7 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE CLIMBING
(+ 2 days in a hotel)
7 Days Machame Route is a great way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and enjoy amazing views. This route gives you more time to adjust to the altitude, making it easier to reach the summit. During the 7 Days Machame Route, you will pass through forests, moorlands, and rocky paths. Our team provides professional guides, tasty meals, safe camping equipment, and full support to make your journey fun and successful. Choose the 7 Days Machame Route for the best climbing experience on Kilimanjaro.
Itinerary summary
- Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
- Day 2: Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)
- Day 3: Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)
- Day 4: Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
- Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)
- Day 6: Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
- Day 7: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)
- Day 8: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
- Day 9: Depart Tanzania

Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)
One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
- Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)
Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.
- Distance covered: 5.4km / 3.4mi
- Approx. time taken: 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.
- Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 8 hrs
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)
Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
- Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi
- Approx. time taken: 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.
- Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi
- Approx. time taken: 3 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)
We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
- Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
- Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 8: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.
- Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi
- Approx. time taken: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 9: Departure Tanzania
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Hotels check out is 11:00am. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay till 6:00 PM for an extra fee
PRICE FOR 7 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE CLIMBING
Prices (quoted in USD/per person)
1 Person | 2 – 4 People | 5 – 6 People | 7 – 9 People | 10 & Above |
---|---|---|---|---|
$2,392 USD | $1,800 USD | $1,750 USD | $1,680 USD | $1,650 USD |
7 Days Machame Route – Cost Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’re paying for on the 7 Days Machame Route with Bush Lion Trekking and Tours:
Expense | Cost ($) | Details |
---|---|---|
Kilimanjaro Park Fees + Tax | $970.76 | Includes entrance, camping, and rescue fees (mandatory). |
2 Nights Hotel in Moshi | $140.00 | Stay at Panama Garden Resort ($70 per night, includes breakfast). |
Airport Transfers | $80.00 | Pick-up and drop-off from Kilimanjaro Airport. |
Transport to Kilimanjaro Gate | $80.00 | Roundtrip transport from your hotel to the Machame Gate. |
Food on the Mountain | $192.5 | Nutritious and freshly prepared meals during the climb. |
Salaries for 6 Crew Members | $460.00 | Fair wages for guides, porters, and cooks. |
Climbing Gear & Support | Included | Tents, sleeping bags, mats, and safety equipment. |
Total Cost Per Person | $1,923.26 | *Excludes tips , personal gear, and Travel Insurance ( Covers evacuation, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations).* |
Why Choose Bush Lion Trekking and Tours?
- Transparent Pricing: Every cost is explained upfront, so you know exactly where your money goes.
- Fair Treatment: We ensure ethical practices and fair pay for all crew members.
- High Safety Standards: Our team is trained to prioritize your health and safety at every step.
- Unforgettable Experience: With well-trained guides, excellent food, and top-notch equipment, we ensure a memorable climb.
Why Avoid Cheap Companies for Kilimanjaro Climbing?
Choosing a cheap company may seem like a way to save money, but it can lead to significant risks and a poor experience. Many low-cost operators cut corners on essential services, such as:
- Underpaid Staff: Guides, porters, and cooks often receive unfair wages.
- Low-Quality Gear: Old or unsafe equipment can compromise your safety and comfort.
- Poor Food Quality: Meals may lack proper nutrition for a challenging climb.
- Hidden Costs: You might face unexpected charges that weren’t disclosed initially.
- Lack of Safety Measures: Budget operators often skip providing oxygen tanks, pulse oximeters, or proper medical support.
With Bush Lion Trekking and Tours, we focus on transparency, fair treatment of our crew, and providing high-quality services. Our prices reflect the true cost of a safe and enjoyable Kilimanjaro experience.
Included
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
- 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi (BB) Panama Garden Resort/Parkview inn hotel
- Pre-Climb Briefing And Orientation
- Park Fees And Permits
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate Park entry fees,
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- Double layered Sleeping Mats 4 inches (10cm) thick
- 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- 4 Season Mountain Tents
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Safety Equipment (Like Oxygen Tanks, First Aid Kits, Etc.)
- Portable Flush Toilet with a toilet tent
- Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate
Not Included
- Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
- Travel Insurance (Medical, Evacuation, Trip Cancellation, Etc.)
- Personal Gear (Such As Hiking Boots, Clothing, Backpacks, Etc.)
- Tips For Guides, Porters, And Other Staff
- Additional Accommodation And Meals Before Or After The Climb
- Alcoholic Beverages And Other Personal Expenses
- Laundry (Available at hotel).
Payment Terms
Deposit Payment
- Deposit is $100 of the total booking amount.
- Deposit can be paid either via a bank transfer or an online card payment.
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges), this is non-refundable.
- We offer bank accounts in 10 different currencies for bank transfer.
- Once you make the advance payment you will receive a booking confirmation.
Balance Payment
- Balance can be paid via bank transfer, online card payment, or with cash.
- Bank payment can be done 15 days prior to the tour date (recommended 30 days prior).
- Card Payment can be done 1 day prior to the tour date (recommended 7 days prior).
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charge), this is non-refundable.
- Cash can be paid on arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009).
Cancellation Policy
8 days and above departure
- No cancellation fees.
0 to 7 days before departure
- 50% of the total tour price will be charged as cancellation fees.
- The 5% surcharge paid for either or both advance and balance payments is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the trek.
What They Say About Us
EXCELLENT Based on 49 reviews Farzaneh R2025-02-08Verified Safari and climbing mount Kilimanjaro I must say that every thing was great. We climbed mount Kilimanjaro and had a two days Safari. The food was great during climbing and team members specially main guides, Mohammad, Yahya and Luma were so friendly and kind. Also we were in touch with Jacson all the time and he handled our requests even helped us rearranging some of our plans. I am so greatful for having such a great experience with this amazing team. 宇威 顾2025-02-04Verified Mount adventure I was soloing going to Tanzania for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, I contacted with Jackson, he showed every details for the route and pricing, it is all clear. And the whole team is great during the climbing period. Thanks a lot for making a n amazing adventure, I successfully get to the summit with the team. Masoud Farahbakhsh2025-02-03Verified great experience We climbed Kilimanjaro from Marangu route with this company. I am a mountain guide in Iran and I should say Jackson, Janeth and the team worked very hard and well for us. Good services, friendly porters, delicious food suitable for the altitude, leaders Mohammad, Yahya and Luma were inspiring and everything was good. I recommend working with this company and for the next time i cooperate again with Bush lion tours. Rossella G2025-01-30Verified Amazing 8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek – Highly Recommended! The team was absolutely fantastic! The cook prepared different, delicious, and well-balanced meals every day. One team member was always ready with a hot drink in the tent, and everyone was incredibly friendly, smiling, and always helpful.We were provided with everything needed—nothing was missing. The gear check was very professional, ensuring we had the right equipment for the trek. The organization was impeccable, from landing to departure.Highly recommended! flora w2025-01-12Verified excellent experience Me and my 13 years old boy went to 4 Days Safari Tour with Bush Lion team, we got very excellent experience. The itinerary was well arranged and not stressful, the hotel accommodation was also very comfortable. the most important is we got a very professional guide, he was very experienced and polote, he took us to find a lot of animals and also showed us the beautiful Africa view. it was wonderful trip for us, thank you so much ! flora w2025-01-12Verified excellent experience Me and my 13 years old boy went to the Kilimanjaro Trek with Bush Lion team. From boss to the employees, everyone is very professional and caring. They have a real and perfect price. Careful communication and constant reminders before the trip; Long wait at the airport in the middle of the night. During the trek, they have professional tour guys, porters and chefs, they provided us with adequate protection and support. Without their help, we cannot summit on the 1/1/25.Standing on the top of Mountain Kilimanjaro on the first day of the new year and looking at the glaciers on the equator is a sacred thing for us, thank you so much for all your help ! Bennett R2024-12-10Verified A Life-Changing Kilimanjaro Trek on the Lemosho Route We had an incredible time trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route in Tanzania. I highly recommend this route as it offers the best chances of reaching the summit and provides amazing views throughout the hike.The guides and porters were professional, friendly, and very experienced. They took great care of us, ensuring we were always comfortable, well-fed, and in good health.Along the way, we learned a lot from the team including some Swahili phrases and local songs. They made the entire journey fun and memorable.The summit night was challenging, especially with the darkness and cold temperatures, but we both made it to the top. This success was made possible by our amazing crew.A big thank you to Senior Guide Elisafi and the entire team for making this experience unforgettable! Manuela J2024-11-24Verified Amazing Safari & Relaxation We booked a safari through Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, finishing with a relaxing stay in Zanzibar. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, we met our driver, John, who made the whole experience unforgettable.John is an incredible person with a true love for nature and culture. He made us feel like we were traveling together as a team, always going the extra mile to make our dream trip come true. The communication with Bush Lion Tours was excellent, ensuring everything ran smoothly.If you want a perfect, fully organised trip with a friendly, enthusiastic guide, ask for John! This is a trip we will never forget. Paisley N2024-11-18Verified Highly Recommend Bush Lion for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro I wanted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro using the 7-day Machame route. I contacted many top agencies, but Bush Lion, owned by Jackson, gave me the best price and was super responsive.Before the climb, Jackson and my guide Innocent met me at my hotel. They checked my gear and gave me a full briefing on what to expect. Innocent, along with the cook and the porters, played a huge role in helping me get to the top of Uhuru Peak and back safely. Every day, I had delicious meals, and Innocent always made sure to check my health and oxygen levels before bed.The porters went above and beyond. After setting up camp, they would walk back hours to carry my small bag while I was still on the trail. When I was coming down from the peak, they even climbed up to greet me with fresh juice and helped carry me for the last part of the descent because my knees were hurting.I’m really grateful for all their support. Their main goal is to make sure clients reach the summit safely and successfully. Léontine S2024-11-09Verified An Unforgettable 4-Day Safari in Tanzania We went on a 4-day safari in October 2024, visiting some of Tanzania's most famous parks like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National. The safari was perfectly organized by Bush Lion Tours, and they made sure everything was exactly as we wanted.Every part of the safari exceeded our expectations, from the knowledgeable guides to the excellent lodges we stayed in. The service was outstanding, and we felt well taken care of throughout the trip.We highly recommend Bush Lion Tours for anyone looking to experience a truly amazing safari in Tanzania. They made our trip unforgettable!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more