Safari to Kilimanjaro - Machame Route

Best price guaranteed

No booking fees

E-ticket/Mobile-voucher

Carbon neutral

15 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

20 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Strenuous

Highly demanding activities designed for individuals with excellent physical fitness.

Starts

Nairobi, Kenya

Ends

Moshi, Tanzania

Highlights

Size up Mt Kilimanjaro on the incredible scenic Machame route, passing through cloud forest and moorland zones to the glaciated precipices of Kibo’s south face.

Travel with experienced guides and porters. You'll be in great hands – with one guide for every two passengers – so all you’ll have to worry about is soaking up the scenery and keeping your footing!

Explore the Serengeti National Park in depth with multiple game drives through this spectacular wildlife arena. Here, you’ll have the best chance to spot iconic African animals.

Visit the Kimana Ranger Project and meet the dedicated men and women protecting Kimana Sanctuary, a vital area for migrating elephants. Hear their stories at the Ranger Training Academy and learn about the challenges they face in safeguarding wildlife.

Hike easier knowing that while our porters are taking care of you, someone is looking out for them. We’re an official partner with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project.

Itinerary

Craving both safari excitement and a mountaineering challenge? The Safari to Kilimanjaro – Machame Route tour is your ticket to the ultimate African adventure. Over 15 days, traverse Kenya and Tanzania’s legendary landscapes, from the bustling streets of Nairobi to the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti and the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater.

The heart of this tour is the strenuous trek along the Machame Route to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro—Africa’s highest peak—designed for fit and adventurous travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment. After your summit triumph, descend and embark on a classic overland safari, with multiple game drives to spot elephants, lions, and elusive rhinos.

What sets this trip apart is its unbeatable combination of high-altitude trekking and world-class wildlife viewing, making it the perfect tour package for independent travelers with a passion for adventure.

day 1 - Nairobi

Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Nairobi. If you arrive early, you can head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village. Tonight, why not ask your leader for local dinner recommendations and head out to get to know your fellow travellers.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 2 - Amboseli National Park

Today, you'll board your overland vehicle bound for Amboseli National Park. The park covers an area of about 392 square kilometres and is home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya, many of which are ‘big tuskers’ (elephants with large tusks). You may even spot a ‘super tusker’ – a male bull elephant with tusks that weigh over 45 kg each, usually so long they scrape the ground. If you're lucky to visit on a clear day, you'll be treated to amazing views of Mt Kilimanjaro. When you arrive, you'll set off on a game drive in your overland vehicle to explore the park and discover the wildlife that calls this place home.

included:Amboseli National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive

accommodation:Camping (basic facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 3 - Mto Wa Mbu

This morning, you'll visit the Kimana Ranger Project and meet the inspiring men and women who protect the vital Kimana Sanctuary, an important wildlife area, particularly for migrating elephants. At the Ranger Training Academy, listen to stories of what it takes to safeguard this unique environment and the risks involved in protecting the Greater Amboseli ecosystem. The project plays a crucial role in improving the lives and working conditions of rangers, supporting local communities, and promoting conservation efforts where both wildlife and people can thrive.
After your visit, travel toward the Kenya-Tanzania border, heading to Mto wa Mbu, a charming village that offers a glimpse into small-town African life. In the afternoon, join the local community for a guided walk around the village, visiting farms, milling machines, and homes. You'll finish the day with a traditional dinner, experiencing local hospitality before settling in at your campsite in Mto wa Mbu.

included:Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner, Amboseli - Kimana Ranger Project

accommodation:Camping (with facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 4 - Serengeti National Park (Ngorongoro Crater)

Rise and shine early today before entering the Ngorongoro Conservation area. When you arrive at the crater, swap your overland vehicle for open roof 4WDs. Take in the spectacular views from the crater's rim as you make your way to the bottom, where animals roam the lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. The animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles, and as a result, it's easier to watch them up close. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lion, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, gazelle and the endangered black rhino. Later, head to the wide-open plains of the Serengeti. The Serengeti landscapes see a huge contrast of colours during the year – green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season. The never-ending landscape is home to thousands of animals travelling as herds across the plains. This region gets its name from the local Maasai word ‘siringet’, meaning the place where the land moves on forever. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then head to your campsite within the park. Tonight, listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift to sleep.

included:Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive, Serengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game Drive

accommodation:Camping (with basic facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 5 - Serengeti National Park

Start the day nice and early with an overland vehicle game drive at dawn. You’ll head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. This morning, there’s also the option of a balloon ride over the park. If you have pre-booked this activity, you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, where you’ll get some amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes, you will ascend, getting an overview of the vastness of the plains and the early morning movements of the herds. After landing, dig into a delicious bush breakfast, then return to your camp. After spending the warmer part of the day relaxing with your herd – just as the animals do – depart again at dusk for another overland vehicle adventure through the wild, returning in time for dinner.

included:Serengeti National Park - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive, Serengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game Drive

accommodation:Camping (with basic facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 6 - Karatu

Enjoy a leisurely game drive and picnic lunch on your way out of Serengeti National Park today. Soak up final views of this incredible spot before making the long drive to Karatu – a small town nearby and your base for the next two nights.

included:Serengeti National Park - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive

accommodation:Camping (with facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 7 - Karatu

Today is a free day to relax or explore at your own pace. You might like to head to a local coffee plantation or take an optional game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Maybe opt for a hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to the Elephant Caves – a great way to stretch your legs after a few days of overland travel. You'll hike through the Ngorongoro rainforest as your local guide explains the ins and outs of the area and points out interesting animal tracks and footprints. Marvel at the wild landscape and spot beautiful birdlife as you walk.

accommodation:Camping (with facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 8 - Moshi

After breakfast, board your overland truck for the final time and head back to Arusha. Upon arrival, you'll be dropped off at the Impala Shuttle Office, where you'll say goodbye to your truck and crew. From there, you'll take an unescorted shuttle bus to Moshi, nestled in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro (1300 m). The shuttle departs around 9 am. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight for a full briefing and kit inspection by an experienced Kilimanjaro climber. After the meeting, fuel up on a hearty dinner with your fellow trekkers and get a good night’s rest, ready to start your climb tomorrow!

included:Mount Kilimanjaro - Trek Briefing, Mount Kilimanjaro - Complimentary equipment hire (sleeping bag and walking poles) - must be requested at time of booking

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Dinner

day 9 - Machame Camp (2835 m / 9,301 ft)

Meet your guides and porters after breakfast this morning, then take the opportunity to organise your gear before setting off to the Machame Gate – the south-western entrance to the Mt Kilimanjaro National Park. On the way, stop into one of the clothes lending offices of Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Projects and learn how their program, supported by the Intrepid Foundation, is assisting porters. Begin your hike around lunch time, starting with a stroll through the rainforest, looking out for some of the many brightly coloured birds here. Set up camp at Machame in the mid-afternoon, ready for your first night on Kilimanjaro! The huts fell into disrepair some years ago, so with the help of the porters, you’ll be setting up tents for the night. Tonight, enjoy a meal prepared by the porters and savour the first night of sleeping outdoors.

included:Fully catered trek including National Park entrance fees, climbing fee, tented camps & rescue services, Mount Kilimanjaro - Porterage of 1 bag (9kg/20lb max), Mount Kilimanjaro - Return transfers from hotel to park gate, Mount Kilimanjaro - Emergency oxygen and comprehensive first aid kits, Moshi - Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project

accommodation:Camping (with basic facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 10 - Shira Camp (3750 m / 12,303 ft)

Your second day on the mountain takes you out of the rainforest and up a steep ridge into moor land. Watch as the vegetation grows sparser as you ascend along the path to the Shira Plateau – soon, several distinct species, including the giant groundsel and lobelia, will be the only plants dominating the harsh landscape. Spend the night camping on the edge of the plateau and be treated to a golden sunset over the snow-dusted peaks of Kibo.

accommodation:Camping (with basic facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 11 - Barranco Camp (3900 m / 12,795 ft)

After breakfast today, enjoy a fantastic walk as you continue through the rolling landscape and deep river valleys, stopping for a packed lunch along the way. The undulating land here offers a great chance to acclimatise and as you ascend to the more rugged areas of the mountain, there are great views of the Kibo Massif and its scenic surroundings. Tonight, you’ll sleep at Barranco Camp.

accommodation:Camping (with basic facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 12 - Barafu Camp (4673 m / 15,331 ft)

Have breakfast together at Barranco Camp this morning, then begin today’s hike. From Karanga, head up to the intersection of the South Circuit and the Mweka route where you’ll start climbing up a ridge to Barafu Hut. Barafu is Swahili for ‘ice’ – as the name suggests, it can be very cold here at night! You should arrive at Barafu around lunchtime, allowing plenty of time to rest before the final summit attempt very early tomorrow morning.

accommodation:Camping (with basic facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 13 - Uhuru Peak (5895 m / 19,341 ft) Millennium Camp or Mweka Camp (3100 m / 10,168 ft)

At around midnight, you’ll be woken by the guides with some hot tea and biscuits to give you energy before the long, difficult ascent up scree, and sometimes snow, to Stella Point (5780 m). Pass the giant Rebmann Glacier on the way, and hopefully arrive at Stella Point in time for sunrise and superb views of the crater and the glacier glistening in the morning sun. From Stella, it’s a further 1-hour hike along the rim of the crater to Uhuru Peak (5895m) – the highest point in Africa! From the summit, take in unforgettable views of the crater, the ice fields and the vast East African plains below. After some photos and well deserved pats on the back, you’ll begin your descent. Back at Barafu Camp, enjoy a well-earned lunch and much thicker air. After, continue to Mweka Camp for the night for a well-deserved rest.

accommodation:Camping (with basic facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 14 - Moshi (1640 m / 5,380 ft)

Today, you’ll continue to descend the mountain, traversing alpine meadows and rainforest to the Mweka park gate. When you arrive, have some lunch after checking out of the park and then transport back to the hotel for a relaxing shower – a real treat after the physical exertions of the last few days! Tonight, gather with your trekking companions for dinner, sharing your experiences of the past six days on the mountain.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 15 - Moshi

With no activities or trekking planned for today, you’re free to depart at any time. Transfers to Kilimanjaro Airport or a shuttle to Nairobi can be arranged locally – please speak to your leader at your welcome meeting if you wish to organise this.

meals:1 Breakfast

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

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

What's Included

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (3 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (8 nights), Hotel (3 nights)

Meals

13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches

Transport

Overland Vehicle, 4WD Safari Vehicle, Minibus

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Amboseli National Park - Overland Vehicle Game DriveMto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinnerAmboseli - Kimana Ranger ProjectNgorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game DriveSerengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game DriveSerengeti National Park - Morning Overland Vehicle Game DriveMount Kilimanjaro - Trek BriefingMount Kilimanjaro - Complimentary equipment hire (sleeping bag and walking poles) - must be requested at time of bookingFully catered trek including National Park entrance fees, climbing fee, tented camps & rescue servicesMount Kilimanjaro - Porterage of 1 bag (9kg/20lb max)Mount Kilimanjaro - Return transfers from hotel to park gateMount Kilimanjaro - Emergency oxygen and comprehensive first aid kitsMoshi - Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a PremierThis travel specialist is consistently delivering tours which receive customer ratings above 4.6 on average. tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 163 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

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 171+ 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 812 customer reviews from

Anonymous

Prompt reply to my questions which was helpful.

1 day ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Safari to Kilimanjaro - Machame Route that you might like.

Road to Zanzibar

5.0(1 review)

Travel overland on a 12-day eastern Africa experience all the way to Zanzibar. Whether you’re spotting lions deep in the Serengeti, hiking a lush mountain trail in the Usambara Mountains, cruising on a traditional dhow in the Indian Ocean’s azure waters or interacting with local communities near Mto wa Mbu, you’re set to learn a thing or two about the wonders of these lands and its people. Travel with an expert local leader and a group of likeminded adventurers keen to scour every inch of the Ngorongoro Crater for the Big Five and share travel stories over a seafood meal in Zanzibar.

12 days

Gorillas & Game Parks

A close encounter with gentle giants on a gorilla safari in Uganda is an extraordinary experience that will always stay with you. On this 16-day overland African camping adventure, you’ll roam the verdant plains, rainforests, papyrus-fringed lakes and acacia woodlands of Kenya and Uganda’s game parks, from Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Maasai Mara Reserve. Spot lions, rhinos, antelopes, hippos, leopards and more in their natural habitats. If you’re looking for a trip that has it all when it comes to African wildlife, this is the trip for you! Take an adventure with a knowledgeable local leader and get the best chance to spot the Big Five, the Small Five, the Ugly Five and all your favourites from the Lion King!

16 days

East African Explorer, Keekorok And Serena Lodges (multi Country)

East African Explorer, Keekorok And Serena Lodges (multi Country) delivers the ultimate safari experience for those seeking a relaxed, all-encompassing adventure. Over 13 days, traverse Kenya and Tanzania’s most dramatic landscapes, from the Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara and the legendary Maasai Mara. Encounter the Big Five, explore five national parks and one conservation area, and immerse yourself in local cultures. Skilled driver-guides and premium lodge accommodations ensure both discovery and comfort. The standout feature: an in-depth, multi-country safari combining wildlife, scenery, and cultural richness, all expertly managed for your peace of mind.

13 days

Serengeti & Kilimanjaro

For those with a thirst for adventure and a high level of fitness, the "Serengeti & Kilimanjaro" tour offers a 15-day, action-packed journey from Nairobi to Marangu. Traverse Kenya and Tanzania, experiencing the iconic Serengeti savanna and exploring the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater on safari, where the legendary Big Five roam. The highlight for many is the challenging trek up Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro—an unforgettable feat for active travelers seeking both thrills and self-discovery. With accommodation, meals, and transport included, this group tour delivers the ultimate mix of wildlife encounters and mountain achievement. What sets this trip apart is its rare combination of world-class safari experiences and the chance to summit Kilimanjaro, making it the perfect tour package for those ready to push their limits and witness Africa’s raw beauty from new heights.

15 days

Kenya & Tanzania Safari Adventure

4.4(16 reviews)

Venture into the heart of East Africa, where sweeping savannahs and wildlife-filled landscapes await. Witness the awe-inspiring migration of wildebeest as they journey across vast plains and glide across serene lakes, keeping an eye out for hippos basking in the sun. Along the way, treat your tastebuds to the vibrant, aromatic flavours of Swahili cuisine. This is more than just a trip—it's an adventure that brings you closer to the raw beauty and rich culture of Kenya and Tanzania.

14 days

Real East Africa & Zanzibar

From the iconic plains of the Masai Mara to the sun-kissed shores of Zanzibar, the 'Real East Africa & Zanzibar' trip is your passport to a 13-day adventure steeped in wildlife and culture. Designed for young adults craving a taste of Africa’s diversity, this group tour blends exhilarating 4WD safaris in Kenya’s and Tanzania’s legendary national parks with authentic encounters—like a night spent in a Maasai village and visits to bustling market towns. The journey’s crescendo? Relaxing on Zanzibar’s powdery beaches, sharing stories with new friends beneath swaying palms. Accommodation, transport, meals, and guided experiences are all included, making this package a seamless introduction to the wonders of East Africa. The true highlight: forging lifelong friendships while exploring one of the most captivating regions on earth.

13 days

14-day Game Parks Gorillas Accommodated

For an immersive wildlife experience the whole family can enjoy, the 14-day Game Parks & Gorillas Accommodated tour is a standout choice. Beginning and ending in Nairobi, this small group explorer trip visits Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, and four other memorable destinations in Kenya. With accommodation, transport, and meals included, families can focus on exploring. The rare opportunity to observe gorillas in their natural environment sets this trip apart, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime for travelers of all ages.

14 days

Keep Exploring Kenya

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