MC02: Mt. Kilimanjaro: Mchame Route

• Departures: daily on request from Arusha
• Duration: 7 nights

Day 1: Base Hotel (Dinner included)

Arrive at Dik Dik Hotel at the start of your expedition.

Day 2: Mchame Forest 10 000 ft. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Walk through the Mchame rainforest for 6 hours to your campsite in the giant heather.

Day 3: Shira Plateau 12 500 ft. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Trek for approximately 6 hours up to the Shira Plateau.

Day 4: Barranco 12 795 ft. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Climb and descend steep ridges with spectacular views of the glacier to Barranco during a 6 hour walk.

Day 5: Bafaru 15 092 ft. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Follow the Kibo Southern Circuit to Bafaru 'ice' hut after a 6 hour walk.

Day 6: Summit Day! 19 340 ft. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Leaving shortly after midnight, the tough 5 hour climb is up loose scree. On a starlit night there are amazing views of the towns and villages below. Arrive at Hans Meyer Peak at 18 340 ft just as the dawn breaks. Then the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. After photographs, return to Barafu for a short rest and then descend for approximately 6 hours to Mweka valley.

Day 7: Base Camp (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

An easy descent through the rainforest to Mweka Village. Transfer to the Dik Dik Hotel for a celebration.

Day 8: Depart (Breakfast included)

After breakfast leave for Arusha.

East Africa has two of the highest free standing mountains in the world, Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya. Mt Kilimanjaro, at 5 896 m (19 344 ft) is also the highest mountain and extinct volcano in Africa. Mt. Kilimanjaro Standing high and majestic in the clear blue African sky, with its huge dome of snow, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest free standing mountain in the world and a challenge to all mountain climbers, whether experienced or first-timers. There are two main routes up Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Marangu route, popularly known as the 'beer' route and Mchame, 'whisky' route. The Marangu route is most often climbed. Accommodation is in typical mountain climbing huts, with shared rooms and facilities controlled by the National Park authorities. On this route, you will meet parties of climbers travelling in each direction. On summit day, successful climbers will reach Gillmans Point and then proceed to Uhuru Peak at the very summit of the mountain. The Mchame route is less often used. UTc arranges full porter services with private tents pitched at every stage. There are portable toilet facilities and the cuisine is provided by a Swiss based hotel which specialises in mountain climb catering. Note: Climbers need to be reasonably fit, and properly equipped. Full details will be advised at the time of reservation.