Budget-Friendly Kilimanjaro Climb – 6-Day Machame Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, your private driver from Serengeti Wildlife Safaris will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Accommodation options include Greenside Hotel, Africa Safari Arusha, Forest Hill, or Gran Meliá Arusha based on your preference.

Later in the evening, your mountain guide will conduct a full pre-climb briefing, answer questions, and perform a gear check to ensure you're fully prepared for your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure.

• Elevation: ~1,400m
• Meals: Dinner

Your journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro officially begins. After breakfast, drive (~2 hours) to Machame Gate for registration with Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. The hike starts through the lush montane rainforest, where you may spot monkeys, birds, and exotic plant life. You’ll arrive at Machame Camp in the afternoon for dinner and rest.

• Elevation: 1,640m (Machame Gate), 2,835m (Machame Camp)
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

• Meals: B, L, D
• Overnight: Machame Camp

Today is a steep but shorter hike through heather and moorland. You’ll leave the forest behind and hike across volcanic ridges and open terrain with dramatic views. You’ll reach Shira Cave Camp, located on a high plateau with panoramic views of the mountain and valleys below.

• Elevation: 2,835m → 3,850m
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Moorland

• Meals: B, L, D
• Overnight: Shira Camp

This is a critical acclimatization day. You’ll ascend to Lava Tower, then descend to Barranco Camp. This climb-high, sleep-low strategy significantly increases your chances of summit success. Along the way, you’ll pass the Arrow Glacier and take in views of the Western Breach. At Barranco, enjoy one of the best sunsets on Kilimanjaro beside the iconic Barranco Wall.

•  Elevation: 3,850m 4,630m (Lava Tower) 3,976m (Barranco Camp)
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Semi-desert

• Meals: B, L, D
• Overnight: Barranco Camp

Begin the day with a fun and challenging scramble up the Barranco Wall. Then continue across rocky terrain to Karanga Camp, where you'll stop for lunch and refill water (last water point before summit). Afterward, continue to Barafu Camp, your final base before summit night. Dinner is served early so you can rest before the midnight push.

        . Elevation: 3,976m 3,995m (Karanga) 4,673m (Barafu Camp)

• Distance: 9 km
• Hiking Time: 7–9 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Alpine desert

• Meals: B, L, D
• Overnight: Barafu Camp

Summit day! Wake up at midnight, have a hot drink and snacks, and begin your ascent under the stars. Using headlamps, you’ll trek through the dark, passing Stella Point (5,756m) at sunrise. Shortly after, you’ll reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and the pinnacle of your Mount Kilimanjaro climbing journey.

After a short celebration and photo session, descend to Barafu for a quick rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

• Elevation: 4,673m 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) 3,100m (Mweka Camp)
• Distance: 17 km
• Hiking Time: 11–15 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Arctic Alpine Forest

• Meals: B, L, D
• Overnight: Mweka Camp

After breakfast, continue descending through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here you’ll receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate. You’ll be met by your driver and transferred back to Arusha.

Upon arrival, enjoy a free post-climb massage to relax sore muscles. If you prefer, we can also take you for a free visit to Chemka Hot Springs, a natural geothermal pool perfect for swimming and celebrating your achievement.

• Elevation: 3,100m 1,640m
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

• Meals: B, L
• Overnight: Greenside Hotel or your preferred lodge