Kilimanjaro - Machame route, 7 day Private

5.0Based on

Carbon neutral

7 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

5 - 79 yearsAge range for participants

English, TanzanianGuide language

Starts

Arusha, Tanzania

Ends

Arusha, Tanzania

Highlights

Most challenging route on Kilimanjaro and also the most scenic route on the mountain.

High success rate of reaching to Uhuru Peak.

Itinerary

Kilimanjaro Machame Route with Karanga Valley acclimatisation - 7 days

Often called the "Whiskey Route" this is a scenically beautiful trail, longer and much gentler than Umbwe or the Marangu route (the "Coca Cola Route"). Our itinerary provides valuable acclimatization by having extra, but shorter walking days during the trek.

General: Accommodation is camping throughout in 3 person mountain tents shared by two people. All your equipment will be carried by vehicle or local porters, you only carry a day-pack with personal gear. When camping you will not have to participate in camp chores. We buy fresh produce locally and to ensure good standards of hygiene all food is prepared by our own staff. We can cater for special dietary requirements and there are no extra food-kitty payments.

day 1 - Drive from Arusha to the Machame Park Gate

From Arusha drive to the Machame Park gate, then a gentle climb up through the original montane forest, carpeted with unique "busy lizzie" flowers, begonias and ferns. First camp amongst the giant heather at 3,000 m. Ascent of 1,200 m and 5-6 hours walking.

Duration:5-6 hours

Accommodation: Camping

day 2 - Trek from Machame Park Gate to Shira Cave (3,840m)

Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through fine open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3,840 m. Herds of eland up here (& occasional lion!) and there are fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera which can be viewed during a half hour optional walk in the afternoon. Ascent 840m and 4-5 hours walking.

Duration:4-5 hours

Accommodation: Camping

day 3 - Trek from Shira Cave to Barranco Campsite (3,950m)

From Shira, climb towards the main peak Kibo, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and under the imposing Western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for mid-way camp at 3,950 m. 5-7 hours walking and only 110 m total ascent - but having climbed higher and dropping back down assists acclimatization.

Duration:5-7 hours

Accommodation: Camping

day 4 - Trek from Barranco Campsite to Karanga Valley

Up the steep Barranco Wall with some sections of very easy scrambling and drop down again to the Karanga Valley. This is a short walking day, around 3 hours, and again you climb about 300 m but drop back down again to around 4,000 m. There’s an optional further acclimatization hike in afternoon up onto the scree below the glaciers.

Accommodation: Camping

day 5 - Trek from Karanga Valley to Barafu Hut

Up to a new camp about 100 m above Barafu Hut perched high on a rocky bluff at 4,000 m. Fantastic views across to Mawenzi peak, and a bit less to climb tomorrow morning! This is another short walking day, about 4 hours with a 700 m height gain, and time for a good rest in the afternoon immediately before the hard summit day.

Duration:4 hours

Accommodation: Camping

day 6 - Trek from Barafu Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Campsite

A bracing 1 AM start to climb the steep frozen scree. This is unavoidable on any route but we aim to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise - another 40 mins and you’re at the highest point on the continent, usually in warm sunshine. We return on the Mweka descent route. Walking time 7 hours and 1,300 m ascent to the summit, 5-6 hours and 2,800 m descent to our camp in a clearing amongst the giant heather at Mweka. This is a long and hard day - you’ll feel tired but absolutely ecstatic after you’ve done it.

Accommodation: Camping

day 7 - Trek from Mweka Campsite to Mweka Gate & back to Arusha

A 4-5 hours descent through the forest to Mweka Gate to collect our certificates and meet our vehicle. Return to Arusha, arriving early to mid afternoon.

Kilimanjaro - Machame route, 7 day Private

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

All transport - 4WD Land Rovers, Buses or safari vehiclesAccommodation as detailed - 3 person tents shared by two people when campingCamping equipment (except sleeping bags and personal kit)Services of guides and portersAll National Park entrance and camp site fees.All food - breakfasts, packed lunches and evening mealsDonations and payments to local community project

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Kilimanjaro - Machame route, 7 day Private

5.0

based on 3 reviews

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 84+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 810 customer reviews from

Lisa

The booking experience with Bookmundi was very smooth, quick and easy, they also accept AMEX cards. They also responded promptly to all the questions I had before making the booking. I am looking forward to the trip.

7 hours ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Kilimanjaro - Machame route, 7 day Private that you might like.

8-Day Tanzania Holiday Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route

4.6(3 reviews)

Step onto the classic Marangu route—often called the ‘Coca-Cola route’—with the 8-Day Tanzania Holiday Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route. This trek is acclaimed among young adults and seasoned hikers for its comfortable mountain huts, solar lighting, and gradual progression through ever-changing climate zones. Witness spectacular glacier and ice cliff views as you ascend, with the highlight being the crater rim walk from Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. On clear mornings, take in the breathtaking panoramas of the Rift Valley, Mt. Meru, and the Masai Steppes. With an extra day included for better acclimatization, this trip’s unique selling point is its accessibility and higher summit success rate, making it ideal for those seeking a well-supported, classic trekking experience up Africa’s highest mountain.

8 days

7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

5.0(6 reviews)

Who’s ready for the challenge of a lifetime? The 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route is a thrilling trek tailored for young adults and experienced adventurers eager to conquer Africa’s highest peak. The Machame route, renowned for its lush rainforests and panoramic views of Mount Meru, Shira Ridge, and Kibo Peak, offers a more demanding climb than its counterparts, with steep ascents and higher altitudes. Favored by half of Kilimanjaro trekkers, this route rewards climbers with breathtaking scenery and a high summit success rate—especially for those choosing the 7-day itinerary, which boosts acclimatization and increases the likelihood of reaching the summit to over 85%. This trekking tour’s USP is its perfect blend of natural beauty and achievement, ideal for those seeking both scenic variety and the satisfaction of a true mountaineering conquest.

7 days

Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing: 6 Days Marangu Route

5.0(1 review)

If you’re dreaming of conquering Africa’s highest peak, the "Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing: 6 Days Marangu Route" tour is the classic choice. Known as the "Coca-Cola" route, Marangu is celebrated for its gentle gradient, direct path, and dormitory-style sleeping huts—making it popular among first-time trekkers. Ascend and descend the same trail, resting at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts. Although considered the easiest route, the six-day duration is recommended for better acclimatization and summit success. The tour’s unique selling point is its blend of comfort and tradition, offering the only hut accommodation on Kilimanjaro, making it a favorite for those seeking a straightforward trek with a touch of history.

6 days

Mt. Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route | 7 Days

5.0(1 review)

Seeking an approachable yet rewarding Kilimanjaro trek? The 7-Day Marangu Route is famed as the friendliest path to Africa’s highest summit. Known as the ‘Coca-Cola Route,’ it stands out for its solar-powered sleeping huts and beds at each camp, offering trekkers communal dining and restful accommodations—unique comforts on the mountain. Mandara and Kibo Huts each host 60 climbers, while Horombo Hut welcomes up to 120, all equipped with mattresses and pillows for a good night’s sleep. Bathrooms and running water are available at the lower camps, while basic facilities await at the higher elevations. Trekkers can even purchase soft drinks or beer along the way—just remember small Tanzanian bills for convenience. Although typically completed in five days, this tour package recommends a six or seven-day trek for better acclimatization, with opportunities to rest at Horombo or explore Mawenzi’s base camp. Designed with young adults in mind, the Marangu Route uniquely combines comfort, camaraderie, and summit success, making it the ideal introduction to Kilimanjaro trekking.

7 days

6-Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

5.0(4 reviews)

Ready for an alpine adventure that rewards you with unrivaled scenic beauty? The 6-Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek is renowned among experienced hikers for its breathtaking vistas and authentic mountain experience. Spanning approximately 100 kilometers, this trek—dubbed the 'Whiskey route'—is perfect for those seeking a slightly more adventurous and acclimatized ascent of Africa’s highest peak. Unlike the hut-based Marangu route, the Machame route is strictly camping, offering a raw and immersive journey. Each day brings new panoramas, from golden sunsets at Shira to the dramatic Barranco Wall shrouded in mist. With all your gear carried by porters and meals prepared by your cook, you can focus on the trek itself, ascending high to Lava Tower before dropping down for optimal acclimatization—a key factor in summit success. The USP of this trekking tour is its combination of scenic diversity and improved acclimatization opportunities, making it a favorite for those who want both challenge and beauty. Embark on this tour package if you crave a true mountaineering experience and want to savor Kilimanjaro’s ever-changing landscapes in the company of like-minded adventurers.

6 days

Kilimanjaro Trekking - Rongai route

5.0(1 review)

The Rongai route begins at the remote northern side of Kilimanjaro near the Kenyan border. We will be hiking through a true wilderness area towards the jagged Mawenzi Peak then cross a barren desert before climbing up Kibo’s eastern crater wall. The Rongai route is a more slow ascent and is therefore preferred by those with little or no backpacking experience but is equally enjoyable for even the most hardened Kilimanjaro climbers. During the climb you will have 5 nights of full-service camping, with a private toilet tent. There is a large communal tent, which is used for dining and at other times in the event of inclement weather. Limited single accommodation is also available and includes a single tent as well as the hotel nights. We can arrange extra accommodation before or after the trip if needed.

8 days

6-Day Tanzania Holiday Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

Challenge yourself on Tanzania’s legendary slopes with the 6-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route holiday. Tailored for young adults and seasoned trekkers, this trip follows the scenic Machame trail through lush rainforest, expansive moorlands, and breathtaking alpine terrain. As you ascend, savor unforgettable views of Mt. Meru adrift in the clouds and the dramatic southern icefields of Kibo. This itinerary is designed to optimize acclimatization, offering ample time to enjoy the trek and the mountain’s ever-changing scenery. The final ascent via the Barafu route is both thrilling and rewarding, culminating in a triumphant summit experience. The unique selling point of this package is its perfect blend of adventure, expert guidance, and spectacular vistas, ensuring every trekker has a safe and memorable climb to Africa’s highest peak.

6 days

Keep Exploring Tanzania

JonathanVerified Traveler

Jan 12, 2015

5.0

5.0 out of 5

Kilimanjaro - Machame route

I was part of a group of 3 hikers wishing to climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame route in 7 days. The experience was great and landscapes so amazing. In fact it was the second time I climbed Kilimanjaro. I wanted to renew this experience because the first time the weather conditions was very cloudy the three first days and also I was not completely satisfied of the company I chose at that time. As such, I selected Maasai Wanderings for the good reviews I had and also because it is part of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (you can have more details here: http://www.mountainexplorers.org/) that was a concern for me after my first experience. And what I can say is that I have not been disappointed, everything was perfect from the beginning to the end. We were guided by Julius and his team that I recommend. He is a very nice guy, likable, always calm, encouraging you and giving all information required when you need it. He is adapting to you, and most of the time the first days, slowing you down to maximize a progressive acclimatization. I was interested by flowers and history of Kilimanjaro (snow cover, geology) and this guy is a big library. Food was very good, varied and always in good quantity. It is surprising to see what the cooker is able to do in such conditions. There was a big mess tent where all meals were taken when it was not possible outside. The cooker is cooking just in front of you. The tent had also two extension rooms on each sides dedicated for staff (relaxing/sleeping). It was funny to see that despite of the altitude, the coldness etc. they were always happy, smiling, talking all time etc. Everybody was dressed properly and adapted to the mountain conditions, even for the shoes. This is important to note because I have been very sad when I saw few other porters from other companies dressed just with a tee-shirt with holes everywhere or not descent shoes. When we reached the last camp (Barafu Hut) at around 13:00, one of the porter was sick and Julius, the guide, decided to escort him down to the gate quickly. He was back to Barafu Camp few hours before we left the camp to climb the final step and came with us! Everybody in the team successfully reached the top Uhuru Peak and of course everybody was very happy. Once again it has been an excellent trip and experience. I keep a lot of good memories. For these reasons I recommend clearly Maasi Wanderings, for the quality of the guiding, the food, the tents, the team, all the equipments provided (and in good shape).

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights

Itinerary

day 1 - Drive from Arusha to the Machame Park Gate

day 2 - Trek from Machame Park Gate to Shira Cave (3,840m)

day 3 - Trek from Shira Cave to Barranco Campsite (3,950m)

day 4 - Trek from Barranco Campsite to Karanga Valley

day 5 - Trek from Karanga Valley to Barafu Hut

day 6 - Trek from Barafu Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Campsite

day 7 - Trek from Mweka Campsite to Mweka Gate & back to Arusha

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

What's Included

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

5.0

Tour Availability

Monthly Price Comparison

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

Why Book with Bookmundi

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

Lisa

Similar Tours You Might Like

8-Day Tanzania Holiday Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route

7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing: 6 Days Marangu Route

Mt. Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route | 7 Days

6-Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Kilimanjaro Trekking - Rongai route

6-Day Tanzania Holiday Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

Keep Exploring Tanzania

Traveler Types

Tour Types

Top activities in Tanzania

Other Tanzania Recommendations

Tanzania tour packages departing in

Tour Availability

What's Included

What's Excluded

Itinerary

day 1 - Drive from Arusha to the Machame Park Gate

day 2 - Trek from Machame Park Gate to Shira Cave (3,840m)

day 3 - Trek from Shira Cave to Barranco Campsite (3,950m)

day 4 - Trek from Barranco Campsite to Karanga Valley

day 5 - Trek from Karanga Valley to Barafu Hut

day 6 - Trek from Barafu Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Campsite

day 7 - Trek from Mweka Campsite to Mweka Gate & back to Arusha

Customer Reviews

5.0

Kilimanjaro - Machame route

Kilimanjaro - Machame route

Kilimanjaro - Machame route

Keep Exploring Tanzania

Traveler Types

Tour Types

Top activities in Tanzania

Other Tanzania Recommendations

Tanzania tour packages departing in