Adventure You Can Afford!

7-Days Machame Route

9 Day Trekking Mount
Kilimanjaro-Machame Route

TOUR OVERVIEW

Destinations: Kilimanjaro National Park

Best time to visit; All Year Around

Number of days; 9 days 8 night

Type of Accommodation; budget Tour

The Machame Route, the second most favored and incredibly picturesque path, offers a memorable journey up the mountain. Climbers rest in tents (provided) and dine in a tent or amidst nature. The 9-day duration allows for better acclimatization and boasts a commendable success rate. Suitable for physically fit individuals with hiking background. The descent follows the Mweka trail, with the last night spent at Mweka or Millennium camp

Itinerary Day by Day

Day 01: Arrival to Arusha City

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our dedicated driver will be there to greet you after your immigration and customs procedures. The transfer to your destination will take approximately one hour to reach Arusha city, assuming normal traffic conditions.

Once you settle in, a comprehensive trek orientation will be conducted by your experienced Kilimanjaro guide. This is the perfect opportunity to gather any necessary rental items and prepare your packing for the upcoming trek. If you have any belongings that are not required for the trek, you can securely store them at the hotel.

If your schedule permits, we highly recommend considering an additional rest day before commencing your trek. This will provide you with valuable time to acclimatize and ensure you are physically and mentally prepared for the adventure ahead.

Main Destination: Arusha (City)

Accommodation: Senetor Hotel Arusha

Meal plan: half board

 

Day 02: Drive from Arusha City to Kilimanjaro National Park-Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp

The drive from Arusha City to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes around 1:30hrs. En route, we pass through the charming village of Machame nestled on the lower slopes of the majestic mountain. After our park gate departure, our trek begins through the lush rainforest, following a meandering trail along a ridge. In the lower elevations, the path may become muddy and slippery, making gaiters and trekking poles valuable companions. We continue until we arrive at the Machame Camp.

Trek Details:
Elevation: From 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest.

Main Destination: Machame Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation: Machame Camp

Meal plan: Full Board

 

Day 03: Hike Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast, embark on a thrilling hike from Machame Camp to Shira Camp. This leg of the journey offers breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain. As we ascend, we leave behind the verdant montane forest and venture into higher altitudes. The hike from Machame Camp to Shira Camp presents an exhilarating experience as we progress towards our next campsite. Get ready to soak in the stunning vistas and conquer the trail.

Trek Details:
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland.

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

Meal plan: Full Board

 

Day 04: Hike Shira Camp-Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

After breakfast, embark on an adventurous hike from Shira Camp to Lava Tower and finally to Barranco Camp. This section of the trek showcases remarkable landscapes and thrilling challenges. We traverse through diverse terrains, witnessing the transition from Shira Camp’s elevated plains to the iconic Lava Tower. With its towering presence, the Lava Tower provides a mesmerizing backdrop. From there, we descend to Barranco Camp, where breathtaking views await. Brace yourself for an exhilarating journey filled with awe-inspiring sights and memorable experiences.

Trek Details:
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert.

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Meal plan; Full Board

 

Day 05: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, embark on an exciting hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp. This leg of the trek offers breathtaking views and memorable challenges. As we leave the scenic Barranco Camp behind, we navigate through rugged terrains and traverse rocky sections. The trail presents a mix of ascents and descents (the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail), testing our hiking skills and endurance. As we make our way to Karanga Camp, we are rewarded with stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. Prepare for an exhilarating journey filled with adventure and natural beauty.

Trek Details:

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Budget camping

Meal plan: Full Board

 

Day 06: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, embark on a challenging hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, a crucial step in reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This segment of the trek requires determination and stamina as we navigate through steep and demanding terrains. The trail presents a mix of rocky paths and rugged landscapes, pushing us closer to the ultimate goal. As we ascend to Barafu Camp, the anticipation builds, and panoramic views unfold. Prepare for a rigorous and rewarding journey, bringing you one step closer to conquering the majestic peak.

Trek Details:

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Meal plan: Full Board

 

Day 7 Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Embark on a challenging ascent to Kilimanjaro’s summit in the very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am). Pass through treacherous scree slopes, reaching Stella Point for a brief rest. Witness a breathtaking sunrise. Faster hikers may see it from the summit. Encounter snow on the one-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Descend to Mweka Camp via Barafu, navigating loose gravel. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Rejoice in reaching Mweka Camp, cherishing the final evening on the mountain.

Trek Details:
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Meal plan: Full Board

 

Day 08: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive back to Arusha city

Following breakfast, we commence the descent towards the Mweka Park Gate to collect our well-deserved summit certificates. Lower altitudes may bring wet and muddy conditions, making gaiters and trekking poles valuable companions. It’s likely that shorts and t-shirts will suffice, though keeping rain gear and warmer clothing easily accessible is advisable. After reaching the gate, we proceed for an additional hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle awaits at the village, ready to transport us back to our hotel in Arusha City, a journey of approximately 120 minutes. Let us not forget to express our appreciation through gratuities for the guides and porters who have accompanied us on this incredible adventure.

Trek Details:
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest.

Main Destination: Arusha (City)

Accommodation: Senetor Hotel Arusha

Meal plan: half board

 

Day 09: Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport / Arusha Airport

Conclude your expedition by driving to Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport for your departure or embark on an exhilarating safari to extend your adventure. The choice is yours as you bid farewell to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Kilimanjaro and embrace the next chapter of your journey.

Main Destination: Arusha (City)

Accommodation: No accommodation

Meal plan: half board

Prices Inclusion and Exclusion

Price Includes

Price Excludes

  • All accommodations per itinerary
  • International flights (From/To Home)
  • All meals and drinks per itinerary
  • Meals not listed
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  • Beverages/alcohol and extra bottled water
  • All transportation and Roundtrip Airport transfers per itinerary
  • Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff (Tipping guideline US$10 pp per day)
  • A Professional naturalist driver/guide
  • Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, insurance, etc.)
  • Safari vehicles having an inverter for charging batteries, a communications radio, and electric cooler
  • Optional tours (Olduvai Gorge and Maasai Village visit, Balloons)
  • All  Park fees, Park Commission, and Government taxes (based on current rates)
  • Holiday supplement
 
  • Discount for kids under 12 years’ old