registration with the park staff, we will begin the adventure of our ascent up Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world! We will proceed through the Mandara rain forest, then will rest for the evening at the Mandara encampment, located at 9,000 ft (2,700m) on the mountain. Duration 3-4hrs
Day 2: Passing through the Glades, we will follow a trail along the open moorlands to our evening destination of the Horombo encampment at 12,000 ft (3,700m). Duration 4-5hrs
Day 3: Passing our last watering point, our ascent will continue up the saddle of Kilimanjaro and between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. We will then stop for the evening at the Kibo encampment located at 15,000 ft (4,700m). Duration 5hrs
Day 4: We begin in the very early morning moving up the summit of Kilimanjaro. We advance upon steep and heavy scree reaching Gilman's Point on the crater rim of the mountain located at 18,640 ft (5,861m). We then move on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa located at 19,340 ft (5,895m). After we leave Uhuru Peak, we will return to the Horombo encampment for the evening. Duration 6-7hrs
Day 5: Our journey downward brings us past the Mandara encampment and back to our entrance point at the park's gate. Climbers will then be presented with a certificate of achievement for the successful climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro! Duration 3-4hrs
End of Trekking
Mt. Kilimanjaro Western Breach Wall – Arrow Glacier Day 1: The climb begins from the park gate (2000m) above sea level, walking through the rain forest and heather up to Machame Hut situated at 10,000ft./3000m. This low alpine area is heavily populated by flowers, grasslands, and various species of butterflies and insects. Dinner and overnight will be spent at Machame Campsite. Duration
Six Day Itinerary: Sleeping in Campsites
4-5hrs
Day 2: The route takes us across a little valley and along a steep ridge through heather until the end of the valley, and then the route turns west into a river gorge. From there, Shira Hut at 12500ft./3900m, is only about 3 to 4 hours away. The temperatures at this altitude average about 40°F during the day. Only a few species of vegetation survive at this altitude. Dinner and overnight will be spent at Shira Hut. Duration 3-4hrs
Day 3: The course we take will then turn east towards Kibo Peak and then southward to a lava tower called Shark’s Tooth. Here the route turns right towards Barranco Hut nestled between glacier streams at 13,000ft./4,400m. There is barely any vegetation in this area except for a few species of lichens. Dinner and overnight will be spent at Lava Tower (4,600m). Duration 5-6hrs
Day 4: The day begins with an ascent up to Arrow Glacier, at 15,500ft. 4,800m. This is located in the arctic region. Here we will camp and prepare for the summit. Duration 5-6hrs
Day 5: The ascent to the summit usually begins at mid-night. The route has a very steep slope up to the crater rim. The stretch between the crater and the summit can be easily tackled depending on the wind and snow conditions. The stretch to the summit can usually be conqured in approximately 2 hours. We then continue on to reach Uhuru Peak, 5895m A.S.L, the highest point on the African continent. Duration 6-7hrs We descend the mountain via Stella’s Point, proceeding to Barafu Hut where we rest. After a cup of tea or coffee, we head straight to Rau Campsite for dinner and overnight. Duration 5-6hrs
Day 6: After breakfast, we descend to the Kidia park gate. Duration 4-5hrs We enjoy dinner and overnight in Moshi.
End of Trekking.
Five Days Itinerary: Sleeping in Campsites 
Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Big Tree. From the Gate we will start up the track, which becomes a path after about an hour. It’s easy to follow as it continues up through the dense forest. The path continues to follow the ridge, rising steadily with some steep sections. The grade eases slightly as the forest merges into heather covered ground as you reach Big Tree Campsite at 1200m. Duration 5-7hrs
Day 2: From Big Trees to Shira Plateau. From the Big Tree we cross the stream onto its west bank and follow the path up the steep rocky ridge crossing it a few times before reaching Shira Plateau and a semi-circular wall of rocks. At this point, you will have ascended 840m. Duration 5-7hrs
Day 3: Shira Plateau to Arrow Camp. The ascent from Shira Plateau follows a path towards Shira Hut, which is no more than a half hour walk. Beyond Shira Hut the path leads eastwards on Machame Route to Kibo Peak. Not far from the Hut the Kibo North Circuit path branches northward off Machame path, which now crosses a wide valley. This route leads to Arrow Glacier Hut where we will enjoy dinner, camp for the night, and prepare for the summit. Duration 4hrs
Day 4: The route from Arrow Glacier is fairly obvious. It follows a lava outcrop, which forms a natural staircase up a gap in the cliff. Further scrambling over rocks and scree brings us out onto the crater floor just west of the Furthwangler Glacier. From here any attempt to reach the summit depends on the snow conditions in the gully between Furthwangler Point and Uhuru Peak. At least 6 hours should be allowed for the ascent from Arrow Glacier Hut to Uhuru Peak. The descent down the mountain leads to Barafu Hut for a little rest and breakfast. Then we should end up at Kidia Hut Campsite for dinner and overnight. Duration 6-7hrs
Day 5: After breakfast we descend to Kidia gate following narrow paths through the rainforest. Duration 4-5hrs
End of Trekking
Mt. Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
Six Day Itinerary: Sleeping in Campsites 
Day 1:
- Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park gate with packed lunch
- Climb to second cave, picnic lunch en route
- Arrival at Second cave, (3400m above sea level)
- Dinner and overnight at the campsite
- From this point, you have the opportunity to simply view or photograph beautiful flower fields
- Lake Chara can easily be viewed, and Mawenzi Peak can also be seen from behind
- Duration 4hrs
Day 2:
- After breakfast, Ascend to Third cave,
- Picnic lunch en route.
- Arrival at Third Hut, (3900m above sea level)
- Brunch.
- Here we spend the rest of the day for acclimatization.
- Dinner and overnight at the Third cave campsite. Duration 6hrs
Day 3:
- After breakfast, Day trip to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4330m)
- Hot lunch. Here we spend the rest of the day for acclimatization.
- Dinner and overnight at the Third Cave Campsite
- Duration 5hrs
Day 4:
- After Breakfast, Ascend to School Hut
- Arrival at school hut, (4600m above sea level)
- We camp preparing for our mid-night climb to Uhuru peak
- After a small snack, Mid-night Ascent to Uhuru Peak, (5895m above sea level)
- Reach Uhuru Peak, highest point in Africa
- Congratulations!
- Descend to Kibo Hut for breakfast (4703m above sea level)
- Duration 6-7hrs
Day 5:
- Descend to Horombo Hut, (3720m above sea level), for lunch
- Arrive at Horombo Hut for lunch, dinner, and overnight
- Duration 5hrs
- Descend to Marangu Gate
- Drive to Moshi for overnight
- Duration 3-4hrs
End of Trekking
Rescue services are conducted by Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park Rangers.
TREKKING EQUIPMENT:
Recommended Mountain Clothing Recommended Mountain Equipment
Warm, wind proof jacket with hood Good warm sleeping bag
Waterproof jacket and over-trousers Water bottle (1 to 2 litre)
Walking trousers, shirts, and pullover Water purification tablets and filter
Warm underwear Wash kit, towel, and toilet paper
Walking socks First aid kit (including blister plasters, lip
Lip salve, headache pills, and sun screen salve, and personal medication)
Good comfortable walking boots Torch with extra batteries
Trainers (for evenings) Sunglasses
Gaiters Walking pole(s) and glasses
Warm gloves Rucksack or duffel bag
Sun hat Mat and possibly a long shaft ice axe
Routes other than Marangu: you will need a tent
with insulated sleeping
Warm hat or balaclava
Scarf
