The Machame route approaches Kilimanjaro through
forest and moorland from the south-west, and joins the Shira route
before traversing beneath the southern icefields of Kibo. The rainforest
is extremely beautiful and there is a tangible sense of wilderness
once the higher elevations are reached. The views of Mt. Meru floating
on the clouds are simply unforgettable. We make our final ascent
by the Barafu route. The seven day itinerary gives maximum possible
acclimatisation , and also gives us plenty of time to enjoy the
magnificent scenery.
Day 1
The climb starts from Machame Gate (1,800 m.) after a short walk
through the attractive banana and coffee farms of Machame village.
The path follows a ridge through dense montane forest. This is the
richest forested area on the mountain, and also the zone from where
96 % of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days, and
especially in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful;
it can also be a very muddy experience, particularly if it has rained
recently! We have lunch at ‘Halfway Clearing’, a small
opening in the trees, and continue climbing steadily. The gradient
becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close
to the next camp near the ruins of Machame Hut (3,000 m.). We may
get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening
clouds permit. [6-8 hours walking]
Day 2
A shorter day that begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach
a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent
views of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau from here,and
it is a good rest point too! The trail continues less steeply to
reach the Shira Plateau.
We camp near Shira Hut (3,840 m.) which has some of the most stunning
views on Kilimanjaro; close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the
spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across
to Mt. Meru floating on the clouds. [4-6 hours walking]
Day 3
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland
plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the
Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4,550
m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900
m.), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the
plains far below. [5-7 hours walking]
Day 4
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail
on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern
Icefields. We camp at Karanga (4,100 m.), the last water point,
in a steep valley. The afternoone can be spend resting or exploring
the valley to help acclimatisation. [3-4 hours walking]
Day 5
After getting out of Karanga Valley, the terrain changes to scree
and we climb steeply to reach Barafu Campsite (4,600 m.). The remainder
of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent
before a very early night. [3-5 hours walking]
Day 6
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we
can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose
volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady
pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735 m.), in about five or six
hours.
We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over
Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour
round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.),
passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still
occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly
fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach
our final campsite (3,100 m.) at the edge of Mweka Forest. [11-15
hours walking
Day 7
A sustained descent through lovely forest with lush undergrowth
takes us to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m.) [4-6 hours
walking]
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Tanzania
has one of the largest areas of protected lands in the world. It
houses the largest Game Reserve on the continent (Selous) and its
most famous national park (the Serengeti), not to mention the famous
Ngorongoro Crater considered being the eighth wonder of the world.
Here you can experience the landscapes which have captivated the
minds of millions of people. 
Tanzania is endowed with some of the most diverse and picturesque landscape. Its towering mountains in the North are some of the highest mountains in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest point, is a great extinct volcano 5,895m (19,345ft) above sea level. Rift Cross can take you to the roof of Africa - Kilimanjaro and to the tops of other attractive mountains such as Meru and Oldoinyo lengai. Climbing these volcanoes is an incredible but manageable challenge. For travelers seeking adventures off the beaten track and spectacular views, these are ideal destinations.
The
white and golden sands of East Africa’s beaches are deservedly
world famous. They are soaked in sun all year round, and surrounded
by coral reef and the exotic scenery of the Indian Ocean. A rest
on a Tanzanian beach will leave you refreshed, restored and intrigued.
Walking through the narrow, twisting streets of Zanzibar’s
Stone Town plunges you into the past.
To many people tourism is confined to the wildlife destination, mountain trekking and beach relaxation. Rift Cross goes beyond the limits by taking you to experience the richest and most diverse cultures of people who follow ancient traditions –yet engaging on their own terms, with a globalizing world. Let us take you to visit these peoples, their homes and villages.