11-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route & Big 5 Safari Experience
/ per person
This unforgettable 11-day adventure is perfect for travelers looking to summit Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route and experience a classic Northern Circuit safari. After conquering Africa’s highest peak, unwind on game drives through Lake Manyara, the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park home to big cats, elephants, and baobab-studded savannahs.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our driver will meet and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you'll meet your mountain guide for a detailed climb briefing and final gear check. Take time to relax and adjust before the trek begins.
- Overnight: Park View Inn or similar – Moshi
- Meals: Dinner included
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (3,000m)
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate for registration. The trek begins through lush rainforest where you may spot monkeys and tropical birds. Today’s walk is scenic and steadily uphill.
- Hiking Distance: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Zone: Rainforest
- Overnight: Machame Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,840m)
Today’s trek climbs steadily through the moorland zone, with views of rolling hills and Kibo Peak. You’ll reach the scenic Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert.
- Hiking Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
- Zone: Moorland
- Overnight: Shira Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
This is an important acclimatization day. You'll hike to Lava Tower (4,630m) before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach improves your adaptation to the altitude.
- Hiking Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
- Zone: Alpine Desert
- Overnight: Barranco Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,995m)
Start the day by climbing the impressive Barranco Wall, then traverse valleys and ridges to reach Karanga Camp, with breathtaking views and less altitude gain.
- Hiking Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Zone: Alpine Desert
- Overnight: Karanga Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m)
A short but steep climb to Barafu Base Camp. You'll rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. Early dinner and early sleep are essential.
- Hiking Distance: 4 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Zone: Alpine Desert
- Overnight: Barafu Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Around midnight, begin your final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Witness an unforgettable sunrise at the summit. After celebration and photos, descend to Mweka Camp.
- Total Distance: ~17 km
- Time: 12–14 hours
- Zones: Arctic / Alpine / Rainforest
- Overnight: Mweka Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Complete your descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Transfer to Arusha for rest and a well-deserved shower.
- Hiking Distance: 10 km
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Overnight: Venus Premier Hotel or similar – Arusha
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, elephants, and hippos. Enjoy an afternoon game drive and scenic picnic.
- Overnight: Marera Valley Lodge – Karatu
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Tarangire
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive caldera hosts the Big Five and hundreds of bird species. Later, drive to Tarangire area.
- Overnight: Osupuko Lodge or similar – Near Tarangire
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Tarangire National Park – Return to Arusha
Enjoy a morning game drive in Tarangire National Park, famous for huge elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. In the afternoon, return to Arusha or get transferred directly to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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