7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb + 3-Day Safari

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to Kibo View Farm Lodge in Moshi for your pre-climb overnight stay.

Located in a peaceful environment with beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the lodge offers the perfect place to relax and prepare for your adventure. In the evening, you will meet your mountain guide for a full trek briefing, equipment check, and final preparations for the climb.

This day is important for rest, hydration, and mental preparation before beginning your Kilimanjaro ascent.

Accommodation: Kibo View Farm Lodge

Meal Plan: Dinner Included

- Distance: 11 km - Hiking Time: 5–7 hours - Accommodation: Machame Camp

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins at Machame Gate, where registration is completed and your trekking team prepares for the climb. After a short briefing, you start hiking through the lush rainforest.

This section of the trail is rich in vegetation, with tall trees, green moss, and possible sightings of monkeys and birds. The path can be muddy, especially during the rainy season, so steady walking is important.

As you gain altitude, the forest begins to thin, and the air becomes cooler. After several hours of trekking, you arrive at Machame Camp, where your crew will have prepared your tents and meals.

You will relax, enjoy a warm dinner, and prepare for the next stage of your climb.

- Distance: 5 km - Hiking Time: 4–6 hours - Accommodation: Shira Camp

After breakfast, you leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone. The landscape changes significantly, with open views, rocky paths, and low vegetation.

The hike is shorter but steeper, allowing your body to slowly adjust to the increasing altitude. As you climb higher, you will enjoy clear views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.

You arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon, giving you time to rest and begin acclimatization. Temperatures are cooler here, especially in the evening.

- Distance: 10 km - Hiking Time: 6–8 hours - Accommodation: Barranco Camp

This is an important acclimatization day on the Machame Route. You will hike to a higher altitude and then descend to sleep at a lower elevation.

The trail gradually ascends through a rocky, semi-desert environment with very little vegetation. You reach Lava Tower at 4,630 meters, where you stop for lunch and rest.

After spending some time at this higher altitude, you descend to Barranco Camp. This helps your body adjust better and improves your chances of reaching the summit.

Barranco Camp is located in a scenic valley with unique plants and impressive views, making it one of the most beautiful camps on the route.

- Distance: 5 km - Hiking Time: 4–5 hours - Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Your day starts with the climb up the Barranco Wall. While it may look steep, it is not technical and can be completed safely with the help of your guides.

At the top, you are rewarded with stunning views of the mountain and valleys below. The trail then continues across ridges and small valleys in an alpine desert environment.

You arrive at Karanga Camp in the afternoon. This is a shorter trekking day, designed to give your body more time to acclimatize before moving to higher altitudes.

- Distance: Approx. 6 km (3.7 miles)

- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

- Accommodation: Barafu Camp

- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you will continue your ascent toward Barafu Camp, the last stop before your summit attempt on Mount Kilimanjaro.

The trail becomes more rugged and exposed as you enter the alpine desert zone. Vegetation is sparse, and the landscape feels more dramatic and remote, with wide views stretching across the mountain slopes.

Barafu Camp serves as your final preparation point before the midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Upon arrival, your camp will already be set up by the support team, allowing you to settle in immediately.

Here, you will rest, hydrate, and have an early dinner while your guides prepare you for the most important and challenging part of the climb. It is strongly recommended to sleep early and conserve energy, as the summit attempt begins late at night.

- Distance: 17 km - Hiking Time: 10–14 hours - Accommodation: Mweka Camp

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the entire trek.

You begin your ascent around midnight, hiking slowly in the dark with headlamps. The climb is steep and requires determination, but your guides will support you every step of the way.

After several hours, you reach Stella Point, and then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Reaching the summit is a major achievement. You will have time to take photos and celebrate before starting your descent.

You return to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp, where you will spend your final night on the mountain.

- Distance: 10 km - Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

On the final day, you descend through the rainforest. The trail is easier and the air becomes warmer as you lose altitude.

Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you complete the exit formalities and receive your climbing certificate.

This marks the successful completion of your 7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek, an unforgettable adventure and lifetime achievement.

After breakfast, your safari adventure begins with a drive to Tarangire National Park.

Tarangire is famous for its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds. The Tarangire River attracts a wide variety of wildlife including giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, and many bird species.

After a full day game drive and picnic lunch, you will continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay at Karatu.

- Distance: Approx. 120 km - Travel Time: 2–3 hours - Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge in Karatu - Meal Plan: Full Board

After an early breakfast, you will drive to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and descend into the crater floor for a full-day game drive.

Often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations. Formed millions of years ago after a giant volcano collapsed, the crater now shelters an incredible concentration of wildlife within its towering walls.

This is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and the endangered black rhino. The crater is also home to hippos, hyenas, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, flamingos, and more than 500 bird species.

You will enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool while surrounded by breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. After an extensive afternoon game drive, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

- Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater - Driving Distance: Approx. 80 km - Travel Time: 2 hours - Accommodation: Lodge in Karatu - Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you will depart for Lake Manyara National Park for your final safari experience.

Although relatively small in size, Lake Manyara National Park offers diverse landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing. The park is famous for its lush groundwater forests, large troops of baboons, tree-climbing lions, and beautiful alkaline lake that attracts flamingos and many other bird species.

As you explore the park, you may also encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, buffaloes, and various monkey species. The combination of forest, open plains, lake shore, and escarpment scenery makes Lake Manyara one of Tanzania’s most scenic parks.

After a picnic lunch and final game drive, you will return to Arusha where your safari adventure comes to an end.

- Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park - Driving Distance: Approx. 120 km - Travel Time: 2–3 hours - Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch