MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING
MACHAME ROUTE
A more challenging route but offers spectacular views of the glaciers of the Kilimanjaro heights

Duration: 6 - 7 Days. An extra day at Karanga valley is included to assist acclimatization.

Day 1: Pick up from your hotel to Machame gate at 1,800m where the trekking starts into the tropical rain forest, the richest forested area on the mountain, and the source of more than 90% of the water on Kilimanjaro. In the evening, at the Machame hut campsite at 3,100m you may get a view of the Kibo peak if the clouds part. Set-up camp in time for supper.
Walking time: 6-8 hours

Day 2: The walk begins with a steep climb to reach a small cliff known as Picnic Rock. Enjoy excellent views of the jagged rim of Shira Plateau and Kibo. The trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira plateau. You camp at Shira hut on the Shira plateau at 3,658m.
Walking time: 4-6 hours

Day 3: Start the morning trek with gentle ascents and excellent views leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch you trek east towards the Lava Tower (4,550m) known as "the shark's tooth" after which you reach the junction leading to Arrow Glacier as you descend to the bottom of the Barranco Valley (3,900m). Camp is at Barranco Hut for supper and overnight stay. 
Walking time: 5-7 hours

Day 5: Leave the Karanga valley for Barafu (Ice) campsite by climbing on a steep ridge passing the Barranco wall through the Karanga valley where lunch is taken. The terrain changes to scree as you climb steeply to reach the Barafu campsite at 4,600m. This is a demanding trek but very scenic and also assists achieve acclimatization ready to conquer the summit the following day. 
Walking time: 5-7 hours

Day 6: Just after midnight we start the final ascent by torchlight aiming at being at the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree takes you to Stella Point (5,735m) where you enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi peak. Those feeling strong make the two hour round trip along the crater rim to to the highest point in Africa, the Uhuru (Independence) peak at 5,896m to arrive just after sunrise. This is a great moment being at the Roof of Africa. Climbing time: 7-8 hours. 
Descend to Mweka hot campsite at 3,100m for the night. 
Walking time: 4-5 hours

Day 7: The day is spent descending to Mweka Gate for transfer to your hotel for the long awaited warm shower. 
Walking time: 3-4 hours 

Other Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes:
Marangu Route
Rongai Route
Umbwe Route