Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m) via The Machame Route and Go On Safari

This is the stuff adventurer’s dreams are made of; you’ll take the popular Machame route to the summit of Africa’s highest peak to a backdrop of endless scenic vistas. As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll then embark on a 3-day game safari through true Tanzania, witnessing elephants, rhinos and lions in their raw habitat.

You can also do the climb without a safari, or consider the lesser-climbed Northern Circuit route.

• 7 days trekking
• 3 days of game safari
• 6 nights camping
• 3 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi
• 2 nights farmhouse-hotel accommodation
• Local, certified trekking guide
• Local, certified safari guide
• Fair and sustainable wages for cook and porters
• Meals and drinking water
• Local transfers
• Airport transfers
• All taxes, insurances and licenses relative to the trip

Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport

On your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by your host and transfer you to your accommodation for the night at the Kili Wonder Hotel.

Here, your guide will meet you for a briefing and equipment check before you retire for an early night ahead of tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 2: Machame Gate – Machame Camp

After breakfast, you’ll leave the town of Moshi for the 45-minute drive through the mountain village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate.

Today’s trek will begin through rainforest and windy trails as your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. Have your gaiters and trekking poles at the ready as the trail can be muddy and quite slippery at these lower elevations.

After 5-6 hours of trekking, you will reach your first camp.

7 miles trekking, 5-6 hours, elevation: 1830m to 3050m

Day 3: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

After breakfast at camp, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and take an ascending path to cross the valley along a steep rocky ridge.

From here, the route turns west onto a river gorge which you will follow all the way to Shira Camp.

You’ll reach camp on the southern edge of the plateau at 3847m; climb the slope above camp for a clear view over the plateau and the alpine landscape that awaits you.

3 miles trekking, 4-5 hours, elevation: 3050m to 33850m

Day 4: Shira Camp – Barranco Camp

After breakfast this morning, you’ll spend the day acclimatising whilst you explore the Shira Plateau.

From the plateau, you’ll continue east towards Kibo’s glaciered peak, then switching to south-east towards the lava tower known as the Sharks Tooth (4650m).

You’ll begin to descend slightly to your overnight camp at Barranco for a good night’s rest.

6 miles trekking, 5-6 hours, elevation: 3850m to 4000m

Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

An important acclimatisation and contingency day this one which boosts chances of summit success. After breakfast, you’ll continue on a steep ridge to the Barranco Wall which will take a steady 1-2 hours to scale.

This is a challenge of both physical and mental agility; the wall appears higher than its 257m, and although it is a challenge, slow and deliberate steps are the trick to an easier scramble to the top. Most hikers find it was easier than they anticipated - so fear not!

At the top of the Wall, you will have a great view of Heim Glacier. The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley to reach your base for the night.

3.5 miles trekking, 4-5 hours, elevation: 4000m to 4000m

Day 6: Karanga camp - Barafu Camp

Continue your trek towards Barafu Camp – the last camp before summit day. The trek is a short but steep one through alpine forest and ever-thinning air.

“Barafu” in Swahili means “ice” and this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge. You’ll have an early dinner, get yourself ready for the summit push in the morning, and get some sleep. Nearly there!

2.2 miles trekking, 2-3 hours, elevation: 4000m to 4700m

Day 7: Summit day and Mweka Camp

Summit day arrives early at 02:00 as you begin the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek.

You’ll ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim before a 1-hour snowy ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point on Mt. Kilimanjaro and possibly your greatest trekking accomplishment.

After a rest and photographs, you’ll descend over loose gravel and volcano ash terrain to Mweka Camp; have your gaiters and trekking poles ready for some steep and tricky paths.

Up: 3 miles, 5-7 hours, elevation: 4700m to 5895m Down: 8 miles, 5-6 hours, descent to 3090m

Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi

After breakfast this morning you’ll continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. The weather will be significantly warmer making the terrain wet and muddy so have your gaiters and trekking poles handy.

When you reach the park gate, you’ll be rewarded with your summit certificate. Your transfer will be waiting for you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Mochi (30-minute drive).

Arrive at the hotel to enjoy a hot shower and dinner to celebrate incredible adventure.

6 miles trekking, 3-4 hours, elevation: 3090m to 1680m

Day 9: Moshi – Lake Manyara National Park

You’ll leave your hotel this morning and make your way to the Lake Manyara National Park to start the second part of your adventure, visiting three Tanzania's top five wildlife hotspots on this spectacular game safari.

You'll arrive at Lake Manyara National Park in time for lunch before you head out; this impressive park is one of Tanzania's most dramatically located wildlife areas and is home to a shallow soda lake which covers a huge two-thirds of the park.

The park’s varied habitat attracts a wide variety of animals, including one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants, tree-climbing lions, and large flocks of flamingos.

After a mesmerizing day, you’ll make your way to the Hotel Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge where you’ll enjoy dinner and stay for the night.

Day 10: Lake Manyara National Park – Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast this morning, you'll descend 600m into Ngorongoro Crater. One of the most densely populated wildlife areas in Africa, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to approximately 25,000 large mammals, including some of Tanzania's last remaining black rhino, and countless smaller species.

Supported by year-round water supply and fodder, the area is packed full of game to spot including herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, warthog, hippo and elephant, as well as their predators such as lions, hyenas, jackals and cheetahs.

You’ll enjoy lunch in the crater before making your way back to the Hotel Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge for a relaxing evening.

Day 11: Tarangire National Park Before You Head Home

Breakfast this morning, you'll make your way to the Tarangire National Park for a morning game drive. Covering 2,850sq. miles, Tarangire is the sixth largest national park in Tanzania and is famous for its diversity of wildlife.

The area around you will be hilly but keep your eyes peeled and you’re likely to see large herds of elephants wandering through the long elephant grass and tree-climbing pythons in the massive baobab trees above. The Tarangire National Park is also home to three rare species of animals –the Greater Kudu, the Fringed-eared Oryx, as well as a few Ashy Starlings.

Bringing your Tanzanian game safari to the perfect end, you'll leave Tarangire National Park and be taken back to Moshi for a final farewell dinner.

Day 12: Time to Head Home

Breakfast this morning will mark the end of this remarkable trip; you may decide to continue your adventure in Tanzania, but if it’s time to go home, your transfer will be ready to take you back to the airport.

Your first and final nights will be spent at the Kili Wonder Hotel just 4km from Moshi Town and 40km from the airport.

This 4-star boutique hotel has a restaurant on-site where you can enjoy an international breakfast and a la carte dinner. If you fancy something a little more casual, there’s the 4th-floor Summit Bar offering live cooking of fresh pizzas and flame grilled BBQ meats, as well as a stunning view of Mt. Kili and Moshi Town.

The rooms are modern and comfortable with en-suite bathroom and free WiFi.

During the trek, you will camp at a number of camps along the Machame route.

During the safari, you’ll stay at the Ngorongoro Farm House. This quaint hotel boasts hand plaited thatched rooftops, ample verandas and colonial interiors.

There are a lounge and on-site restaurant which holds buffet-style meals offering a variety of dishes prepared with the fresh vegetables from the farm’s gardens.

The hotel has 52 chalet-style rooms with rustic décor. Rooms have an en-suite bathroom and a balcony with incredible views.

You will be sharing a twin room for hotel nights and a tent will be provided per two people for camping nights. There is the option to upgrade to a private room or tent if you would like to do so - please see Optional Extras.

There are six established routes to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro - Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west of the mountain; the Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south; and the Rongai route approaches from the north near Kenya. All routes, except Marangu, descend via Mweka.

The Machame route, also known as the whisky route, is considered one of the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro. Its paths will take you through forests and moorlands with endless panoramic views along the way. Whether it be due to the steady incline or the scenery, this route has one of the higher summit success rates.

Tarangire National Park covers 2850sq. miles and is the sixth largest national park in Tanzania. This well-watered park is famous for its diversity of wildlife; large herds of wandering elephants and tree climbing pythons often spotted in the branches of its massive iconic baobab trees.

This park is worth a visit to experience the perfect diversity of East Africa and Tanzania between July and December when large numbers of animals migrate from Lake Manyara.

The Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to approximately 25,000 large mammals and a huge variety of smaller species making it a target for discerning safari goers. Due to the plentiful water and food available on the crater floor throughout the year, the area is packed with game. The vast escarpments and flat grassy plains, yellow barked Acacia trees, wetlands and lakes attracting massive Flamingo migrations with over 300 species of birds to make this park an awe-inspiring sight as one of the natural wonders of the world.

Kilimanjaro Airport - Anytime
Your adventure begins at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) with your private airport transfer at any time of the day. Your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area. Once arrived, you’ll be met by your guide for a quick gear check and meeting at your hotel in Moshi.

Alternatively, if you’re in Tanzania already, your host can arrange a pick-up from any point in Tanzania upon request (not included). You’ll meet your fellow adventurers the next day for the start of the trek.

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi - Anytime
Your adventure ends with an overnight stay at the Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi. From here you may decide to continue your adventure in Tanzania or ask your host to arrange a private airport transfer for any flight departing that day. The airport transfer takes circa 2 hours.