Kilimanjaro - Machame Safari Route - 8 days

It is considered the most gorgeous route up Kilimanjaro of the beaten track. The piecemeal climb through the forest takes you a scene of wide views of the moorland on Shira plateau, Kibo and Western Breach. The Variance in the vegetation kinds found along the route make it the most popular vista route. Approach the top with an adaptation day by walking in the same heights (Barafu Camp to Karranga Valley Camp), and another day by stopping at Karranga Valley camp. Accommodation here is in mountain tents.

For a barely more technical climb on Kilimanjaro, one can procure Uhuru peak from Arrow Glacier camp, but a less rigorous route can be taken from Barranco hut.

The route done in six days is physically challenging for most people. The last two days (the trek from Barranco to Barafu and then the overnight trek to the summit) require mental and physical fitness for adaptation at Kilimanjaro. The last two days are to enhance you reach to the summit of the mountain.
The Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha Kilimanjaro Airport.
We'll meet for an introductory briefing upon our arrival in Arusha, before transferring to the Oasis Lodge for the evening and dinner.

Day 2: From Arusha to Machame Camp.
Early morning at 0700 hours, You will be transferred to the Machame Park Gate (5,950 ft./ 1,815 Mt.). On registering with the park authority, the climb through the lush forest begins. Hikers are likely to view the many exotic birds in the canopy above, and may even encounter the black and white colobus monkeys and the sykes monkeys as they hike along the knotted roots and mud on the forest floor.
You will proceed to some heath land before reaching your overnight camp at Machame Camp (9,850 feet, 6-7 hours of walking), just above the forest zone. The trek is quite long. (FB)

Day 3: From Machame Camp to Shira Camp.
Cross the ravishing heath land and alpine moorland with brilliant views of Kilimanjaro Peak. We begin up the steep track through a Savannah of tall grasses, and trees of Giant Heather and Erica. Scramble around large boulders as you enter the moorland zone, marked by lobelia and senecio plants, and volcanic rock pendulant with lichen beards, which protect wild alpine flowers growing at their bases. You will spend the overnight at Shira Camp (12,600 feet, 5-6 hours of walking). (FB)

Day 4: Kilimanjaro Climb - Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
As you draw nearer the peak and we get closer to the Lava Tower, the trek becomes a bit more strenuous as the trail steepens on the approach to the lava Tower, a 300 foot tall volcanic -plug which marks an laid open at 15,000 feet.
In the afternoon, you will slope into the Great Barranco Valley. Barranco Camp is set on a plane enclosed on three sides with steep valley walls and the Kibo massif itself. Hanging glaciers spark in the sunshine above, surrounded by the eerie landscape of plants such as the huge groundsels (Senecio Kilimanjaro), and the uniquely endemic Giant Lobelia. Then we slowly rise to our overnight stop at Barranco Camp (12,950 feet, 5-6 hours of walking). This day and the following day will be your adaptation day.

Day 5: Kilimanjaro Climb - Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp
Start with a tailspin into the Gorge, before you climb its eastern wall and you will delight in views of Kilimanjaro's ice fields, an equatorial anomaly. Go on hiking until you reach your camp in Kilimanjaro Karanga Valley (13,900 feet, 4-5 hours of walking). (FB)

Day 6: Kilimanjaro Climb - Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Camp
Hike through the Karanga Valley, the trail turns steadily uphill, following the lava ridge to the Barafu camp. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on a bantam, exposed flat area on a ridge, acting as a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight tonight. Barafu camp (15,200 feet, 6-7 hours of walking). (FB)

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
This is the most challenging hike but what you need is more energy and fitness. It starts Just after midnight and it takes about 12-17 hours of trekking. You begin hiking at 12:30 to 1am, passing between the Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers to the rim at Stella Point. The temperatures range from just below freezing at midnight, to between 10 deg. F (-12 deg. C) to –10 F. (-23 deg. C) just before dawn at the summit. As dawn nears, climb at the top of Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19,340 feet. Uhuru will be the dominion of the ascendancy .It is an award for the 6-7 hours of forceful hiking. Move downward back to Barafu Camp, resting for a while before carrying on our descent to Mweka Camp (9,840 feet, 3-4 hours of walking on the descent). (FB)

Day 8: Kilimanjaro Climb
–Final descent to Mweka Camp to Park Gate, transfer to Arusha
This tailspin will be to the park gate, a walk of about 3 or 4 hours. Your will have to bid farewell to the guides and porters, will be driven back to Arusha.

Another alternative however ,may be opting for the six days’ climb with out the extra two days
of adaptation at Kilmanjaro. The choice is yours because with Abacus vacations, the tourist’s choice and wish is our command.