Kilimanjaro – Machame Route – Excelent Kilimanjaro

Q: What is the summit success rate with Excellent Kilimanjaro?

While individual success varies, our focus on longer routes for acclimatization (e.g., 7 or 8 days), the expertise of our certified guides, and our emphasis on safety protocols contribute to a significantly higher success rate for our climbers compared to shorter, less supported treks.

Transportation
Bus, Airlines
Accomodation
4 Stars Hotels
Maximum Altitude
5,895 metres
Departure from
Arusha - Tanzania
Best season
January to Mid-March & June to October ,Mid-March to May & November to December
Tour type
Eco-Tour, Hiking
Meals
All meals during the trek
Language
English, Spanish, French, Chinese
Fitness level
Easy to Moderate
Group Size
2-45
Minimum Age
12
Maximum Age
65

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

This package offers a comprehensive adventure, starting with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to Springlands Hotel. At the hotel, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal and a pre-trekking briefing from our experienced coordinators, preparing you for the challenges ahead. The trek begins with a journey from Moshi to Machame Camp, taking you through the lush rainforest and up to higher elevations. As you continue, each day brings new terrain, from the moorlands of Shira Camp to the rocky landscapes around Lava Tower and Barranco Camp. Throughout the trek, you’ll have ample time to acclimate and enjoy the stunning scenery, with the support of our team who ensures your comfort and safety.

The highlight of the trek is the ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, where you’ll experience the thrill of standing on the summit. After the summit, the descent takes you back through the diverse landscapes of Kilimanjaro, concluding with a restful stay at Springlands Hotel. For those looking to extend their adventure, options to explore Tanzania’s wildlife on a safari or relax on the beaches of Zanzibar are available. This package is designed to provide a well-rounded and memorable experience, combining the physical challenge of the climb with opportunities to unwind and explore the beauty of Tanzania.

Highlights

The "Whiskey Route" Experience
Optimal Acclimatization Strategy
Diverse & Spectacular Scenery
Conquering the Barranco Wall

Day 1 :

Arrival & Preparation in Arusha / Moshi

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our dedicated Excellent Kilimanjaro team will provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel. You will have a comprehensive pre-trek briefing with your certified mountain guide and coordinators. This session is crucial for checking your gear and ensuring you are fully prepared for the challenging days ahead. You'll spend the night relaxing and getting a good night's sleep before your adventure begins.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2 :

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After a hearty breakfast, our vehicle will transfer you to the Machame Park Gate (1,800m). Following registration, you'll begin your trek by stepping into the lush, dense montane rainforest. The trail is well-defined, winding gently uphill. Your Excellent Kilimanjaro team will have your camp set up at Machame Camp (3,000m), where a hot dinner prepared by your chef will be waiting.

Altitude: 1,800m – 3,000m
Hiking Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 3 :

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Today, the landscape changes as you leave the rainforest and ascend into the open moorland zone. The path becomes steeper, offering increasingly expansive views of the surrounding area. Your destination is Shira Camp (3,840m), located on the vast Shira Plateau, an ancient caldera of the volcano.

Altitude: 3,000m – 3,840m
Hiking Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 4 :

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp (Crucial Acclimatization)

This is a pivotal day that utilizes the "climb high, sleep low" strategy, vital for acclimatization. You will embark on a challenging ascent to Lava Tower (4,630m), a dramatic rock formation. After a well-deserved lunch, you will begin a significant descent to the beautiful Barranco Camp (3,960m), nestled in a valley beneath the mighty Barranco Wall.

Altitude: 3,840m – 3,960m (High Point: 4,630m)
Hiking Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 5 :

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (Summit Base)

This is a demanding, accelerated day that combines two sections of the longer route. You will begin with an exhilarating scramble up the famous Barranco Wall. After reaching the top and enjoying the views, you will descend into the picturesque Karanga Valley, where you will have a brief stop for lunch. You will then continue your trek, pushing on to Barafu Camp (4,640m), your final base camp. The afternoon is dedicated to resting and preparing for your midnight summit attempt.

Altitude: 3,960m – 4,640m
Hiking Distance: 10 km (approx.)
Hiking Time: 8-9 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 6 :

Summit Day! Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

The pinnacle of your journey! You'll be awakened around 11:30 PM for a quick tea and biscuits before beginning your final ascent. The challenging trek under the stars leads you to Stella Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, often timed perfectly for an unforgettable sunrise. After a brief rest, it’s a final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). After celebrating, you’ll endure the long descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp (3,090m) for a well-deserved dinner and your final night on the mountain.

Altitude: 4,640m – 5,895m – 3,090m
Hiking Distance: 17 km
Hiking Time: 15+ hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 7 :

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate & Return to Arusha / Moshi

Enjoy your final descent through the forest to Mweka Gate. Our Excellent Kilimanjaro vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel for a hot shower and a celebratory lunch. We encourage you to celebrate your incredible accomplishment and show appreciation to your dedicated climbing crew.

Altitude: 3,090m – 1,650m
Hiking Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How difficult is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is challenging but achievable for most people with good physical fitness and determination. It’s not a technical climb requiring ropes or specialized mountaineering skills, but rather a long, strenuous trek at high altitude. Prior hiking experience and cardiovascular fitness are highly recommended.

What about altitude sickness? How do you manage it?

Altitude sickness is a common concern. We combat this by recommending longer routes (like the 8-day Lemosho), which provide better acclimatization. Our guides are highly trained to recognize symptoms of altitude sickness and monitor your health closely. We also emphasize a slow, steady pace (“pole pole” – slowly slowly in Swahili) and proper hydration. We carry pulse oximeters and supplementary oxygen for emergencies.

What is the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro

The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are during the dry seasons: January to March and June to October. These months generally offer clearer skies and more stable weather conditions, though conditions can change rapidly on the mountain at any time.

What is the summit success rate with Excellent Kilimanjaro?

While individual success varies, our focus on longer routes for acclimatization (e.g., 7 or 8 days), the expertise of our certified guides, and our emphasis on safety protocols contribute to a significantly higher success rate for our climbers compared to shorter, less supported treks.

What kind of gear do I need to bring? Do you provide rentals?

You’ll need appropriate clothing layers (including warm summit gear), sturdy hiking boots, a good quality sleeping bag, headlamp, trekking poles, and personal items. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking. While we don’t typically include personal gear rentals in our standard packages, we can advise on reputable local rental services for items like sleeping bags, jackets, and trekking poles if needed.

How do I book a climb with Excellent Kilimanjaro?

You can easily book a climb by using the search function on our Hero Section, selecting your preferred mountain, route, and dates. Alternatively, you can browse our “Explore Popular Climbs” section or contact us directly via phone or email. Our team will assist you in tailoring the perfect itinerary.

What happens after the climb?

After your successful descent, our team will transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha for a well-deserved rest and celebration. We’ll present you with your summit certificate. Many climbers choose to relax or extend their adventure with a safari extension or a trip to Zanzibar, which we can also arrange for you.

What is your payment and cancellation policy?

Our payment terms typically require a deposit upon booking to secure your climb, with the remaining balance due closer to your departure date. We understand that plans can change, so we have a clear cancellation policy. Full details will be provided during the booking process and are available in our Terms & Conditions.

Kilimanjaro – Machame Route

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Map

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