MACHAME ROUTE

Day 2; Machame Gate to Machame Hut (9,300’) Hike time: 7.5 hrs, Elevation change: +1200 M Estimated distance: 10km, Final elevation: 3100 M, Early pick-up at Hotel and drive to Machame gate (5,400’) where trekking formalities take about 30 minutes. From the gate, we begin our trek following an easy track for the first hour through the dense forest. The path continues to follow the ridge, rising steadily with several steep sections. The gradient eases slightly as the forest merges into heather covered ground we will reach Machame Hut in 10 km (6.2 miles) after a 1,200-meter (3,936’) ascent and 5-7 hours of walking.

Day 3: Machame Hut to Shira Hut (12,300’), Hike time: 7 hrs, Elevation change: +800 M, estimated distance: 6km, Final elevation: 3800 M, From the Machame Hut we cross the stream onto its west bank and follow the path up the steep rocky ridge crises-crossing a few times before reaching Shira Hut at the base of a semi-circular wall of rocks. We will have ascended 900 meters (3,000’) in 5-7 hours and about 6 km (3.72 miles) of walking.

Day 4: Shira Hut to Barranco Hut (12,800’), Hike time: 5 hrs, Elevation change: +100 M
Estimated distance: ?, Final elevation: 3900 M, From Shira Hut hike to Lava Tower (15,000’) and then proceed to Barranco via the Great Barranco Wall. This route offers panoramic views of Kibo through Karanga Valley as we hike high and sleep low, dropping back down to Barranco after lunch. Today’s hike will take most of the day Barranco campsite located on elevation of 3950m.

Day 5: Barranco Hut to Karanga Valley (14,800’), Hike time: 3.5 hrs, Elevation change: +100 M, Estimated distance: 4km, Maximum elevation: 4590 M, Final elevation: 4000 M
From Barranco Hut we climb up through the edge of great Barranco 95percentage of that day walking will be on elevation of 4250m. We will break our day at Karanga valley campsite at elevation of 4,000m walking time is 4 to 5 hrs on this day.

Day 6: Karanga Valley to Barafu Hut (4,600m), Hike time: 3.5 hrs, Elevation change: +600 M, Estimated distance: 4km, Final elevation: 4600 M, Today involves gaining a little more elevation, acclimatizing and resting for the summit attempt the next morning. This day will take us 4 to 6 hrs of walking. SUMMIT DAY! Summit time: 7 hrs, Elevation change: +1300 M, Estimated distance: 5km, Final elevation: 5895 M
Descent time: 5 hrs, Elevation change: -2800M, Estimated distance: 12km, Final elevation: 3100 M, We will start trekking early before sunrise (1-2 am) as the walk today will take 10-14 + hours. We will avoid the mist that sets in later in the day; the scree and snow will still be safely frozen. The 1,100-meter (3,600’) ascent in just over 3 km (1.86 miles) will take us about 6-8 hours. After a brief stay at the summit of the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak, at over 5,898 meters (19,340'), we descend via the Barafu Route roughly 2,500 meters (8,200’) in 12 km (7.44 miles) in about 4-7 hours to Mweka Camp.

Day 7: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate (6,000’)
Descent time: 4 hrs, Elevation change: -1250M, Estimated distance: 10km, Final elevation: 1828 M, Today we descend about 1400 meters (4,592’) through the forest on a jungle path for about 10 km (6.2 miles) in 3-4 hours to reach Mweka Gate. Our representative will transfer you to your hotel.

MARANGU ROUTE

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania. Stay overnight at the hotel

Day 2: Start trekking on Marangu route. From hotel to Marangu Gate, Elevation 1800M (5,905 Ft) to Mandara hut 2750M (9,021 ft), Our representative will pick you up to Marangu gate where your permit for trekking will be issue. Gate formalities take about 30 mins and then start trekking after introduction to your porters from Chief guide. The route begins at the National Park Marangu Gate at 1800 m. walk through the fascinating rain forest to the Mandara Hut at 2750 m.

Day 3; Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Mandara hut 2750M (9,021 ft) to Horombo 3780 (12,400 ft), Km/miles of walking 7km ( 4.43 Miles), Time taken 5 to 6 hrs, after breakfast we ascend through rolling alpine meadows containing giant Heather trees. Along this leisurely trail we can enjoy the flora and views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. A packed lunch is served on the way to Horombo Hut (3780m ASL). Finally, dinner and overnight is taken at Horombo Hut.

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut. Horombo 3780M (12,285 ft) to Kibo 4,700M (15,420 ft), Km/Miles of walking 12 Km (7.50 miles), Time taken 5 to 6 Hrs, After a good night's rest we continue past the cactus-like ground cover and the "last water" stream and moves onto the lunar landscape on the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Kibo Hut at 4700m.

Day 5: Kibo Hut to the Summit and the down to Horombo hut. Kibo 4,700M (15,420 ft) to Summit 5,895M (19,340 ft) back to Horombo 3780 (12,285 ft), Km/miles of walking 10 km (6 miles), Time taken 14 to 16 hrs. The start for the summit is made in the early hours of the morning in order to reach Gillman Points - (5680 m) before dawn. From Gillman point one can witness the most spectacular and unforgettable sunrise. One hours walk away is the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak at 5895m. The descent is less tiring and the night is spent at Horombo Hut.

Day 6: Horombo to Marangu gate. Horombo hut 3780M (12,285 ft) to Marangu gate 1800M (5,850 ft), Km/miles of walking 4 km (2.5 miles) Ascend and 14 Km descend (8.75 miles), Time taken 5 to 7 Hrs. Another half day's leisurely walk and one is back at the Park entrance again where you will meet with our gate representative and drive you back to your hotel for rest to get ready for the next destination.

The overall height difference between Marangu Gate, National Park entrance and the summit of Uhuru peak is 4100 meters (13,450 ft) and the distance is 32 km (20 miles). Each way In all a good 64 km (40 miles) trek with the bonus of an ascent of one of the worlds finest 5000 meter peaks.