Climbing Kilimanjaro with Memorable Charity
Machame Route

Welcome to Tanzania

After you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our dedicated driver will be eagerly anticipating your arrival at the airport holding a sign with your name on it, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. From there, a seamless and comfortable transfer service will whisk you away to Serengeti Safari House our comfort accommodation in Arusha. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be served a delicious meal. Later on, you will meet the Memorable Charity Tanzania coordinator who will brief you regarding what Memorable Charity through Giving Back to the society is.

Enjoy the relaxing environment of Serengeti Safari House with a swimming pool, a beautiful garden with a bar, and a restaurant.

Community Impact & Cultural Exchange

After a hearty breakfast from Serengeti Safari House, you will visit the Faraja Young Women's Centre in Arusha, where you'll have the opportunity to engage with young women and their children. As part of our community engagement, we collaborate with Faraja Young Women's Development Organization (Faraja Center) — a local non-profit that empowers young mothers through education, skills training, and daycare support.

Guests can meet the team at Faraja, learn about their inspiring work, and see how young women are building brighter futures for themselves and their families. This visit offers a chance to connect with local life, understand real stories of empowerment, and see how tourism can make a positive impact.

In the afternoon, you will have a pure African delicious lunch prepared with young women from the centre and join together for lunch with them and their children. In the late afternoon, you'll return to the relaxing environment of Serengeti Safari House, where the Mountain Coordinator will provide a briefing on your upcoming mountain climbing program through the Machame route, which begins the next day.

Rainforest Trek to Machame Camp

After enjoying breakfast and a briefing at your hotel, you'll set off on a 2.5-hour journey from Arusha to the Machame Park Gate. Upon arrival, the registration process will be completed, and you'll receive your packed lunch. The adventure begins with your ascent through the vibrant rainforest, where the path may become muddy and slick if there has been recent rainfall. The trek to Machame Camp spans roughly 11 kilometers and usually takes around six hours. In the evening, porters will prepare hot water for drinking and washing, while the cook will serve up dinner. As night falls, temperatures may drop close to freezing, so you'll settle into your tent for a cold but fulfilling night's rest.

Heather & Moorland Zone

After breakfast at Machame Camp, you'll continue your ascent through the heather and moorland zone. The trail becomes less steep as you approach the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert with stunning views of Mount Meru in the distance. The trek to Shira Cave Camp takes approximately 5-6 hours. Upon arrival, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The camp is situated on the Shira Plateau, offering incredible sunset views over the plains below. Your guide will provide a briefing about the next day's trek, which includes the challenging climb to Lava Tower.

Climb High, Sleep Low - Acclimatization Day

After breakfast at Shira Camp, you'll set off on a demanding trek to Lava Tower, ascending to an altitude of 4,630 meters. This hike spans approximately 11 kilometers and typically takes around 7 to 8 hours, featuring rocky, semi-desert terrain. Along the way, take in the panoramic views during your lunch stop at Lava Tower. Afterward, you'll descend to Barranco Camp, situated at 3,960 meters. This descent lasts about 2 hours and offers stunning vistas of the Western Breach. Upon reaching Barranco Camp, the team will set up your tents and prepare dinner for you. In the evening, your guide will provide a briefing about the next day's trek, including the famous Barranco Wall.

Conquering the Barranco Wall

Start your day early with a wake-up call, followed by a hearty breakfast to energize you for the trek ahead. You may encounter the renowned Barranco Wall, a steep ascent that offers a rewarding challenge with some scrambling involved. Once you've conquered the Wall, you'll make your way down into the picturesque Karanga Valley, celebrated for its lush greenery and stunning views. Upon arrival at the Karanga campsite, the porters will set up your tents while our chef prepares a delicious lunch.

After your meal, you'll undertake an acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp, gaining an elevation of 200 meters before returning to your campsite. In the evening, savor a warm dinner crafted by our chef. Following your meal, your knowledgeable guide will provide a briefing on the next day's trek and the summit attempt.

Preparing for Summit Night

Begin your day with an early wake-up call and a substantial breakfast to prepare for your trek to Barafu Camp. The trail presents diverse terrain, featuring rocky patches and gentle inclines, all while showcasing stunning views of Kilimanjaro's high-altitude scenery. As you ascend, prioritize acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness.

Upon your arrival at Barafu, our porters will take care of setting up the camp while the chef prepares a nourishing lunch. After your meal, take some time to relax until dinner. In the evening, your guide will provide a detailed briefing regarding the forthcoming summit attempt, discussing the route, potential challenges, safety protocols, and necessary preparations. Be sure to rest well, as the summit ascent is scheduled to begin late in the evening.

The Roof of Africa - Uhuru Peak!

You'll begin your ascent around 11:30 PM, starting with some tea and biscuits to fuel your energy. As you head northwest, you'll navigate through scree on your way to Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour trek to Stella Point (5,685 meters) is often considered the most mentally and physically demanding section of the climb.

Once you reach Stella Point, take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise, conditions permitting. From there, you'll continue on a snow-covered path for an additional 1-2 hour climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Be mindful of your time at the summit, as weather conditions may dictate the duration of your stay.

The descent to Barafu takes approximately 3 hours, where you'll have a brief rest before continuing to Mweka Camp for dinner and your overnight stay.

Celebration & Rest

After enjoying breakfast at Mweka Camp, you'll begin your descent to Mweka Gate, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to the hotel. There, you'll be greeted with a hot lunch and a refreshing shower, the perfect way to unwind after your trek.

After your journey, tipping the team is encouraged and appreciated; special envelopes for this purpose will be available at the hotel. If you're interested in extending your adventure with a safari, you can meet with our safari coordinator at the hotel. After a short break to relax, the coordinator will provide a briefing on the various Tanzania safari options available.

Farewell Tanzania

After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your departure. If you're looking to extend your adventure, consider adding a day trip to your itinerary, allowing you to explore nearby attractions or immerse yourself in local culture.

Alternatively, you can continue your journey by visiting the stunning island of Zanzibar. Whether you're seeking relaxation on pristine beaches or diving into the island's rich cultural heritage, Zanzibar has something for everyone.