7-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Experience
The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity there are increased numbers of trekkers, it loses some of its splendour. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.
Safari Highlights
- This is a budget camping trip it includes overnight stay at tents.
- You can make small changes to the tour's accommodations and destinations upon request.
- This tour can begin any day, based on availability.
- Ideal for solo travelers, this private tour can be booked individually.
- Expert Maasai guides with 10+ years experience
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 5,400ft to 9,400ft | Distance: 11 km | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Rain Forest
Pick up from your hotel in Arusha and transfer to Machame Gate (1,800m). Follow a ridge through dense montane forest—the richest forested area on the mountain and the source of 96% of Kilimanjaro's water. The trail can be lush and beautiful in dry seasons or muddy after rain. Lunch at ‘Halfway Clearing’ before continuing to Machame Camp (3,000m) near the ruins of Machame Hut. Enjoy first views of Kibo’s glaciated dome if weather permits. [6-8 hours walking].
Accommodation: Machame Camp (2,835m)
Meals & Drinks: All meals included. Drinking water and soft drinks provided.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 9,400ft to 12,500ft | Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Climb a steep ridge to Picnic Rock for views of Kibo and Shira Plateau. Continue to Shira Camp (3,840m) on the plateau, with breathtaking vistas of Kibo’s volcanic cone and Shira’s rock formations. [4-6 hours walking].
Accommodation: Shira Camp (3,850m)
Meals & Drinks: All meals included. Drinking water and soft drinks provided.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 12,500ft to 13,000ft | Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours | Habitat: Semi Desert
Gentle ascent through lava ridges beneath the Western Breach glaciers. Lunch near Lava Tower (4,550m), then descend to Barranco Valley (3,900m), surrounded by cliffs and plains views. [5-7 hours walking].
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (3,976m)
Meals & Drinks: All meals included. Drinking water and soft drinks provided.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 13,000ft to 13,100ft | Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Climb the Barranco Wall, then traverse Kibo’s southeastern flank with views of the Southern Icefields. Arrive at Karanga Camp (4,000m), the last water point before Barafu. Optional acclimatization walk in the afternoon. [4-5 hours walking].
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (3,995m)
Meals & Drinks: All meals included. Drinking water and soft drinks provided.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 13,100ft to 15,300ft | Distance: 4 km | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Steep climb to Mweka Junction (4,150m), then steady ascent to Barafu Camp (4,600m). Rest and prepare for the summit attempt. [4-5 hours walking].
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (4,673m)
Meals & Drinks: All meals included. Drinking water and soft drinks provided.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft) | Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent | Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent | Habitat: Arctic
Summit attempt begins at night. Zig-zag through volcanic scree to Stella Point for sunrise, then push to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. Descend rapidly to Mweka Camp (3,110m).
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (3,110m)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast and lunch included. Drinking water and soft drinks provided.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi/Arusha
Mount Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 10,000ft to 5,400ft | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rain Forest
Descend through tropical forest to Mweka Gate (1,650m). Sign out of the park and transfer through coffee/banana farms to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast and lunch included. Drinking water and soft drinks provided.
Pricing Information
Prices are per person in US Dollars
| Start Dates | 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Day Machame Route | $3,900 | $3,050 | $2,782 | $2,735 | $2,670 | $2,555 | $2,480 |
Flexible Pricing Options
Dear customer,
We are glad that you are considering a tour with us! To ensure we provide the best experience tailored to your needs, we want to let you know that our tour prices vary based on several factors:
- Number of Participants: The price can vary depending on the number of people joining the tour or trip.
- Duration: The number of days you choose for your tour will influence the overall cost.
- Accommodations & Destinations: The level of accommodations, the parks you wish to visit, and the tour destinations will also affect the price.
What's Included
- Park Fees – All entry fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and government taxes
- Accommodation – 4 nights in mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo)
- Meals & Drinks – Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, tea, coffee, and drinking water
- Professional Mountain Guides & Porters – English-speaking, certified guides and a team of porters
- Transportation – Round-trip transfers from your hotel to Marangu Gate and back
- Emergency Oxygen – Available in case of altitude sickness
- First Aid Kit – Provided by the guides for minor injuries
- Summit Certificate – Official certificate for successful climbers
- Mountain Equipment – High-altitude food, trekking poles, and safety gear
- Climbing Permit – Kilimanjaro National Park climbing permits
- Rescue Team – Emergency rescue services on standby
- Environmental Fees – For conservation and park maintenance
- Pre-climb Briefing – Orientation session about the climb
What's Not Included
- Personal Gear: sleeping bag, warm clothes, hiking boots, gaiters, etc.
- Flights: International and domestic flights to/from Tanzania
- Travel Insurance: Required for emergency medical and evacuation
- Visa Fees: Tourist visa for entry to Tanzania
- Tips for Guides & Porters: Recommended $200-$250 per climber
- Extra Accommodation: Hotel nights before/after the climb
- Personal Expenses: souvenirs, extra snacks, etc.
- Drinks: soft drinks, alcohol, and other beverages
- Medical Care: Any medical services required
- Emergency Evacuation: Early descent or emergencies
- Optional Extra Activities: Hot springs or safari
- Laundry Services: At huts or hotels
- Hotel or Transport Extensions: Additional nights
- Internet/Wi-Fi: Available at hotels but not on the mountain
Plan Your Kilimanjaro Trekking Safari
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