Heim Glacier, you now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. This is the preferred route down from the summit, so remember it. Turn left up the ridge and after another hour or so, you reach Barafu Hut.
The last water stop on the route is the Karanga Valley, as there is no water at Barafu camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for "ice" and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area to spend the night. Totally exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarise yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep.
6 days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route – Day five
SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Barafu camp (4550m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Mweka (3100m).
Hiking time: 6 hours to reach Uhuru Peak.
5 - 7 hours to descend to Mweka.
Distance: About 7 km's ascent - 23 km's descent.
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
Elevation change: + 1345 m, - 2795 m
Final Elevation: 3100 m
You will wake up around 2330hrs, and after some tea and biscuits you start climbing to Uhuru peak into the night. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour walks to Stella point is for many climbers, mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life. The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear, before heading down to Mweka hut (3100m). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared.
6 days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route – Day six
Mweka camp (3100m) - Mweka Gate (1980m).
Hiking time: 4 hours.
Distance: About 15 km's
Habitat: Forest
Elevation change: - 1120 m
After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 3-hour and scenic hike back to the Park gate. At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. At the Mweka Gate, meet Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Officials gives you the Certificate of Achievement. You now drive back to Moshi for a long over due hot shower.
Extra days Kilimanjaro climb through Machame route can as well be arranged to suit your preferences.
Price
US$ 1500 per person:
Any additional day is US$ 250
Prince includes:
- 2 Transfers from Moshi to Machame
Gate- return.
- All meals for vegetarian/non-vegetarian.
- Accommodation in tents while on a trek.
- 6 days Kilimanjaro trek – Machame route.
- 5 nights accommodation in tents while trekking Machame Route.
- 2 Nights in hotel before and after climb.
- Park fees and government levies.
- English speaking mountains Guide and assistant guides.
- Porters - a minimum of 3 per client.
- First Aid Kit including Oxygen Kit.
- Camping Equipments including sleeping tents, sleeping mats, dining
tent, chairs and table.
Kilimanjaro
Summit Gear List
.
Leather or thermal boots
.
Gore-Tex, Microtex or K-Tech Trilaminate jacket
.
Gore-Tex, Microtex or K-Tech pants
.
Fleece jacket
.
Fleece pants
.
Gore-Tex mittens or gloves
.
Fleece gloves (use as inner for Gore-Tex mittens)
.
Thermal glove liners (use as inner for Gore-Tex gloves)
.
Gaiters
.
Fleece balaclava
.
Thermal balaclava
.
Thermal top
.
Thermal long johns
.
Thermal socks
.
Sunglasses with UV protection
.
Day pack
.
Head torch
.
Thermal flask
Kilimanjaro
Trekking gear: (Wear between camps)
.
Rain suit or poncho (mainly used in the rain forest)
.
Hiking boots or cross trainers
. Day pack
. Short pants
. Tracksuit
pants
. T-shirts
. Sun hat
(peak caps do not offer enough protection)
. Woolen socks
. Fleece beanie
. Water bottle
Kilimanjaro
General gear & equipment
.
Duffel bag
. Walking
stick (adjustable)
. Sleeping
bag (-10 rating)
. Sleeping
mat
Kilimanjaro
Helpful hints
.
Drink at least three to four litres of water a day.
. Use water filters and purifying pills to minimize
stomach bugs.
. Take enough snacks like energy bars, drink mixes,
etc.
. Do not move too fast, walk at a slow steady pace.
. Move as lightly as possible, do not carry unnecessary
weight.
. All clothing in Duffel bags or backpacks must
be protected with sack-liners to avoid getting wet, especially through
the rainforest.
. High factor lip balm and sun block is essential.
. Nausea and headache pills should be kept handy
on summit night.
. Symptoms of altitude sickness can be reduced
by using medication (consult your doctor).
. New boots should be walked-in; this avoids blisters.
. Use a sleeping mat when camping.
. Use a thermal flask on summit night; other water
bottles will freeze.
. Allow camera or video camera to acclimatize;
do not wrap or place them in plastic bags.
. Thermal glove liners allow easier camera handling
on the summit.
. Use only new camera and headlamp batteries on
summit night.
. Guides and porters will expect tips; confirm
amounts with your tour operator.
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