For those who only have six days to climb Kilimanjaro, the Machame route is the best choice because of its acclimatization profile. Compared to other six-day routes, the Machame route exposes the climber to higher elevations quicker (day three) which kickstarts the body’s adaptation to altitude. However, this route requires that a person be in good shape to be able to tackle the challenging elevation gains and losses.
Life on Safari
- Elevation: 5,400 ft → 9,400 ft
- Distance: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
After a 50-minute drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park gate, you pass through Machame Village on the lower slopes of the mountain.
The trek begins through dense rainforest along a winding, often muddy and slippery trail. Trekking poles and gaiters are highly recommended. You will steadily ascend through lush vegetation before arriving at Machame Camp for dinner and overnight rest.
Accommodation: Budget camping on Mount Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (breakfast not included), drinking water provided
- Elevation: 9,400 ft → 12,500 ft
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, you leave the rainforest zone and ascend through moorland vegetation, crossing ridges and valleys with increasingly open landscapes.
The trail leads onto the Shira Plateau, where you arrive at Shira Camp for rest, dinner, and overnight stay.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Budget camping on the mountain
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water provided
- Elevation: 12,500 ft → 13,000 ft
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
You ascend toward Lava Tower, a major acclimatization point, before descending into the Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to altitude.
The dramatic Barranco Camp is located beneath the towering Barranco Wall, where you will rest overnight.
Accommodation: Budget camping on Mount Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water provided
- Elevation: 13,000 ft → 15,000 ft
- Distance: 9 km
- Hiking Time: 8–10 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Today begins with the famous Barranco Wall climb, followed by a scenic trek through ridges and valleys toward Karanga Camp.
After a short rest, you continue to Barafu Camp, your final base before summit night. From here, you can see both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Budget camping on the mountain
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water provided
- Summit Elevation: 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak)
- Hiking Time: 12–15 hours total
- Habitat: Arctic zone
Around midnight, you begin the summit push between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. This is the most physically and mentally demanding section of the climb.
You reach Stella Point at sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating briefly at the summit, you descend back to Barafu for rest and continue down to Mweka Camp for overnight stay.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Budget camping on the mountain
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water provided
- Elevation: 10,000 ft → 5,400 ft
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Your final descent takes you through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate.
A vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Village to transfer you back to Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: None (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner not included
All prices are per person, valid year-round. Group discounts apply — the more travellers, the lower your per-person cost. Children under 15 receive a special rate.
- All Park entrances & taxes
- All Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner),
- soft drinks & water (bottled water 3litres or more a day)
- A professional driver/guide
- All activities
- All transportation
- Tips for guides, driver & cook
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania Visa fees
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- Climbing gear
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Note: We have a discount for kids under 15 years old
"Our guide Emmanuel was incredible — he spotted a leopard and two lion cubs that three other vehicles completely missed. The most magical experience of our lives."
"The private setup meant we could spend 45 minutes with a cheetah and cubs without feeling rushed. The lodges were far beyond what we expected."
"As first-time safari travelers, we were nervous. From the moment we arrived, Serengeti African Tours took care of everything. The Ngorongoro Crater literally took our breath away."
"Booked through SafariBookings and couldn't be happier. Every detail was handled perfectly. Guide Abouh is extraordinary — his knowledge of wildlife is encyclopaedic."
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