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Absolute Holiday Safaris
Snow-dusted peak rising above a sea of clouds at sunrise

Tanzania · Guided climb · Mountain trek

7 Days Mt Kilimanjaro – Machame Route

Machame with an extra night at Karanga

The seven-day Machame climb, adding a night at Karanga Camp after the Barranco Wall for better acclimatisation before Barafu and the summit.

  • 7 days
  • Tanzania
  • Mountain trek

Price on request

The journey in brief

Duration
7 days
Destinations
Kilimanjaro
Start
Arusha
End
Arusha
Travel type
Guided climb
Accommodation
Mountain huts and camps
Transport
Road transfers between Arusha and the park gates.
Price
Price on request

The experience

At a glance.

Splitting the Barranco-to-Barafu section with a night at Karanga gives a gentler build-up to summit night. For many climbers, this extra day makes the summit attempt more comfortable.

The route otherwise follows the classic Machame line: rainforest, the Shira Plateau, the Lava Tower and the southern circuit beneath the glaciers.

Highlights

  • 01

    Extra acclimatisation night at Karanga

  • 02

    Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and Barranco Wall

  • 03

    Summit via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)

  • 04

    Descent via Mweka

The route

Your journey.

  1. Stop 01

    Arusha

  2. Stop 02

    Machame Gate

  3. Stop 03

    Machame Camp

  4. Stop 04

    Shira Camp

  5. Stop 05

    Barranco Camp

  6. Stop 06

    Karanga Camp

  7. Stop 07

    Barafu Camp

  8. Stop 08

    Uhuru Peak

  9. Stop 09

    Mweka

  10. Stop 10

    Arusha

Arusha → Machame Gate → Machame Camp → Shira Camp → Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka → Arusha

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Day by day

The journey, in detail.

Walking times and distances are approximate and depend on your pace and conditions on the mountain.

  1. A misty trail through Kilimanjaro's montane rainforest

    Day 1 / Arusha → Machame Gate → Machame Camp

    Through the forest

    Drive to Machame Gate, register and walk through the rainforest on a winding ridge trail.

    On the trail
    Approx. 18 km · 5–7 hours · 3,100 m
    Meals
    Lunch and dinner
    Overnight
    Machame Camp · Kilimanjaro
  2. Volcanic lava rock on the Shira Plateau of Kilimanjaro

    Day 2 / Machame Camp → Shira Camp

    Up to Shira

    Climb through heather onto the Shira Plateau.

    On the trail
    Approx. 9 km · 4–6 hours · 3,840 m
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Overnight
    Shira Camp · Kilimanjaro
  3. Barranco Wall and Kibo above Kilimanjaro's Afro-alpine moorland

    Day 3 / Shira Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp

    Lava Tower to Barranco

    Climb to the Lava Tower (4,630 m), then descend to Barranco Camp to sleep.

    On the trail
    Approx. 15 km · 5–7 hours
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Overnight
    Barranco Camp · Kilimanjaro
  4. Trekking tents at a high camp with Kilimanjaro's summit behind

    Day 4 / Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp

    Barranco Wall to Karanga

    Scramble up the Barranco Wall and continue a shorter day to Karanga Camp to acclimatise.

    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Overnight
    Karanga Camp · Kilimanjaro
  5. The rocky alpine-desert route above Barafu before dawn

    Day 5 / Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp

    To Barafu

    Join the Mweka trail and climb to Barafu Camp, completing the southern circuit with views of the summit from many angles.

    On the trail
    4,600 m
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Overnight
    Barafu Camp · Kilimanjaro
  6. The summit signpost at Uhuru Peak on Kilimanjaro

    Day 6 / Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

    Summit day

    Start between midnight and 2am to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp. This is the hardest day of the climb.

    On the trail
    Approx. 7 km up, 23 km down · 5,895 m
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Overnight
    Mweka Camp · Kilimanjaro
  7. Kilimanjaro glowing at dusk

    Day 7 / Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Arusha

    Down to Arusha

    Descend to Mweka Gate to collect your certificate, then transfer back to Arusha.

    On the trail
    Approx. 15 km · 3–4 hours
    Meals
    Breakfast and lunch
    Overnight
    Journey ends · Arusha

Where you stay

Huts and camps.

Nights are spent in the huts or campsites on the route, with your crew preparing meals.

  • Kilimanjaro · 1 night

    Machame Camp

  • Kilimanjaro · 1 night

    Shira Camp

  • Kilimanjaro · 1 night

    Barranco Camp

  • Kilimanjaro · 1 night

    Karanga Camp

  • Kilimanjaro · 1 night

    Barafu Camp

  • Kilimanjaro · 1 night

    Mweka Camp

Pricing

A clear way forward.

Price on request

This safari is priced for your exact dates. Lodge rates, park fees and availability vary through the year, so we confirm a written price once we know your dates and party size.

Prices can depend on travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and changes to park fees. All terms are confirmed in writing before you book.

The details

What is included.

Included

  • Transport to and from the base of the mountain
  • Park entrance, camping or hut fees
  • Services of a mountain guide, porters and a cook
  • Accommodation in mountain huts or tents as listed
  • Meals on the mountain
  • Kilimanjaro National Park entrance and rescue fees
  • Boiled drinking water on the mountain
  • Summit certificate for a successful climb

Not included

  • Personal trekking gear and a mountain-grade sleeping bag (some items can be hired)
  • Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking
  • Tips for guides, porters and cook
  • Accommodation before and after the climb unless stated
  • Items of a personal nature

Before you travel

Good to know.

  • Altitude

    Uhuru Peak is 5,895 m. Altitude affects everyone differently, regardless of fitness. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Descending is the most effective response to serious symptoms.

  • Fitness and health

    You do not need climbing experience, but you should be comfortable walking for six to eight hours on consecutive days. Speak to a doctor before booking if you have any heart, lung or blood-pressure condition.

  • Gear

    Bring a warm down jacket, waterproof layers, broken-in boots, a head torch, gloves, a warm hat and a four-season sleeping bag. Gaiters and trekking poles help on the muddy lower trails.

  • Travel documents

    Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.

  • Health and insurance

    Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.

  • Altitude and fitness

    Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Speak to a doctor before booking a high-altitude trek.

Questions travellers ask

A few useful answers.

Can this itinerary be changed?

Often, yes. Tell us what you would like to change and we will confirm what is possible for your dates.

Why is the price on request?

Prices for this safari depend on your dates, party size and accommodation availability, so we quote for your exact trip.

What happens after I enquire?

We reply with availability, any suggestions for your dates and a written quote. Nothing is booked until you have agreed the quote and booking terms.

Do I need climbing experience?

No technical climbing experience is needed on this route, but you should be fit and prepared for long days at altitude. Speak to a doctor before booking.

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The next step

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7 days · Tanzania

Price on request

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