Trekkers descend towards the clouds

Kilimanjaro Route: The Machame Route

Photo Credit: Roy Grossinger

Overview

A 7-day Machame Route climb is perfect for trekkers on a budget. This popular Kilimanjaro route includes fewer amenities in camp and lower weight limits** on luggage, while still offering the peace of mind you get by choosing Thomson.

KILIMANJARO ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Additional acclimatization day on Kilimanjaro
  • Challenging nighttime summit bid
  • Private toilet tents & nutritionist-planned meals
  • Perfect for group and charity treks
  • Thomson’s most budget-friendly option
  • Personal porters available to all trekkers*
  • 7 days trekking, 9 days in Tanzania
*Personal porter hire available for an additional fee
**Machame trekkers are allowed 26 lb/person of gear vs. 33 lb/person on our other climbs

 

Extend your trip with a safari!

Visit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater on a 5-day or 7-day safari; call us for custom safari options.

Unsure which Kilimanjaro route best fits your needs? See how they stack up on our Route Comparison page.

Itinerary

Arrival Day

Arrive Tanzania

A staff member will greet you at the airport and escort you to your lodge.

Overnight: Rivertrees Country Inn

Acclimatization Day

Arusha

Relax and acclimatize or independently schedule one of the many exciting activities available at your lodge (per availability; any additional costs paid directly to lodge).

Overnight: Rivertrees Country Inn

Trek Day 1

Begin Trek to Machame Camp

Begin your journey on narrow rainforest trails, where you'll set out with many other groups on this popular trail.

Overnight: Machame Camp (9,850')

Hours trekking: 5-7

Trek Day 2

Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Vegetation gets sparser as you ascend into the heath, where alien-looking giant groundsels tower over the rocky slopes.

Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (12,795')

Hours trekking: 4-5

Trek Day 3

Shira 2 to Barranco Camp

Enjoy expansive views of the Barranco Valley from your camp at the base of the Barranco Wall.

Overnight: Barranco Camp (13,004')

Hours trekking: 6-7

Trek Day 4

Barranco Camp to Karanga

A challenging scramble up the Barranco Wall is rewarded with breathtaking views from the top. Continue over ridges and valleys before a steep hike to camp.

Overnight: Karanga Camp (13,231')

Hours trekking: 4-5

Trek Day 5

Karanga to Barafu Camp

As you near the summit, the landscape starts to resemble the surface of the moon. Keep an eye out for towering lava formations, remnants of Kili's fiery past.

Overnight: Barafu Camp (15,331')

Hours trekking: 3-4

Trek Day 6

Barafu to Summit/ Mweka Millennium Camp

Headlamps snaking up the mountain light your way during an overnight summit bid. Celebrate your success with a few quick pictures at the top before trekking much of the way back down the mountain.

Overnight: Mweka Millennium Camp (12,500')

Hours trekking: 8-10 to Summit/ 4-7 to Mweka Millennium Camp

Trek Day 7 / Departure Day

Complete Trek/ Return to North America

Complete your descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate at 5,364 feet. Land Rovers will be waiting to take you back into town for a shower and some rest before your transfer to the airport this evening.

Day room: Planet Lodge

Hours trekking: 4-6

Accommodations

Rivertrees Country Inn

Rivertrees Country Inn

This former coffee plantation blends simple elegance and modern convenience. Farmhouse-style rooms overlook the Usa River. Enjoy hearty meals in a beautiful open-air thatched-roof dining area.

Mountain Camps

Mountain Camps

Camp in comfort in customized all-weather tents with upgraded zippers, flysheets, and closed-cell full-ground pads. Private toilet tents and solar-lit dining tents are provided daily. Hot meals are prepared from fresh ingredients by the camp’s chef. In the afternoons, hot drinks and snacks are provided.

Planet Lodge

Planet Lodge

Enjoy cozy accommodations set among lush gardens at this Arusha mainstay. Stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro make it a perfect place to start or end a trek.

Dates & Prices

7 days

International airfare not included

Single accommodations: $575
Personal Porter: $385

Can’t find a date that works for you? Call us to set up a private trek!


Please note: We can’t guarantee departures with only one guest. A small group supplement of $500 per person will be applied to departures with two or three participants.

All prices are subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors.

See more of what Tanzania has to offer with a post-trek safari

River crossing on the Crater to Plains safari extension

5-DAY

Crater & Plains Safari

See the Great Migration and hundreds more species in breathtaking locations like the Serengeti and the lush Ngorongoro Crater. It’s the perfect complement to your Kilimanjaro climb!

LEARN MORE
A pride of lions on the Highlights of Tanzania safari extension

7-DAY

Highlights Safari

Our premiere safari extension features visits to remote Maasai communities, world-class wildlife viewing in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and a stay in an exclusive private nature refuge.

LEARN MORE