7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route worth booking?
7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route is a 2-hour experience in Arusha, Tanzania, from $2564 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (15)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $2564 per person
Machame route is the most popular path. It is the route of choice for many people because it provides impressive views and a variety of habitats. About 50% of all climbers, especially the seasoned climbers, prefer the Ma
What you get
About this experience
Machame route is the most popular path. It is the route of choice for many people because it provides impressive views and a variety of habitats. About 50% of all climbers, especially the seasoned climbers, prefer the Machame route for summiting Kilimanjaro.
What's included
Included
- 3 Season mountain tents
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation at the hotel in moshi
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- Breakfast
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- 2- way private airport transfers
- Tea and coffee
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- Double layered Sleeping Mats
Not included
- Flights
- Tips to mountain crew
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry Services
- Any service not mentioned above
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$65 per toilet + toilet tent)
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Youth Adventures and Safaris
Know before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Day 1: Drive To Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike To Machame Camp
- After a breakfast, you will be briefed on what to expect during the hiking and some secrets behind concurring the summit. And then one hour drive from Moshi town to Machame village (1490m). Guides and porters will pack your gears and food at the village. You will also be given lunch packs and mineral water at the village, which will save you as you spend seven (7) hours walking to the next stopover (Machame hut). After you have completed the registration process at the gate, you will then kick start the enjoyable hiking and will reach the Machame hut late in the afternoon. Accommodations on the mountain are tents.
- Day 2: Hike Machame Camp To Shira Camp
- We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.
- Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Heath
- Day 3: Hike Shira – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
- Following a ridge, we move east and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower which is a 300 feet tall volcanic rock formation. We’ll be descending down to Barraco Camp following the beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. You’ll be beginning and ending the day approximately at the same elevation, but the time spend in this altitude is beneficial for acclimatizing your body.
- Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
- Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
- Distance: 7 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
- Distance: 3 km/2 miles
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Day 4: Hike Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
- We’ll begin our day with a descending trek into a ravine which is located at the base of the Great Barranco Wall. We’ll be climbing a 900 ft cliff which is non-technical in nature, but steep. Through a series of hills and valleys, we descend sharply into the Karanga Valley. Another set of steep climb will lead us to Karanga Camp. A short day means it is good for acclimatization.
- Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
- We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. This will mark the completion of southern circuit which provided excellent view from many different angles. We’ll set up our camp here and rest for the day. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and prepare for the next summit day. Peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are easily spotted in here.
- Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
- Distance: 4 km/2 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak
- Just past midnight, we’ll begin our summit to the top. This is considered the most challenging part of the journey when the wind and cold can be extreme at any period of the day. With short and frequent breaks, we ascend in the darkness. Once reaching at the Stella Point which is at an elevation of 18,900 ft, you’ll be rewarded with one of the stunning view of the sunrise coming over the Mawenzi Peak. After spending some time at Stella Point, we continue on to the roof of Africa, the Uhuru Peak.
- As we descend from the summit, we climb down to the Mweka Hut Camp site, making a brief stop at Barafu for our lunch. The trail is rocky which can be stressful for the knees. In this scenario, trekking poles will be really helpful. The camp is situated in the upper forest where mist and rain in the late afternoon are common occurrence. Late in the evening, we’ll have our last dinner on the mountain and will relax for the rest of the day.
- Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
- Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
- Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
- Distance: 12 km/7 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
- Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
- On our last day, we’ll be descending down to the Mweka Gate where we’ll collect our summit certificates. AThe lower reaches can be muddy and wet depending upon rain. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. Youth Adventures and Safaris vehicle will meet you at Mweka Gate and transfer you to the hotel in Moshi.
- Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
- Distance: 10 km/6 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
8 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Couldn't summit without Daniel and his team
I have to say I couldn’t summit without Daniel and his team! They made our life time experience so memorable! I don’t know how many WhatsApp messages have been communicated between Daniel and us. He seemed always there to answer the questions instantly 24/7. The information he provided equipped us very well for the trip from the initial planning, the packing list, the special food and allergy accommodation, and communication during our hike, etc. With 3 of us inexperienced hikers, we have two guides, one cook, and eleven porters to team up with us. Both the lead guide, Gilbert and the assistant guide, Yahya were friendly, knowledgeable, and patient with us. The first a few days were pleasant until the last two days of summit and descending. I was struck by the altitude problems at the beginning of the summit, I couldn’t stop vomiting and delayed the whole group. With my friend Ani shivering over the freezing weather, Gilbert and Yahya made a strategic decision to separate us to two groups. Gilbert and Innocent stayed with me, cheered for me, carried the day pack for me. Even when I had a few meltdowns and refused to walk they treated me with respect, patience and sympathy, and encouraged me that you can do it! The summit was a phenomenon, but descending was another hurdle, steep and slippery. Paulo assisted me all the way done to the base camp. Even though he didn’t speak much English he knew when to stop to give me a break and when to carry on. Of course, the other porters carried out the daily tasks - setting up the tents, cooking the fresh meals above 4600 meters (15,000 feet), carrying the supplies and our duffle bags, etc. Without their hard work we couldn’t summit! Daniel and his team have helped me to accomplish one of the most difficult tasks in my life. For that I am grateful to have you on my side!
Response from the operator: Dear Cindy It's always pleasure to meet the dream of our client's , you had a dream to make up to the summit and your dream become our goal , thanks for keep trusting us and choose us to lead you to Kilimanjro Mt. Thanks
via Tripadvisor
Made our dream come true!
My friend Cindy wanted to go on this trip 3 years ago, but because of COVID, we had to postpone until July ‘22. Meanwhile, Daniel and his team patiently and graciously waited for us to finally rebook. We found out about Youth Adventures by word of mouth. With a 100% success rate, Daniel and his amazing team made our dreams come true 100%. Our goal to summit was their goal, and they made sure we did it safely, showing us care and consideration all the way thru, and coaxing and coaching us when we needed it. Daniel, the company owner, was there to answer every question within minutes, for months before we even got there. When we finally arrived, he picked us up from the airport, took us to dinner, and checked our gear to make sure we were good to go. When my flight was changed at the last minute, he was there to help me with airport and hotel changes to make and made sure I got out safely and on time. He even messaged our family to let them know how we were doing when we were up on the mountain and didn’t have internet access. He continuously checked in with the guides to make sure we were doing alright. Gilbert & Yahya, our Super Guides, were absolutely amazing. They literally know every rock on the mountain and we trusted them with our lives. They checked our vitals every day to make sure we were ok to proceed to higher altitudes. And when the going got tough, which it did, they were there to cheer us on and coax us to keep going even when we ourselves did not know we had it in us to do so. They believed, so we believed. The porters that helped us summit, Innocent and Paolo, were super positive, pleasant and definitely on team US. John (aka Hallelujah) was always there to help us clean up and make sure we got up, our “mommy” for the trip. And so many more amazing porters who carried pounds of gear and food for us up the mountain. Not sure how they did it, but they left after we started our daily trek, and were always there to greet us at the next camp with smiles and high fives. Our tents were always set up when we arrived and we always had hot water ready for us for washing off the ever-present mountain trekking dust. Entering camp after a long day of trekking felt like coming home ❤️ On the way back, I met a few people that did not summit for one reason or another. Not that summitting is everything, but it was our goal, and this made me realize we chose the best Adventure Guides in Tanzania! You won’t be disappointed! They really are AMAZING! Thank you Youth Adventures for the adventure of a lifetime. I would definitely recommend Youth Adventures in a heartbeat.
Response from the operator: Dear Ani Thanks so much for your feedback , we really apricate it were looking forward to welcoming you soon with your friends and family again Tanzania is calling and the mountain is waiting for you. Thanks
via Tripadvisor
Second time up Kili. Solo Trip. Fantastic Personalized Experience. Far exceeded expectations.
Visiting Moshi a decade later than the first time I went I couldn’t resist trying to Summit Kili via the Machame route (first time Marangu). Daniel met me at the airport and arranged steller accommodation at Keys hotel. He also put together an amazing team of 7 to support me on the mountain. Gilberto the head guide was friendly, experienced, calm, helpful, and caring. This mountain man is the reason I was able to summit again with relative ease. When I needed pacing he told me to slow down, reminded me when I needed to drink water, and when a hike went faster than planned we were able to do an extra small acclimatization hike. The rest of the team made sure to make me feel as much a part of the team as well as providing an at home feel on the mountain. Hallelujah my waiter promised to “love me like a baby”. With daily wake up calls and timely food service he did just that every single day of the trek. Mojamoja the head chef put together a fantastic menu every day from morning to evening. He checked with my dietary needs to see if I had any restrictions and was willing to accommodate. More impressively the meals were proportional to the exertion of the trek day and the day to come. Sometimes this would be a lot of food, tho the appetite at altitude doesn’t always match its important to replenish calories. It’s easy to get swept away by the majestic nature of Kilimanjaro’s biomes but I must say Daniels procurement of top notch people and attention to detail may yet be more impressive. There wasn’t a minute of the trip on and even off the mountain where I felt that my needs were not taken care of.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Kilimanjaro Hiking
A great thank you to Youth Adventures for a fantastic trip, from the hotel accommodation and to the leading guide John and his awesome team on the mountain. Their proficiency in running a smart operation where everything was well run and organised was amazing. We were well fed, well informed, there was no guess work as to what to expect the following day, or what was expected of us. We had a trip of a lifetime with lots of laughter and memories. I'll definitely recommend Youth Adventures for their patience in answering all my trip questions before, to assisting in organizing my climbing gears in Moshi Kilimanjaro, and in helping when we arrived at the airport. A huge thumbs up to Daniel and the Company.
via Tripadvisor
Awesome experience till top of Kilimanjaro with Youth Adventures
We hiked Kilimanjaro via the Machame route with Youth Adventures in February 2019 and we're extremely satisfied with the service they provided. The communication ahead of our trip ran smoothly, the team answered all our questions in a timely manner. Once in Moshi, the day before the trek, our guide came to our hotel to brief us on the programme and check our equipment to make sure we had everything required for a safe and successful climb. We were able to hire the missing gear from the agency (namely a very warm and good quality sleeping bag which turned to be perfect for the cold nights in the mountain). The whole team (guides, cook, porters) who went with us during the trek was extremely professional, friendly and very supportive. They made our trip enjoyable with many attentions (setting the tent in quiet and nice locations at each camp, delicious and (more than enough) food, etc.). Our guides, Makashi and Gilbert, were very knowledgeable about Kilimanjaro, gave useful tips to increase our chances of success and took good care of us. We learnt a lot about Kili, Tanzanian culture and people by speaking with them during the hikes and the meals. We will never thank them enough for their help during summit night as they made things easy for us when we started feeling exhausted (took one of our backpacks, helped with the gears, reminded us to drink regularly, etc.). Once the trek finished, Daniel, the founder of the agency, welcomed us warmly in his office to celebrate our success (with Kilimanjaro beers!). He also organised a one-day trip to the Chemka hot springs, which was the best option to relax after the trek. Hiking the Kilimanjaro was a dream to us, Youth Adventures helped us achieve it in the best conditions. We strongly recommend it to anyone wishing to take on the challenge! Asante sana Youth Adventures!
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for choosing us on the among of the many tour company's , were happy your dream become our goal's and we was able to meet it, congratulation again successfully summit Mount Kilimanjaro with us. Thanks
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $2564 to $2987
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Arusha.
How much does 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route cost?
+
Prices start at $2564 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Arusha usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route take?
+
Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Arusha is not rushed.
Is 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 15 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Arusha, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route?
+
Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Arusha can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Arusha and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Arusha within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Arusha?
+
On Outty we rank every Arusha experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Materuni Waterfalls, coffee tour & Kikuletwa Hot Springs, 4 Days Group Camping Safari, 3 Days Serengeti & Ngorongoro Group Camping Safari. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Arusha?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Arusha?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route.
Pick your date
