Machame 6 Days via Stella Point

Why this itinerary?

Generally, we recommend the 7 day version of this route as it affords more time to acclimatise. This route is for very fit people who want a challenge ONLY. The advantages of this route over the Umbwe 6 Day or Rongai 6 Day Routes is crossing the Shira Plateau and still seeing a large portion of the national park. Also, it is easier to access and so actually a better value trip as well.

Itinerary In brief

Hike Distance – 39miles / 63 km
Vertical Gain – 16,628ft / 5068m
Drop – 17,153ft / 5228m
Trekking Time – 45 hours

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Description

This is a 6 day Kilimanjaro hike starting at Machame Gate, ascending through afromontane forest and then into the heath zone and on to the edge of the remnants of the Shira volcano. The route then circumnavigates the main peak, Kibo, anticlockwise passing some spectacular features such as giant steps and glacial valleys. The key difference between the 7 and 6 day version of this route is that the 6 day hike misses a night camping at Karanga Camp. This means the hiking section from Barranco to Base Camp is long and time to rest before your summit bid is short. This means if you do not acclimatise well or are unfit, this is very tough. The final ascent is from Barafu camp. It is a night time ascent to Uhuru Peak via Stella Point. The descent is via the Mweka route.

Highlights

Kilimanjaro: afromontane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys and alpine desert, views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa!

In detail

Day 1

MACHAME CAMP

After breakfast you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park. At the gate your crew finalise packing and after finishing with formalities you start hiking from Machame Gate. Today’s hiking is through verdant afromontane forest and is steep in places. A picnic lunch is taken on trail during the hike before reaching Machame Camp for the night.

START – 5,906FT / 1800M
END – 9,302FT / 2835M
DISTANCE – 7 MILES / 11KM
TIME – 5-7 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST

Day 2

Shira

From Machame Camp you hike to Shira Camp. The first section is relatively steep and altitude is gained rapidly but you will still make it to your next camp in time for a hot lunch. The zone you pass into today is known as the heath zone where attractive heliochrysum and lobelia plants become apparent. Various geologic features can be seen today from lava tubes to glacial valleys.

START – 9,302FT / 2835M
END – 12,304FT / 3750M
DISTANCE – 3 MILES / 5KM
TIME – 4-6 HRS
CLIMATE ZONES – AFROMONTANE FOREST / HEATH

Day 3

BARRANCO CAMP

Today is a “walk high sleep low” day. You ascend into alpine desert to Lava Tower (Alt: 15,092ft, 4600m) where lunch is taken before descending to Barranco Camp. This is a long day but note that the next time you head to this altitude is at base camp – a great acclimatisation day!

START – 12,304FT / 3750M
END – 12,796FT / 3900M
DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM
TIME – 6-8 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT

Day 4

BARAFU

From Barranco camp, famous for its’ giant groundsels (Senecio species), you ascend the Barranco wall and hike glacial valleys to Karanga camp. Lunch is taken at Karanga valley before heading to Barafu in the afternoon. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the evening. Overnight Barafu Camp. Altitude. 4,600m/15,092ft.

START – 12,796FT / 3900M
END – 15,332FT / 4673M
DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 9KM
TIME – 6-8 HRS
CLIMATE ZONES – ALPINE DESERT, HEATH

Day 5

KILIMANJARO SUMMIT / MWEKA CAMP

Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence are the name of game to reach the summit (Uhuru Peak: 19341ft, 5895m) and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point (Alt: 18,865ft, 5750m) affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down however. The first stage is to get back to our base camp for a quick change of clothes and refuel before the long hike downhill to Mweka Camp. The downhill is hard on the knees and walking poles at this stage are highly recommended. You should reach Mweka Camp before dusk for your final night on the mountain.

START – 15,332FT / 4673M
END – 10,171FT / 3100M
DISTANCE – 11 MILES / 18KM
TIME – 14-16 HRS
CLIMATE ZONES – ALPINE DESERT, ARCTIC, HEATH

Day 6

ARUSHA

After breakfast you descend once again through afromontane forest and around midday, after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your lodge for a well deserved shower!

Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of Suricata Safaris to congratulate you and answer any other questions you may have.

START – 10,171FT / 3100M
END – 5,381FT / 1640M
DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM
TIME – 3-4 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST

Make it more memorable by combining your adventure with a SAfari and a trip to Zanzibar

Ask us how!

Price Includes

Arrival and Departure Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) transfers to/from Arusha [For those who arrive/depart from Nairobi, we include schedule shuttle bus transfer, available at 8AM and 2PM daily]
Transport from the hotel in Arusha to the mountain and back to the Hotel.
Kilimanjaro national park permits, camping/hut fees, mountain rescue fees, value added tax (VAT), and all other applicable local government taxes/fees
Services of Guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
Maximum of 10 climbers (unless stated otherwise)
Accommodation in a hotel in Arusha (upgradeable) for 2 nights (before & after the climb), including breakfast and taxes
Meals on the mountain
Drinking water: Boiled and filtered water on the trek (recommended to bring a filter/filtrating tablets), and bottled water on the safari.
Sleeping mat
Dining tent, tables, chairs
Bottled oxygen for emergency rescue only
Oximeter

Price Excludes

Airfare
Items of personal nature
Climbing gears (most of them can be rented on arrival; we recommend you email the list of items you think you may consider renting)
Tips to the climbing crew
Medical equipment which can be rented well in advance for the following costs: $250/group for hyperbaric chamber, $210/group for an emergency oxygen cylinder and $140/group for a stretcher. Please note these prices include a porter to carry the equipment.
Portable toilets: If you are concerned about using public toilets, a portable toilet is available for an extra $110/person or $180/group. This service must be confirmed at the time of booking.

Note

The luggage that porters are allowed to carry is limited to 35 pounds (ie: 15 kgs)
Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at a rate of $10/bag/day
You can leave extra luggage at your hotel in Arusha or at our office (do not leave any valuables like cash, jewelry, electronics.