| MACHAME
ROUTE |
A popular route following steep paths through magnificent
forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to
the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices
of the south face of Kibo providing superb views of the Southern
Icefields. An extra day could be added to the itinerary, spent
either on the Shira Plateau, where you could walk to the Shira
Needles, or camping in the Karanga Valley.
The final ascent is made very early in the morning from the
Barafu Hut. The Mweka Route is used for the descent.
Accommodation on the mountain is in tents; you will need a sleeping
bag and but a sleeping mat is provided. The porters will pitch
the tent for you but are welcome help if you wish.
This is a strenuous walking trip but within the limits of a
fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. Ski sticks
or walking poles are useful when ascending the scree to the
summit.
The programme is available all the year round. Prices are all
inclusive except for: tips, airport transfers and extra drinks;
the hotel is on a Bed &Breakfast or Half Board basis.
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| Moshi
/ Machame gate (1900m) / Machame Hut (3 000 m)
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| Drive
to Machame village. The climb begins at the end of the
tarmac road. Walk through shambas then forest to the
Machame hut
about 6 hours
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Machame Hut (3 000 m) / Shira Hut (3 800 m) |
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Continue along the steep ridge
going on to rock ridges and through heather. The route
turns west into a river gorge, reaching Shira hut
at 3800m,
5 hours.
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| Shira
Hut (3 800 m) / Barranco Hut (3.900 m)
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Continue east towards Kibo
passing the junction, then east towards the Lava Tower.
Shortly after this, you descend to Barranco hut (3940m,
4 hours).
Mt. Kilimanjaro Glaciers
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| )Barranco
Hut (3 900 m) / Barafu Hut (4 500 m)
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A short scramble to the top
of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over scree
and ridges to the Karanga Valley (4000m, 3 hours),
beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken
Glaciers. After climbing out of the Karanga Valley
the trail ascends a ridge to the Barafu Hut, a bleak
location with little vegetation at 4600m, (3 hours
walking).
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Barafu hut / Uhuru Peak (5 895 m) / Horombo Hut (3 720m)
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An early start for the ascent
to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann
and Ratzel Glaciers, (4 hours); the last section before
the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe
or ski stick is useful for balance. From here a further
hour leads to Uhuru Peak, from where there are often
fine views of Meru to the west and the jagged peak
of Mawenzi to the east. Descend to the Barafu Hut
for a rest and lunch before continuing on down to
camp at Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the
forest edge. Those with energy on the summit may wish
to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the dramatic
ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields.
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Horombo Hut (3.720 m) / Marangu (1.550 m)
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A 3-4 hour descent through
beautiful forest brings you to the Park gate and your
waiting transport. Drive back to the hotel.
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TO PREPARE AND CONCEIVE YOUR OWN PERSONAL SAFARI |
