5 Days Trekking On Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route
Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro, is the dream of every mountaineer. Of all the possible routes to the top, one of the most scenic and satisfying is the Machame Route. Although normally ascended in six or seven days, Kilimanjaro may be climbed in five days via the Machame Route by someone with exceptional physical fitness and acclimatization. Come & join 5 Days Trekking On Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route.
Continue reading below to get some idea of what to expect on this challenging but breathtaking 5 days trekking adventure on Kilimanjaro through the Machame Route.
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
The ascent starts from Machame Gate located at 1,800 meters. The trail is lush green and soggy, with occasional views of colobus monkeys and tropical birds. After about 3h of continuous climbing, the terrain becomes heather and leads to Machame Camp at 3,000 meters for overnight.
Day 2: Shira Camp to Machame Camp
The trail becomes steeper as the forest is abandoned and alpine country is reached. It has some rocky sections to climb, but this is rewarded by spectacular views of the Shira Plateau & distant Mt Meru. Shira Camp is the ideal stop for acclimatization and relaxation right under the wide lovely African sky.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp through Lava Tower
The day is ruled by the principle of “climb high, sleep low” for acclimatization. The climb rises up to Lava Tower at 4,600m, where the mountaineers cross high terrain before finally descending to Barranco Camp, 3,950m. The down-slopping aids in shedding altitude effects and is located under the giant Barranco Wall.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
The day begins with a thrilling ascent up the Barranco Wall, a nontechnical rock scramble that is steep. The route then traverses alpine desert to Barafu Camp at 4,600 meters, the last base camp short of the summit. Climbers retire early to acclimatize for the midnight climb.
Day 5: Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp to Mweka Gate
The climb to the summit starts at midnight, a constant and gradual rise into cold darkness to Stella Point at 5,756 meters and up to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the top of Africa. Sunrise on the peak is a once-in-a-lifetime reward for the effort. Having enjoyed the view, the long descent is initiated, coming down through Barafu and Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters.
Summit Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route in five days and enjoy an adventurous but rewarding experience. Although it entails great physical stamina and previous acclimatization to high altitude, it provides some of the best views. For the determined and adventurous, the climb to kili is yours to enjoy on your 5 days trekking through the Machame Route!