Kilimanjaro 7-Day Machame Trek | Expert Guides & Group Tours |Kilimanjaro Winners and Safaris | Tailor-made private Hike & safaris to Tanzania

7-Day Group Trek Itinerary – Machame Route (Joining Groups)

Day 1 Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to your hotel in Moshi. The rest of the day will be at leisure — relax at the hotel or explore the town (taxi required). In the evening, attend a group briefing in preparation for your trek. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2 Machame Gate (1,790m) – Machame Camp (3,010m)
After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate for registration. Begin your trek through lush rainforest, encountering unique plants and possibly black-and-white colobus monkeys. Arrive at Machame Camp after 5–7 hours of hiking.
- Distance: 11 km
- Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Machame Camp (3,010m) – Shira Camp (3,845m)
Hike through moorland with stunning views of the Shira Plateau. Shorter trekking day to allow for acclimatization and rest in the afternoon.
- Distance: 5 km
- Time: 4–6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Shira Camp – Lava Tower (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Acclimatization day: ascend to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp. Experience alpine desert terrain and the beautiful Barranco Valley with giant senecio plants.
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 6–8 hours
- Habitat: Semi-Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Climb the iconic Barranco Wall with rewarding panoramic views. A shorter day, allowing for more acclimatization at Karanga Camp.
- Distance: 5 km
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Trek through a moon-like alpine desert to reach Barafu Camp. Early dinner and rest before your midnight summit attempt.
- Distance: 4 km
- Time: 2–4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)
Midnight start to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise — the Roof of Africa. After celebrating, descend to Mweka Camp for overnight.
- Hiking Time: 8 hours ascent, 7–8 hours descent
- Distance: 7 km ascent, 23 km descent
- Habitat: Stone scree & ice-capped summit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate before returning to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration dinner.
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Kilimanjaro & Tanzania Safari FAQs

For a Kilimanjaro climb, wear layers, including thermal base layers, a fleece jacket, waterproof outerwear, gloves, a hat, and sturdy hiking boots. For a safari, opt for lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes. Always pack sunscreen and insect repellent..

Children can enjoy safaris, but climbing Kilimanjaro is recommended only for children aged 10 and above due to the physical demands and altitude. Family-friendly safari lodges and camps are available, ensuring a safe and memorable experience for young travelers.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons: January–March and June–October. For safaris, the dry season (June–October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, while the short rains (November–December) offer lush landscapes and fewer tourists.

Absolutely! Many travelers combine an 8-day Kilimanjaro climb with a safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, or Manyara. This allows you to experience both the thrill of the mountain and the magic of African wildlife in one seamless adventure.

For the climb, the Machame, Lemosho, and Marangu routes are popular. For safaris, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara offer incredible wildlife experiences, from the Big Five to flamingo-filled lakes.

After your adventure, unwind at Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia Island. These beaches feature white sand, turquoise waters, and luxury lodges or boutique resorts—perfect for resting sore muscles and enjoying the Indian Ocean.

You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but a good level of fitness and stamina is essential. Training should include cardiovascular exercise, hiking with a backpack, and leg strengthening exercises. Most routes can be completed by moderately fit individuals with proper acclimatization.

Tanzania is home to the Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino. You may also encounter cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Wildlife experiences vary depending on the park and season.

A typical combined itinerary ranges from 10 to 16 days. For example, an 8-day Kilimanjaro climb followed by a 3–5 day safari allows sufficient time for both adventure and wildlife viewing without feeling rushed.

Yes, certified guides are mandatory for Kilimanjaro climbs for safety and support. For safaris, guides and drivers enhance the experience, providing wildlife knowledge, spotting animals, and ensuring safe navigation through parks.

Most tour operators provide tents, sleeping mats, cooking equipment, and meals. You are responsible for personal gear like clothing, hiking boots, and backpacks. Porter services are available to carry luggage and supplies.

Yes. Yellow fever vaccination may be required if coming from certain countries. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for safari areas. Other routine vaccines like tetanus, hepatitis A/B, and typhoid are advised. Always consult your doctor before travel.

Absolutely! Many tour companies offer flexible packages, allowing you to choose climbing routes, safari parks, accommodation levels, and even add beach holidays or cultural tours.

Bring a high-quality camera or smartphone with extra batteries. Binoculars are great for wildlife spotting, and a GoPro or action camera can capture climbing moments. Drones may be restricted in parks—check local regulations.

Pack versatile items: hiking gear for the mountain, neutral safari clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, camera equipment, personal medication, and light casual wear for evenings and beach relaxation.