The seven-day Machame variation is the ideal schedule for this route. On the 7-day Machame route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt.
This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep-deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested.
Life on Safari
Drive from Arusha to Machame Gate takes about 3 hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We depart the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. We continue a short distance until we reach Machame Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
| Best Time To Visit | High Season | Best Weather |
|---|---|---|
| January to March and June to October (Best for climbing & clear views) | July to October and December to February (Most popular months) | June to October (Dry, cold, and clear conditions) |
Accommodation
Budget camping
On Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, we leave the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing a valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at Shira Camp.
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
| Best Time To Visit | High Season | Best Weather |
|---|---|---|
| January to March and June to October (Best for climbing & clear views) | July to October and December to February (Most popular months) | June to October (Dry, cold, and clear conditions) |
Accommodation
Budget camping
On Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
From the Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward Kibo Peak. We then head southeast to Lava Tower (“Shark’s Tooth”) at 4650m before descending to Barranco Camp. This day is important for acclimatization.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
| Best Time To Visit | High Season | Best Weather |
|---|---|---|
| January to March and June to October (Best for climbing & clear views) | July to October and December to February (Most popular months) | June to October (Dry, cold, and clear conditions) |
Accommodation
Budget camping
On Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, we climb the Barranco Wall and continue along a ridge to Karanga Valley, connecting with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
| Best Time To Visit | High Season | Best Weather |
|---|---|---|
| January to March and June to October (Best for climbing & clear views) | July to October and December to February (Most popular months) | June to October (Dry, cold, and clear conditions) |
Accommodation
Budget camping
On Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
We continue to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit with excellent views of the summit. Here we rest and prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
| Best Time To Visit | High Season | Best Weather |
|---|---|---|
| January to March and June to October (Best for climbing & clear views) | July to October and December to February (Most popular months) | June to October (Dry, cold, and clear conditions) |
Accommodation
Budget camping
On Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Around midnight, we begin the summit ascent toward Stella Point via steep scree slopes. After a short rest, we continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, we descend to Mweka Camp.
Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
| Best Time To Visit | High Season | Best Weather |
|---|---|---|
| January to March and June to October (Best for climbing & clear views) | July to October and December to February (Most popular months) | June to October (Dry, cold, and clear conditions) |
Accommodation
Budget camping
On Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, we descend to Mweka Gate where you will receive your summit certificate. Your driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
| Best Time To Visit | High Season | Best Weather |
|---|---|---|
| January to March and June to October (Best for climbing & clear views) | July to October and December to February (Most popular months) | June to October (Dry, cold, and clear conditions) |
Accommodation
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks 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 3 litres 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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