Skip to main content
Verified hosts & operators Premium African destinations & experiences Book now or request a tailored quote
7-Day Best Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route

Accra, Tanzania

7-Day Best Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route

4.9 / 5 · 33 reviews Offered by Signature Safari 7-Day

Overview

Kilimanjaro Trek Machame Route Known as the "Whiskey" route, the Machame route is now the most popular route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience. The route begins from the south, then heads east, traversing underneath Kilimanjaro's southern ice field before summiting.

Plan snapshot

Quick Facts

Tour details

Duration

7-Day

Route

Arusha to Arusha

Via Machame Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro), Mt Kilimanjaro

Country & park

Tanzania

Style

Shared safari

Group size

1-12 travelers

Starts

Any day if available

Minimum age

12 years

Activities

Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & hiking/walking

Accommodation

Karibu Heritage House - Budget hotel in Arusha (City) – All Meals Included

Meals

All Meals Included; Breakfast & Lunch Included

Pickup

Airport transfer included

Booking

Request quote

Currency

USD

Solo travelers

Can join this group tour

7-Day Best 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 $1,958 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027 n/a* USD $1,958 USD

Before booking

Important To Know

This tour is not available to single 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

We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Request a Quote

Route

Tour route map
country Tanzania
Start Arusha (Day 1)
Day 2 Machame Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)
Day 3-7 Mt Kilimanjaro
End Arusha (Day 7)

Tour Features

Budget tour

This budget tour includes camping and hotels.

Shared tour

On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 6 people per group.

Can start any day

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

Cannot be customized

The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.

Not for single travelers

Single travelers cannot join this group tour.

12
Minimum age of 12 years

The minimum age for this tour is 12 years.

Activities & Transportation

Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & hiking/walking
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Accommodation & Meals

Karibu Heritage House

Day 1

Karibu Heritage House

Budget hotel in Arusha (City) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Karibu Heritage HouseKaribu Heritage House
Machame Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included

Day 2

Machame Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included

Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Shira Camp 2 Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +2 Photos

Day 3

Shira Camp 2 Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +2 Photos

Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Shira Camp 2 Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +2 PhotosShira Camp 2 Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +2 PhotosShira Camp 2 Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +2 Photos
Barranco Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +3 Photos

Day 4

Barranco Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +3 Photos

Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Barranco Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +3 PhotosBarranco Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +3 PhotosBarranco Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +3 Photos
Karanga Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +2 Photos

Day 5

Karanga Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +2 Photos

Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Karanga Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +2 PhotosKaranga Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +2 PhotosKaranga Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +2 Photos
Barafu Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +5 Photos +4 Photos

Day 6

Barafu Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +5 Photos +4 Photos

Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Barafu Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +5 Photos +4 PhotosBarafu Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +5 Photos +4 PhotosBarafu Camp Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro – All Meals Included +5 Photos +4 Photos

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.

Arrival - Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) - Arusha

Day 1

Arrival - Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) - Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer driver will be waiting for you. He will take you to the Karibu Heritage House, where the rest of the day is at leisure. You might want to explore the town of Arusha (taxi required) or just relax at the lodge. In the evening you will be briefed by our team on site in preparation of the upcoming trekking tour. You will spend the night will do this briefing of our Kilimanjaro Trek Machame Route depend on your arrive time accommodation will be at. Budget hotel located in Arusha (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Destination: Arusha (City) Stay: Karibu Heritage House Budget hotel located in Arusha (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Day 2

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

The Kilimajaro Trek Machame Route will start with a drive from Arusha to the Machame Gate takes about 1.5hrs. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp. Meal Plan: Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch. Elevation : 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft Distance : 11 km/7 miles Hiking Time : 5-7 hours Habitat : Rain Forest. on Mt Kilimanjaro All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Destination: Machame Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro) Stay: Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Day 3

Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp. Meal Plan: Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch. Elevation : 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft Distance : 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time : 4-6 hours Habitat : Heath. on Mt Kilimanjaro All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Stay: Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Day 4

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Through the Senecio Forest, we descend down to Barranco Camp to an altitudinal level of 13,000 ft. Even if you start and end at the same altitude, it is very beneficial for acclimatization. Meal Plan: Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch. Elevation : 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft Distance : 7 km/4 miles Hiking Time : 4-5 hours Habitat : Alpine Desert. on Mt Kilimanjaro All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Stay: Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Day 5

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization. Meal Plan: Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch. Elevation : 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft Distance : 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time : 4-5 hours Habitat : Alpine Desert. on Mt Kilimanjaro All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Stay: Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Day 6

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. Meal Plan: Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch. Elevation : 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft Distance : 4 km/2 miles Hiking Time : 4 km/2 miles Habitat :Alpine Desert. on Mt Kilimanjaro All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Stay: Budget camping on Mt Kilimanjaro Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Day 7

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. We can arrange additional accommodation at the end of your tour or drive to the airport. Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks

Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks

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)

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)

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
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
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
Signature Safari
Signature Safari logo

Offered by

Signature Safari

4.9 operator rating 33 reviews

Signature Safari and Tours is comprised of a team who strive always for excellence, celebrated by their clients since the companies inception, we are a group of mountain and safari guides with over twelve years experience in creating and leading adventures summiting our Rift Valley Mountains, including the renowned Kilimanjaro, and going safari onto the endless plain as well as in the wealth of other parks in our beautiful land.. We started in 2006 as a small adventure speciliest .

Office In

Tanzania

Size

5-10 employees (Founded in 2006)

Member Of

TTB & TLTO

Tour Types

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

Destinations

Tanzania

Traveler feedback

Reviews

4.90 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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Exceptional Safari Experience with Signature Safari – Alen Made It Unforgettable

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Exceptional Safari Experience with Signature Safari – Alen Made It Unforgettable We had an incredible week exploring the Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara with Signature Safari—thanks in large part to our outstanding tour guide Alan and our talented personal chef Gama. Alen truly made this trip something special. His deep knowledge of the parks and wildlife, paired with an almost instinctive sense of where to find animals, meant we were always in the right place at the right time—from spotting lion cubs playing near their pride to watching elephants cross right in front of our jeep. He shared fascinating insights throughout the journey, was endlessly patient with our questions, and made every drive feel like a true adventure. The trip was beautifully organized, with smooth logistics and comfortable accommodations throughout. And while we were out exploring, Chef Gama kept us well fed with delicious meals—always fresh, varied, and impressively good given the remote settings. If you’re planning a safari in Tanzania, we can’t recommend Signature Safari highly enough—especially if you can go with Alen. It’s a journey we’ll never forget! Wenn Ihr eine Safari nach Tansania plant, können wir Signature Safari nur wärmstens empfehlen – vor allem, wenn Ihr mit Alen unterwegs sein könnt. Es war eine Reise, die wir nie vergessen werden!

Paul-Frederik · Germany

Verified

Excellent service

It was an amazing experience to climb Mt Kilimanjaro and 3 days safari. Highly recommended

Jyoti · India

Verified

Signature Safari provided a fantastic experience.

Innocent and his team at Signature Safari did a great job creating this experience for our honeymoon. We did five days in Tanzania’s northern circuit including Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, and Lake Manyara, followed by a five day stay on Zanzibar. We loved the accommodations at Kitela, Kubu Kubu, and the Royal Zanzibar. Kubu Kubu was particularly spectacular in the Serengeti. Our guide during the safari, Alan, was fantastic. He did a great job finding animals, getting us great positioning for photos, explaining the management of the parks, and teaching us some Swahili. Overall, we had wonderful experience and would highly recommend Signature Safari!

Photo by Will & Britt
Photo by Will & Britt
Photo by Will & Britt
Photo by Will & Britt

Will & Britt · United States

Verified

Very professional company

Signature Safari delivers an exceptional wildlife adventure experience, blending professionalism, deep local knowledge, and heartfelt hospitality. From the moment you arrive, their team ensures every detail is taken care of — from safe, comfortable transport to immersive game drives guided by passionate experts. Their commitment to conservation and respect for the environment shines through in every aspect of the journey. Whether it’s spotting the Big Five or enjoying sundowners in the savannah, every moment feels thoughtfully curated. It's more than a safari — it's a once-in-a-lifetime memory, crafted with care and expertise.

Photo by Viktoria
Photo by Viktoria
Photo by Viktoria

Viktoria · Canada

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?

The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.

Where do travelers stay during this tour?

Karibu Heritage House - Budget hotel in Arusha (City) – 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 Signature Safari, not SafariBookings.

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

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

If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.

Keep comparing

Similar Tours

View more
4-Day Nyerere National Park Safari Tour

Nyerere (Selous) National Park

Tanzania · 4-Day

Safaris & Nature 4.9

4-Day Nyerere National Park Safari Tour

Nyerere (Selous) National Park, Tanzania · 4-Day · Signature Safari

Duration4-Day From$1,155 pp (USD) ModeQuote
Custom quote route Verified provider Cultural notes

From

$1,155 pp (USD)

From

$1,958.00