Machame Route & Safari

6 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route & 2-day Safari to Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater

$1999-2124 USD

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Safari summary

Whiskey Route
In an overall comparison of routes to scale Kilimanjaro, this is one of the best, both for acclimatization and cost. The Machame route is considered difficult and is better suited to more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.
The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity, there are increased numbers of trekkers, and it loses some of its splendor. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.
In certain sections, this route is steeper than the Marangu and Rongai routes and physically more demanding, but is easier overall. Great for acclimatization with lots of walk-high, sleep-low opportunities. Challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones.
Then, we will join on a two-day adventure into the Tanzanian safari parks on a quest to discover the hundreds of magnificent species of birds and animals that make this beautiful landscape their home. We’ll visit the most vibrant parks, including the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Tarangire National Park, from the numerous herds of African elephants to the colossal termite mounds and the ancient baobab trees.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro Ngorongoro Crater Tarangire

Fine details

Safari highlights

Bird watching—with professional guide
Photography safari—with professional guide
Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to Moshi, enjoying beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro along the way. After checking into your hotel, take time to organize and check your trekking gear, with rental equipment available if needed. Later, you can relax or explore Moshi’s lively streets, soak up the local atmosphere, and experience the warm hospitality of Tanzania.

camping

Hotel to Machame Gate 1830m

Kilimanjaro

Distance: 11km/7mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Montane Forest Drive from the hotel to Machame Gate The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

camping

Machame Camp 3050m to Shira

Kilimanjaro

Distance: 5km/3mi Walking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland After breakfast, begin your trek to Shira Camp, leaving the rainforest behind and entering the open moorland. Enjoy your first panoramic views of the Shira Plateau as you gain altitude. The trail is not technically difficult, but a steady pace is essential for acclimatization. After lunch and a short rest at camp, take an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower before returning to Shira Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

camping

Shira Camp to Lava Tower 3850m

Kilimanjaro

Distance: 10km/6mi Walking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Semi-desert After breakfast, trek from Shira Camp to Lava Tower, following a route of steady ascents and descents. This is an important acclimatization day, so you'll spend time at Lava Tower and enjoy lunch there. Afterward, descend to Barranco Camp. Along the way, admire the impressive Barranco Wall, which you'll climb the next day via a straightforward and enjoyable hiking trail.

camping

Barranco Camp 4000m to Barafu

Kilimanjaro

Distance: 9km/6mi Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert After an early breakfast, begin the climb up the Barranco Wall, a rewarding ascent that offers stunning views of Kibo Volcano. After a short rest and photo stop, continue to Karanga Camp along a trail with several ups and downs. Following lunch at Karanga, make the final ascent to Barafu Camp. Enjoy dinner and spend the rest of the afternoon resting and preparing for the midnight summit attempt.

camping

Barafu Camp - Summit to Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro

Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 a.m., you begin your final ascent up Mount Kilimanjaro toward Stella Point, climbing steep scree between the glaciers. This is the toughest section, but you are rewarded with a beautiful sunrise at the crater rim. From there, continue about one hour to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for lunch, then continue to Mweka Camp for your final night.

camping

Mweka Camp to Mweka to Arusha

Kilimanjaro

Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest We make the final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to the hotel in Arusha for a hot shower, a celebratory dinner, and overnight. As we continue on a safari the following day, well, that’s another adventure, and get ready, relax, and have a good sleep for another adventure tomorrow.

Camping

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Tarangire

We will depart for Tarangire National Park early in the morning. Once we arrive in Tarangire, we will begin exploring the enormous termite mounds and the ancient baobab trees. This park is renowned for its diverse bird species and extensive population of elephants. There are regular sightings of ferocious lions, giraffes, warthogs, cheetahs, mongooses, buffaloes, and mischievous baboons. In the afternoon will continue and be transferred to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

camping

Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, you will transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. Enjoy a game drive across the crater floor, where you may see lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, and even the rare black rhino. Your guide will explain the area’s unique ecosystem and wildlife behavior as you explore forests, grasslands, and lakes within the crater. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Arusha for dinner and overnight stay.

camping

Arusha – Arusha/Kilimanjaro Airport

Kilimanjaro

Today, after breakfast, relax at the lodge, and if you have free time, take a short tour in Arusha for shopping with our guide. Then you'll be transferred to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home

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