Overview
Experience the thrill of trekking on the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro. Spot blue monkeys and colobus monkeys in Kilimanjaro’s montane forest. Ascend to 3,000 meters above sea level to reach Machame Camp.Climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most compelling expeditions on the entirety of the African continent. Adventure, grand scenery, and the camaraderie of hiking with other travelers on the way to the top of Africa’s highest mountain—these are defining elements of Tanzania’s best trek. But there’s no getting around it: climbing Kilimanjaro takes time. Most itineraries require approximately one week to safely ascend and descend from the mountain. But did you know that you can get a taste of Kilimanjaro trekking in just a single day? Chalema Tanzania Safaris has developed an exciting day trip itinerary to introduce you to the enduring allure of Kilimanjaro. It’s a great add-on to a classic East African safari, especially if you’re short on time.
Day Trip:
Our adventure begins with a short drive to the village of Machame, which should take just under two hours to reach from Arusha. After passing through the village, we’ll enter the Kilimanjaro National Park and begin following the path that marks the mountain’s Machame Route. The southwest face of Kilimanjaro is blanketed with montane forest, a type of rainforest unique to mountain slopes. It’s here that lucky travelers may be able to spot blue monkeys or black-and-white colobus monkeys moving nimbly in the treetops, and especially eagle-eyed trekkers may even be able to spot a chameleon perched amongst the branches and leaves. Our trail winds through this montane forest for about four or five hours, depending on our pace, before arriving at Machame Camp. The camp sits at about 3,000 meters in elevation and serves as the first stopping point for climbers on their way to the summit. After enjoying the bustling ambience of Machame Camp and sitting down for a hard-earned bite to eat, we’ll shoulder our bags and begin our descent of the mountain, returning along the same path we took this morning. We’re likely to move a little more quickly on the way down, but we’ll make sure to stop to enjoy the marvelous sights and sounds that await us in Kilimanjaro’s mysterious montane woodlands. After reaching the park entrance gate, we’ll return by road to your accommodations in Arusha. We hope you’ve enjoyed your first taste of a Tanzanian trekking adventure!
