Machame Western Breach with Crater Camp
Tour Highlights
Safari Itinerary
A short drive brings us to the Machame trailhead (~5,700’). After the climbers and crew have checked in with the park rangers, we will hike up through the montane forests, winding up the mossy jungle, making our way to Machame Hut camp.
Hiking: 6-8 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~9,900′
After breakfast, our hike continues through the forest. We will take our time, soaking in the scenery as we make our way through the moorlands. We will be treated to spectacular views of Kibo peak.
Hiking: 6-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,500′
We will hike slowly along the Western side of the Kibo massif today, entering the alpine zone, a rocky and volcanic landscape, where only the hardiest of vegetation survive. The Western Breach will be visible above us in all its imposing glory. An afternoon scramble up Lava Tower may be possible if energy, time, and weather permit.
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~15,000′
Today’s hike is short. We will spend a few hours hiking to the foot of the Western Breach to Arrow Glacier camp, allowing our bodies to acclimatize to the altitude. On a clear day, you will have spectacular views of the Heim glacier, Little and Great Penck Glacier above, and the great Barranco wall down the valley.
Hiking: 2-3 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~16,000′
The views on this challenging part of the trek are outstanding. We will wind our way up the Western Breach, scrambling up steep rock walls to the crater rim. We provide helmets to be worn on this day. The altitude at the crater camp makes for a physically demanding experience, but the views of glaciers and natural ice sculptures towering up from the harsh landscape are priceless. The thought of conquering the summit tomorrow is wonderful motivation.
Hiking 7-8 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~18,500′
We will rise before the sun and head for the summit at daybreak. After about 1.5-2 hours of hiking we will perch on the roof of Africa; Uhuru Peak – 19,341’. At the summit we will take in unforgettable views of the ice fields and the distant East African plains below. We will then descend steeply to Barafu hut, stop for lunch, then continue down to Mweka camp for a well-deserved rest.
Hiking: 8-10 hours
Summit: ~19,341′
Overnight Altitude: ~10,500′
We make the final descent through the rain forest to Mweka Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner.
Hiking: 3-5 hours
INCLUSIONS
Group climb prices are in US Dollars, per person, based on twin or double occupancy. Our prices include ground transportation to and from the trailhead, guides, porters, park fees (these and any government mandated taxes/fees are subject to government increase after booking), 2 nights lodging before the climb and one night after the climb (usually at Planet Lodge, but other options are possible too), all meals during the climb and some meals while staying at hotels/lodges, portable camping toilet in a privacy tent, safety/emergency gear including Gamow bag (hyperbaric chamber), oxygen (brought for emergencies not routine use), pulse oximeter, group first aid kit. Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro or Arusha town airports, or hotels/bus station in Arusha) are included but only if you arrive and depart on the assigned group dates. For arrivals and departures on other dates we charge airport transfer fees extra.
Single Supplement
If you request a single room/tent, we charge a single supplement of $700 US Dollars. If you are traveling solo and willing to share a room/tent, we charge a single supplement of $700 US Dollars but it is waived if a room-mate/tent-mate can be found for you (ie someone else in the group of the same gender is available and willing to share). In the rare case of a climb with only one person in the group, the client may eat meals in the cook tent rather than having a separate mess tent, table and chairs just for one person.
EXCLUSIONS
Our prices exclude flights, tips/gratuities, bottled water/beverages at lodges, and travel visas.
