10-Day Climbing Kilimanjaro Machame Route & 2-Day Safari

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel, relax and prepare yourself for an amazing adventure. Meet your mountain guide for a pre-climb briefing, equipment check, and final preparation. Relax and get ready for the big adventure.

After an early breakfast, you'll drive to Machame Gate (1,800m) for registration and final preparations. Once everything is set, begin your trek through the beautiful rainforest. The trail is rich with lush vegetation, colorful birds, and the chance to spot colobus monkeys along the way. The hike is moderate and scenic, gradually ascending to Machame Camp (3,000m), where your crew will have set up tents and dinner will be served. Relax and rest for the day ahead. Trek: 11 km / 5–7 hrs Zone: Rainforest.

After breakfast, you’ll climb steadily through the forest and enter the moorland zone. The vegetation thins as you gain altitude, offering views of Mount Meru and Kibo Peak on clear days. You’ll cross small streams and volcanic ridges before reaching Shira Camp (3,840m), set on a high plateau. Trek: 5 km / 4–6 hrs Zone: Moorland.

Today is important for acclimatization. You’ll hike to Lava Tower (4,630m), then descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m). The changing altitude helps your body adjust. The day ends near the impressive Barranco Wall with great views of the southern glaciers. Trek: 10 km / 6–8 hrs Zone: Alpine Desert.

After breakfast, you’ll tackle the famous Barranco Wall—a short but steep scramble that opens to stunning views. The trail then leads through valleys and ridges before arriving at Karanga Camp (4,035m). This is a shorter day, allowing more time to rest and acclimatize. Trek: 5 km / 4–5 hrs Zone: Alpine Desert.

You’ll climb gradually toward Barafu Camp (4,640m), the final base before your summit attempt. The route crosses a barren, windswept landscape. Once at camp, you’ll eat early, rest, and prepare for the midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak. Trek: 4 km / 3–4 hrs Zone: Alpine Desert.

Around midnight, you’ll begin the challenging summit trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Expect cold temperatures and a slow pace as you ascend in darkness. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Barafu for rest and then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for overnight. Trek: 15 km / 12–15 hrs Zones: Arctic to Rainforest.

After your final breakfast on the mountain, begin your descent from Mweka Camp through the lush rainforest. The trail can be slippery, especially if it has rained, so take your time as you walk through a beautiful landscape filled with birdlife and occasional sightings of monkeys. After 3–4 hours, you’ll arrive at Mweka Gate (1,640m), where you'll check out and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate—an achievement to be proud of. Your driver will be waiting at the gate to transfer you back to Arusha. Enjoy the scenic drive as you return to town, where a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and a delicious meal await. This evening is yours to relax, reflect on your achievement, and prepare for the safari adventure that begins the next day. Trek: 10 km / 3–4 hrs Zone: Rainforest

Depart Arusha after breakfast and head to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive. The park is famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal swamps. You may spot lions, giraffes, and many bird species. In the evening, drive to Mto wa Mbu.

After an early breakfast, depart for Ngorongoro Crater, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descend into the crater floor and enjoy a 5–6 hour game drive, spotting a variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and possibly rare black rhinos. Take a picnic lunch surrounded by breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, begin the drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon to conclude your tour. You'll be dropped off at the airport or hotel.