Kilimanjaro 7-day Trek via Machame route (with 2 nights in hotel)
Hop on this 7-day hiking tour to get to the summit of Kilimanjaro through the Machame route with one of our certified local mountain guides.
Group
East African Mountains
7 Days
All year
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Get to the top of Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame route.
- Explore the amazing wildlife of the area and see colobus monkeys on the way.
- Reach the 'top of Africa' in a comfortable 7-day time frame.
Description
If you wish to see dramatic landscapes as you get to the top of Kilimanjaro, join us on this 7-day journey via the Machame route to reach the summit.
Also known as the Whiskey route, Machame tests your physical fitness and mental strength. You’ll walk through a lush rain-forest and moorland and appreciate all the ferns and ericas on the way until you reach the mountain top. You’ll also get to explore the amazing wildlife of the area and it will not be uncommon to see colobus monkeys and other animals frolicking in their natural home.
We’ll begin the journey to Kilimanjaro, driving from Arusha to the Machame Gate. From there, walking through a gorgeous rain forest, we’ll head towards the Shira Plateau. Then, we’ll begin to ascend.
The journey includes 2 nights in a hotel and the for rest of the days, we’ll be staying in various camps. The camps are surrounded by towering peaks and offer stunning views of the stars above.
As we’ll proceed towards the top, the rainforest will change into moorland. Passing by the Lava Tower, we’ll spend the next few days at the Barranco Camp and the Karanga Camp until we reach Barafu. The trek to the summit will begin from Bafafu.
Crossing Stella Point (5,730m) on the way, we’ll reach Uhuru Peak in around 7-8 hours to see stunning views. It sure will be an incredible experience to stand on the roof of Africa!
We will then make our descent along the Mweka Route to end the trip.
As the Machame Route is a bit challenging, it is necessary for you to be in excellent shape and have prior mountaineering experience before signing up.
So, if you are up for the challenge, we’ll be glad to guide you on this amazing 7-day adventure to the top of Kilimanjaro. Send a request to book your seats.
We can also get to the top via the Lemosho Route, on this another 7-day trip.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
- Permit and entrance fees
- Porters
- Tents
- Sleeping pad
- Clean drinkable water
Price details
- International flights;
- Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
- Personal gear rentals;
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);
- Portable toilets (if required 250 USD per unit, one can be shared between 3-4 people);
- Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers highaltitude trekking up to 6000 m.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 0: Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha
We’ll pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport transfer you to Tulia Hotel and Spa or a similar hotel in Arusha. You’ll spend the day relaxing in the hotel and exploring Arusha.
In the late afternoon, you will meet one of our team members, and get a brief about the upcoming trek.
Included: Bed and Breakfast
Day 1: Arusha to Machame Gate (1,790m) to Machame Camp (3,010m)
After breakfast, we’ll head towards the Kilimanjaro National park gate-Machame. After registration, the adventure begins. Hiking through the lush rainforest of ferns and endemic flowers, you’ll continue towards Machame camp. You might also spot black and white colobus monkeys, peeking through the leaves. Reaching the campsite you will have time to relax, stretch your legs and enjoy a hearty meal, before snuggling into your tent for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Machame Camp (3,010m) to Shira Camp (3,845m)
Starting early, we’ll begin our journey to Shira Camp.
As you’ll ascend, you’ll notice the dramatic change in the landscape – from lush and green rainforest to heathland.
Once you arrive at the camp, you’ll see stunning views of the glaciers of Kibo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Shira Camp (3,845m) to Lava Tower Hut (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Acclimatization is on today’s menu!
You will climb roughly 800 m, but sleep on a level not much higher than the previous night. Starting at Shira Plateau, you will make your way up to Lava Tower. From there, you’ll continue to the beautiful Barranco Camp. The trek will take approximately 6 to 7 hours, taking you through the stunning Barranco valley of lobelia plants and giant senecios.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Today you’ll capture the Barranco Wall
Tackling various ascents and descents, walking along the ridge you’ll finally get to Karanga Camp. Your trek will take between 3 to 4 hours, leaving more than enough time to rest and play a game of rummy. Evening meal and overnight at Karanga Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Today, you’ll set out towards Barafu Camp. Most of the day will be spent walking through very dry desertic terrain, with spectacular views of Kibo.
After 3 to 4 hours, you’ll reach Barafu Camp, where you will have an early dinner and take rest to prepare for the summit hike.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)
Starting early at around midnight, you’ll begin on your final ascent. The moon and your headlamps will be your only source of light as you make your way up to Stella Point (5,730m), reaching the crater rim in about 5 to 7 hours.
Another 1 to 2 hours will take you to Uhuru Peak, where you can enjoy the sun rising over the African landscape. After capturing the incredible view, you will start your descent along the same route back to Barafu Camp, from where you’ll head to Mweka Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,080m) to Mweka Gate (1,630m) – Arusha
After breakfast and a traditional farewell ceremony, you’ll again traverse rainforest to get to the Mweka gate.
From here, we’ll take you back to Tulia Hotel and Spa or similar, ending the trip.
Bed and Breakfast included
FAQs
Does the package include accommodation before and after the Climb?
Accommodation before and after the climb is not included in our standard trekking package. Upon arrival in Tanzania, we recommend a comfortable budget hotel in Arusha and can assist with making the reservation onclients behalf. The cost of the hotel is paid directly by the client. We will provide hotel recommendations and booking assistance once clients trek is confirmed to ensure a smooth and convenient start and finish to Kilimanjaro adventure.
Are tents, sleeping gear, and other necessary equipment provided during the climb?
Yes. We provide all essential camping equipment required for the trek, including high-quality mountain tents, sleeping mats, dining tents, tables, chairs, and eating utensils. However, climbers are generally required to bring their own personal sleeping bag and clothing. Sleeping bags and other personal trekking equipment can be rented in Arusha before the climb.
How many guides or support staff will assist climbers throughout the trek?
The number of guides and support staff depends on the route selected and the size of the group. For most camping routes, including Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Umbwe, and Northern Circuit, a solo climber is typically accompanied by 2 professional mountain guides and approximately 6 support staff members, including porters and a cook.
For larger groups, additional guides and porters are assigned to ensure safety, comfort, and compliance with Kilimanjaro National Park regulations. The Marangu Route operates differently because climbers stay in mountain huts rather than tents, so staffing requirements may vary.
Our experienced mountain crew is dedicated to providing excellent support throughout the trek, helping maximize comfort, safety, and chances of successfully reaching Uhuru Peak.
About the guide
Kiliholidays
4.5
(14)
Tour Operator
Mack was born and raised in Arusha, northern Tanzania, within a warm and close-knit Maasai family. He is the eighth of twelve children and has dedicated much of his career to guiding tours across East Africa.
Although Mack pursued studies in Information Communication Technology and specialized in Procurement and Supply Management, he feels most at home in the African wilderness. His passion lies in Travel and Tourism Management, and as he gained experience, he was inspired to create his own Adventure and Wildlife expeditions, bringing a personal touch to each journey. Driven by a deep love for nature and conservation, Mack has shaped his safaris into unique, high-quality experiences.
Mack’s talent for coordinating and organizing group tours ensures a hassle-free, seamless experience, allowing his clients to fully immerse themselves in the adventure of a lifetime.
Languages
French | English
What people are saying about Kiliholidays
I had a fantastic climb with this group, they exceeded my expectations and I made it to the top of Kilimanjaro! This journey is not for the faint hearted but it is incredible to stand on the roof of Africa and conquer the mountain.
We did a 10 days with Kiliholidays. 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing + 4 days safari (Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater). Everyting went very well! Mack was always responsive, and he had us with great guides for both parts of our trip. Gabriel (for Kilimanjaro) is great. Very professional and experienced! And Godson (for the Safari) is a very special guide! Very professional, very experienced! We highly recommended Kiliholidays with such great level of services like we had: also thumbs up for those two leaders guides that did an awesome job!
Bart
I want to clarify that Explore Share put us in contact with Kiliholiday (Mack), as our "guide" for this trip. Mack of Kiliholidays was the problem that made my wife miserable, was not honest with us about accommodations, and ruined our trip. We worked with a total of 4 actual guides on our trip, who were independent guides contracted by Kiliholiday to help us. We had two guides on the Kilimanjaro hike (Baha and Paul), and two guides on our Safari (Godfrey and Emanuel). These were all independent and not employees of Kiliholidays, only Mack was officially with KIliholidays and we only saw him upon arrival and when he wanted more money. The Vehicle we started the Safari in broke down multiple times, and eventual we had to have another guide meet us with a working vehicle. The vehicles were owned by Kiliholiday, and it was not the guides fault. Both Safari Guides and the Kilimanjaro guides were very knowledgeable and helpful.
William
Hey Mack, Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and the team for such an amazing trip on Kilimanjaro, we had the best weekend. We wanted to pass along that the team was awesome, and felt like we were in great hands being led by Baha. He and Paul worked really well together and both brought different knowledge, they were fantastic from start to finish and we felt extremely supported throughout the climb. I think we were very lucky to have Baha and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to other groups. The team of porters, cook and other guides were truely excellent and the tour went well above expectations. Thanks for giving us the trip of a lifetime. All the best.
Rinalds
Guide was trying, but there is still a huge gap between quality service and a reality. If you are looking for advenutes, it is ok. If you want a smooth experiance, no way.
You may also like
Find more hiking trips
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.