Machame Route VIP

Day 2: Arusha National Park On day 2, prepare yourself to be amazed by the beauty of Arusha National Park, which is just a short drive away. This park is a symphony of diverse landscapes, featuring stunning natural gems such as the Momela lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and the majestic Mount Meru. Your guide will take you on a scenic hike through the park’s lush forests, which are home to a fascinating array of wildlife including bushbucks, duikers, and the elusive colobus monkey, waterbuck, reedbuck, and giraffe. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to observe and learn about the park’s 400 species of birds and other wildlife. As you explore this natural wonderland, your guide will provide you with insights into the park’s history, geology, and ecology, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the area’s unique biodiversity. A picnic lunch in a picturesque setting is included, providing a perfect opportunity to rest, refuel, and take in the breathtaking scenery. After a day of adventure in the park, return to the Gran Melia Hotel for a general briefing from your guide regarding your Kili climb. You’ll then pack your bags in preparation for the next day, have dinner, and get a good night’s sleep to prepare for Day 1 of your Kilimanjaro climb. Please note that you are free to leave behind anything that you don’t need to take with you to the mountain. However, do not leave anything in the rooms as you will be checking out today. Instead, hand them to the reception for storage, where you can collect them on your way back. Your DKE guide will be there to assist you with this.

Day 3: Machame Camp
After enjoying a satisfying breakfast, you’ll be driven to Machame village, located on the lower slopes of the mountain where the Machame entry point is situated, and where your ascent will begin. The trek through the forest will take approximately 6 hours, during which you’ll encounter Kilimanjaro’s endemic species, such as impatiens flowers and Camphor trees, among many other trees and vegetation, adding to the beauty of the trek.

The landscape also includes stunning waterfalls and streams, which add to the tranquility of the trek. Additionally, you’ll journey through thick forests that serve as habitats for a diverse range of wildlife. You may catch sight of a few species of birds, Colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys as they chatter and swing above you, encouraging you to keep going. As you climb higher, you’ll be able to enjoy sweeping views of the vast plains below and the rugged mountain peaks in the distance.

After trekking for 5 hours, you’ll reach the final destination of the day, which is Machame camp. Here, you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night at an elevation of 3000 meters or 9880 feet.

Day 4: Shira Camp
Wake up at 5:30 am and enjoy a steaming hot beverage of your choice while you plan how to pack your luggage before breakfast, so you are ready to go right after eating. As you say goodbye to the dense forest, the landscape transforms into a heath and moorland, marking the incredible transition that makes Kilimanjaro famous for its “4 seasons in 4 days.” Today’s hike will take 5 to 6 hours, and you will have lunch at the Shira Camp.

The Shira Camp is located in the heather zone, where the Savannah is adorned with tall shrubs and bearded heather, volcanic lava formations, and foamy streams. The area is also home to the renowned giant groundsels and giant lobelia, unique plant species that can only be found here.
At the striking Shira Plateau, an expanse of rocky terrain that offers stunning panoramic views, immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Kilimanjaro’s wild heart. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay will be at the Shira Camp, which is situated at an elevation of 3800 meters or 12500 feet.

Day 5: Barranco Camp
Awaken to the awe-inspiring scenery of Shira camp, a picturesque campsite with a wide mountain view. Today, you will hike through the moorland zone towards the alpine desert up to Lava Tower at an elevation of 4600 meters or 15000 feet for lunch and acclimatization purposes. You will spend about one to two hours allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude before walking back down to Baranco camp. This camp is surrounded by walls and lush vegetation, providing a perfect vantage point to marvel at the surrounding landscape and stunning valleys. During the 5 to 7 hours hike, the trail will meander through a variety of terrain and vegetation, dotted with unique geological formations, picturesque streams, and breathtaking views that will leave you spellbound.

After a satisfying day of hiking, enjoy dinner and overnight at Baranco camp, which is located at an elevation of 3900 meters or 13000 feet.

Day 6: Karanga Camp
This is where is where all our experience starts to make a real difference. We take a break from the rigorous climb to encourage acclimatization as we hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp. The day begins with an exciting climb up the imposing Great Barranco Wall, a towering lava flow that provides an exhilarating start to the morning. As you ascend, take a moment to catch your breath and marvel at the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscape. Unlike with other Guides who try to shorten your journey, you’ll end up at Karanga Camp. This is where the success rate is affected because the more time you spend in the altitude, the higher the success rate is. Take your time and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Karanga Valley before settling in for a well-deserved rest. Enjoy your lunch, dinner, and overnight stay at Karanga camp, where the elevation is 3930 meters or 13000 feet.

Day 7: Barafu Camp
Today’s hike to Barafu camp will take 3 to 4 hours, and you will arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon, your guides will help you plan for your summit attire since you will be starting the climb from here at midnight. The climb will take 6 to 7 hours from Barafu camp to the summit, and you should wake up an hour and a half early to allow time for breakfast and preparation.

Lunch and dinner will be served at Barafu camp, and the camp’s elevation is 4600 meters or 15000 feet.

Day 8: Mweka Camp
Today you will reach the majestic summit of Kilimanjaro with breathtaking views, after 6 to 7 hours of hiking to get there. Once you have taken your pictures, you will begin your descent back to Barafu camp, where your tent will still be waiting for you. Here you can change out of your summit hiking gear and into your regular hiking gear, pack your bags, have lunch, and proceed on your way down to Mweka Camp. This is usually the longest day of your trip, as the estimated hiking time could be 12 to 13 hours, but it’s also very rewarding.

Dinner and overnight stay at Mweka Camp. The camp’s elevation is 3100 meters or 10000 feet.

Day 9: Gran Melia Arusha.
Today, you will wake up knowing that you are returning to civilization and a nice hot shower. After a farewell breakfast, you will have a few minutes to meet the entire team and say goodbye before starting your descent to Mweka Gate, which will take approximately 4 hours. Your driver will be waiting for you at the gate to pick you up and drive you back to the Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha.