Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro -Machame Route from Nairobi and back to Nairobi, Kenya

Mt Kilimanjaro moon phases

Importance of full moon dates

Summiting Kilimanjaro on a cloudless full moon night is without a doubt an unforgettable experience. The glaciers glittering in the moonlight is absolutely stunning. For obvious reasons the moonlight will also make the final night climb on your summit night easier and most of the time it will be unnecessary to even switch on your head lamp. In actual fact, planning your summit attempt to coincide with the full moon dates mentioned below would enhance your whole trek up the mountain, offering some magnificent night views of Kibo from most of the overnight camps.

KILIMANJARO FULL MOON DATES 2012 – 2013

 

	2012 Full Moon	2013 Full Moon
January	9	27
February	7	25
March	8	27
April	6	25
May	6	25
June	4	23
July	3	22
August	2, 31	21
September	30	19
October	29	18
November	28	17
December	28	17

This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. This makes Machame (also referred to as the "Whiskey route") better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him with a scenic splendour such as not seen on the Marangu route. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall, the Machame route offers the adventurous hiker a stunning scenic "slide show" over 6 days. The Machame route is normally completed in a minimum of 6 days. There is an added benefit to this, as you are afforded the most valuable commodity on the mountain - acclimatisation. The Machame route takes you high to Lava Tower (4630m) on the day 3 and brings you down by nearly 700m for an overnight at Barranco camp (3950m). This is the secret to successful acclimatisation.

Day 1 :

Machame Route - Nairobi/Moshi
Depart Nairobi by morning shuttle to Moshi arriving late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Moshi.

Day 2:
Pick up from your hotel in Moshi and drive to Machame Gate, after the necessary registration starts trekking through the forest to Machame Hut (It is gentle climbing stage) Dinner and overnight at thecampsite in Machame Hut.
Day3:
Machame Hut to Shira Hut 3,800m Climbing start early in the morning, by crossing the valley up through a steep ridge before turning west into the river gorge; With more gently climbing onto Shira Plateau reaching the Shire Hut for camping
Day 4:
Shira to Barranco 3,950m This is the place for sight seeing especially vegetation and Barranco valley, the climb starts with walking towards east up to the junction, the route then turn south to the glacier stream and reaching the Hut. Dinner and overnight at the hut
Day 5:
Barranco to Barafu 4,600m Trekking through the ridge to Karanga looking at the West Breach and the Southern Glacier, then Barafu Path before reaching Barafu Hut for campsite
Day 6:
Barafu to Uhuru Peak The last day will be a really early beginning for the summit, probably 00:00 am, passing through the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers to the Highest point of Africa Uhuru Peak 5,896m above the sea level. After relaxing, watching the sun rise and taking memorable pictures, start descending to the Mweka Hut and spend overnight there.
Day 7:
Mweka Hut - Mweka Gate to the Hotel After breakfast descend to Mweka Gate and drive away to your local accommodation for dinner & overnight.

Day 8.

Moshi/Nairobi
Depart Moshi by morning shuttle back to Nairobi arriving late in the afternoon.

Prices INCLUSIVES:
2 way Shuttle bus transfer: Nairobi- Moshi - Nairobi or 2 way KIA transfers
2 transfers from Moshi to Machame park gate -return
3 meals per day while trekking - Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian
6 days Kilimanjaro trek- Machame
5 nights accommodation in Tents while trekking Machame
First and Last night accommodation Moshi -Bed and Breakfast.
All park entrance fees and government levies
English speaking mountain Guide and assistant guides
Porters- a maximum of 2 per client.

Exclusive: of Gloves, Sun glasses, Sleeping bag, Hats , Rain suits, Warm Jacket, Heavy boots, Scarf's, Rain Trousers.Price is exclusive of First and last Night accomodation in Nairobi.
You can hire some of the equipments available at a reasonable cost

NB: We ensure clients get enough and plenty of well cooked food.

Your Health

See your Doctor before Hike for Preventive High Altitude Sickness Medication

Equipment check list

• Headlamp
• Walking pole(s)/
• Sleeping Bag,
• Gaiters: To keep mud, rocks, and snow out of your boots.
• Water purification: This is essential as water for drinking is taken directly from mountain streams.
• Hiking Boots: This is the most important item on the list. You'll need a comfortable/waterproof pair of hiking boots which offer plenty of support. Make sure they are broken in before you get to Kilimanjaro/Mt. Kenya!

Other Check list

• 1 set of thermal underwear (top & bottom)
• 1 sleeping bag (rating 0 C or four seasons)
• 1 warm jersey/sweater (wool)
• 1 sleeping pad/mat
• 1 pair of track suit top & bottom
• 1 light towel
• 1 polar fleece/down vest
• 1 pair of light loose fitting cotton trousers
• 1 waterproof jacket (with a hood) & pants
• 1 to 2 long sleeves shirts (cotton/wool)
• 4 pairs of thermal hiking socks
• 2 to 3 T-shirts/shirts
• 2 pairs of thermal socks liner
• 2 to 3 pairs of shorts (with pockets)
• 1 pair of hiking boots
• 1 wide brimmed hat / baseball cap
• 1 pair of sneakers/trainers/takkies
• 1 pair of warm heavy weight gloves/mittens
• 1 pair of gaiters
• 1 pair of light weight gloves (inner gloves)
• 1 bandana
• 1 pair of sunglasses/mountaineering glasses
• 1 balaclava
• 1 wool hat
• 1 warm scarf
  
  NB: Make sure that your boots are waterproof

USEFUL EQUIPMENT:

• 2 x 2 litres water bottles (camel bags preferably)
• 1 head lamp (plus spare batteries & bulb)
• 1 pair of walking/ski poles
• 1 pocket swiss army knife
• 2 - 3 packets of moist towelettes.
• 1 travel pillow (optional)

Personal Items & Toiletries:
Ttoothpaste & tooth brush, body lotion, toilet paper and other personal hygiene items. (Ladies, please carry some sanitary toiletries as being at high altitude may alter your cycle).

Photographic (optional):

• 1 camera (plus spare batteries),film & tripod stand,different lenses,
• 1 pair of binoculars,video camera,video tapes, battery packs.

Miscellaneous (Optional):
notebook, pencil, sketchbook, masking tape, zip loc plastic bags, ear plugs, address list for post cards, map of Kilimanjaro (the trip leader will have one).

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