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7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route

Accra, Tanzania

7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route

5.0 / 5 · 665 reviews Offered by African Big Cats Safaris 7-Day

Overview

The Machame route is perhaps the most popular climbing route. It is the choice for many people because it provides impressive views and a variety of habitats. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accommodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances and sleep in tents. The Machame Route is approximately 62km/ 37 miles from gate to gate. It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience.

Plan snapshot

Quick Facts

Tour details

Duration

7-Day

Route

Arusha to Arusha (City)

Via Mt Kilimanjaro

Country & park

Tanzania

Style

Safari

Group size

1-12 travelers

Starts

Any day if available

Minimum age

12 years

Activities

Getting around: pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle & hiking/walking

Accommodation

Budget camping Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included - Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included

Meals

All Meals Included; Breakfast & Lunch Included

Pickup

Airport transfer included

Booking

Request quote

Currency

USD

7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route
Accra visual context for this itinerary.

Rates

Rates Per Person

USD

Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 n/a* USD $2,387 USD

Before booking

Important To Know

This tour is not available to solo travelers.
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 12 years and older.

Quote flow

Request Guidance

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Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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Route

Tour route map
country Tanzania
Start Arusha (Day 1)
Day 1-6 Mt Kilimanjaro
End Arusha (City) (Day 7)

Tour Features

Budget camping

This is a budget camping tour.

Private tour

This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.

Can start any day

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

Can be customized

You can request changes to this tour.

Not for solo travelers

Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.

12
Minimum age of 12 years

The minimum age for this tour is 12 years.

Activities & Transportation

Getting around: pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle & hiking/walking
Book your own international flights when using this operator
A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Accommodation & Meals

Budget camping Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included

Day 1-6

Budget camping Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included

Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Day 7

End of tour

No accommodation

(No accommodation)

Breakfast & Lunch Included

Day By Day

Tour step

Arrival

You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arusha to Machame Camp

Day 1

Arusha to Machame Camp

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Machame Gate for sign up ready for your trek to the roof of Africa. Trek through the rain forest and on to Machame Campsite where we will set up camp for dinner and your overnight stay. Attitude: 3,000m Distance: 11km Time: 5 to 7 hours Environment: Montane forest. All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Day 2

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast, we'll start our walk leaving behind the rain forest. We'll continue ascending, traversing a valley going up a rocky ridge, quite steep and covered in heath. We will leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we'll pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp. Then we'll turn west to the river’s gorge. We will arrive at Shira Campsite where we will set up our camp ready for dinner and our overnight stay. *Altitude change: 3000m to 3850m (+850m) *Distance: 9km *Time: 4-6 hours *Environment: Moorland. All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Day 3

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we will continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we'll come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We will now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we will rest, enjoy dinner, and our overnight stay. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp. Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft Distance: 10km Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Semi Desert. All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Day 4

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we begin the hike with a steep traverse up the Barranco Wall which is a 257-meter rock face that requires basic scrambling skills to the top of the Karanga Valley. The path then follows a series of inclines and declines to Karanga Camp (3,960 meters). You will spend a night at the Karanga camp before you continue to the Barafu camp on the following day. Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: 7 hours Habitat: High Alpine Zone. All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Karanga camp to Barafu camp

Day 5

Karanga camp to Barafu camp

Day five is a short and easy day. The trail starts at Karanga Camp and joins the Mweka trail up to base camp, Barafu at 4,680m. We recommend you use easy hiking to relax and prepare for the summit push. •Distance: 6 km •Hiking Time: 3 hours •Habitat: Alpine Desert. All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Day 6

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2:00 am) we'll continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you'll stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. Now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest. Later in the evening, we'll enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Elevation ft: 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft) Distance: 5km ascent / 12km descent Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent Habitat: Arctic. All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Mweka Camp to Arusha

Day 7

Mweka Camp to Arusha

After breakfast, we will continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you will continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Arusha. Mweka Camp to Arusha. Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft. Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest The following morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your onwards travel. Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Arusha (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Tour step

End of tour

Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.

Included

Porterage

Rescue fee

Climbing gear

Park fees (For non-residents)

All activities (Unless labeled as optional)

All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)

Camping equipment

A professional driver/guide

All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)

All Taxes/VAT

Roundtrip airport transfer

Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Sleeping bag

Bath towels

Excluded

International flights (From/to home)

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)

Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Getting There

This tour starts and ends in Arusha
Book your own international flights when using this operator
Fly to/from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO - Check price) near Arusha. Or fly to/from Arusha Airport (ARK - Check price) via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
African Big Cats Safaris
African Big Cats Safaris logo

Offered by

African Big Cats Safaris

5.0 operator rating 666 reviews

African Big Cats has distinguished itself from the crowd for its commitment to excellent service and innovative itineraries. Our safaris are conducted with optimum care to provide our customers with a truly memorable experience. We strive to introduce you to the country, its culture, its people, as well as the wildlife. We have a closely knit team of professionals to guarantee your satisfaction.

Office In

Tanzania

Size

20-50 employees (Founded in 2013)

Member Of

TATO & TTB

Tour Types

Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day

Destinations

Tanzania

Traveler feedback

Reviews

5.00 average

Overall

5.0/5

Communication

5.0/5

Accuracy

5.0/5

Value

5.0/5

Safety clarity

5.0/5

Cultural value

5.0/5
Verified

outstanding value for money

My family and I had the most incredible experience with African Big Cats Safaris during our recent trip to Tanzania! From the moment we were picked up at Kilimanjaro Airport, everything was seamless and professionally handled. Our guide, Obeydi, was not only knowledgeable about the wildlife and ecosystems but also incredibly friendly. We visited the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park — each destination offering breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters. We saw all the Big Five, including a rare sighting of a leopard lounging in a tree and a pride of lions with cubs just a few meters from our vehicle! The accommodations were top-notch, blending comfort with the authentic safari experience. The team ensured we were well-fed, safe, and informed throughout the journey. I highly recommend African Big Cats Safaris to anyone looking for a well-organized, ethical, and truly magical safari experience in Tanzania. I would definitely book with them again!

Photo by Joanna
Photo by Joanna
Photo by Joanna
Photo by Joanna

Joanna · United Kingdom

Verified

OUTSTANDING !! WELL ORGANISED/ GREAT VALUE *****

OUTSTANDING LIFETIME EXPERIENCE We searched Safaribookings.com intensely and chose African Big Cats Safaris because they ticked all the boxes for us. From the initial contact, the staff were very professional and helpful. Joshua and Naomi answered any questions quickly and with a friendly approach. The meetings at the start and end of the safari with Emanuel (Managing Director) shows the dedication and personal care this company has. The itinerary for the Photographic Safari was excellent. We added an extra day in Arusha at the start without any problem. The safari was well planned and the accommodation in each location was superb. This excellent safari was made OUTSTANDING by our driver/guide FESTO. He is a human encyclopaedia when it comes to the birds, animals and culture of his country. His driving skills are impressive. His passion is infectious. Each day we shared wonderful, magical experiences. Festo became a friend in the short time we were with him. This was our first safari and we were lucky to have chosen African Big Cats Safaris. They would be the only company we would go back to. We highly recommend them.

Walking in Arusha NP
Pride with Kill
Cheetah with cubs Serengeti
Serengeti

Julie · United Kingdom

Verified

Unforgettable Safari Experience

It's been a month since our safari trip. It was an amazing trip. Beyond my expectations. The collaboration with African Big Cats started from months before the trip. The operators, including Salim and others, were helpful. Most of our specified lodging requests were fulfilled and we were able to finalize the trip. They communicated efficiently and accurately. The entire trip was well planned. We went to Tarangire, Serengeti Central, Serengeti North and Ngorongoro. Some highlights are of course the great migration, the wildebeests crossing in Serengeti, the great view in the Ngorongoro crater, seeing cheetah in the night safari in Tarangire. Our guide Khalid is professional. He knows all the animals. We were able to get to know a lot of species in the trip. He helped us mark in our book so we always know what we saw in the trip. We also enjoyed listening to stories about the national parks, Masaai/Meru/Arusha tribes, the culture and thelife in Tanzania. The guide has been very friendly and our time together was great. Our mom's big hope in the trip was to see the crossing. But we were unlucky on the first full day in the north Serengeti. By the end of the day we were unsure about if we still had any chance to see it because we needed to go back to the central Serengeti on the next day. Our guide suggested to wait for the crossing as much as we could on the next day. Because of his suggestion we were able to see the crossing. We saw a huge herd crossed and crocodiles preying wildebeests. It was awesome! On the first day the manager Emanuel gave us a detailed briefing in Arusha. That's a good experience to start the trip. For the lodgings, the first day's lodging in Mtoni River Lodge Arusha is a bit small for 3 persons in a room. Other than that its good. If I have the privilege to get to safari tour in Tanzania again, I would be going with African Big Cats and Khalid again.

Leopard (not cheetah) in night drive
Photo by JC
Photo by JC
Photo by JC

JC · United States

Verified

Unforgettable Safari with African Big Cats!

Our experience with African Big Cats was absolutely fantastic! We did a private safari in Spanish, and from start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. Our guide, Endeni, was simply amazing — incredibly knowledgeable about wildlife, always kind and patient, and truly passionate about what he does. He made every game drive special, spotting animals we would have never seen on our own and sharing fascinating stories about each one. The organization was flawless: great communication, well-planned itinerary, comfortable accommodations, and no hidden surprises. Everything was handled with care and attention to detail. You can really tell that the team goes above and beyond to make sure you enjoy every moment. Overall, the value for money was excellent, and we came home with unforgettable memories. We 100% recommend African Big Cats to anyone looking for a trustworthy and professional safari operator in Tanzania — especially if you want a personalized, smooth, and truly memorable adventure!

Ignacio · Mexico

Practical answers

Tour FAQs

8 answers

Are rates charged per person?

Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.

Which currency is this tour priced in?

This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).

Can children join this tour?

This tour accepts children who are 12 years and older.

Can this tour start on my preferred date?

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

Can the itinerary be customized?

You can request changes to this tour.

Where do travelers stay during this tour?

Budget camping Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included - Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included

Where does this tour start and end?

This tour starts and ends in Arusha

Are airport transfers included?

A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Operator policy

Terms and Conditions

Booking terms

Disclaimer

This tour is offered by African Big Cats Safaris, not SafariBookings.

This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.

If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.

The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.

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$2,387.00