7 Days Group Budget Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route in Tanzania from Zanzibar (2026 - 2027)

Moshi - Machame Gate 1800 m to Machame Camp

Elevation (ft): 1,800 m to 2835 m

Distance: 11 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest/ Rain Forest

Full Board at Machame Camp

The trek commences at Machame Gate (1830m), where you will traverse the verdant lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Gradually ascending while appreciating the varied plant and animal life of the rain forest, you will reach the initial Machame Camp, located at an elevation of 3000m above sea level. Should the day be clear, you might catch your first glimpse of the glaciated dome of Kibo, provided the evening clouds allow.

Machame Camp 2835M to Shira Cave Camp (3,750 M)

Elevation (ft): 2835 m to 3,750 m

Distance: 5 km

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Full Board Shira Cave Camp

A shorter day climbs up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as a picnic site and continues up a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo Peak can be seen from Shira Cave Camp.

Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp VIA Lava Tower camp

Elevation (ft): Shira Cave Camp 3,750 m to Barranco Camp 3,900 m

Distance: 10 km

Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Today, you embark on a gentle ascent while enjoying panoramic views. You navigate the southwest flank of Mount Kilimanjaro, moving beneath the Lava Tower and the concluding segment of the Western Breach. Following a warm lunch at the base of the Lava Tower (4,600 m), you descend to the floor of the Great Barranco Valley (3,950 m).

Barranco Camp to Karanga camp

Elevation (ft): Barranco Camp 3,900 m to Karanga Camp 3995 m

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 3.5 to 4 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Accommodations: Karanga Camp**

A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where you may have some spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. You then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, and finally, you have a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation (ft): Karanga Camp 3995 m to Barafu Camp 4,673 m

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodations: Barafu Hut Camp**

A challenging ascent from Karanga leads to a gentle trail on compacted scree, offering expansive views of this arid and desolate terrain towards Barafu Camp. From Barafu Camp, both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks are visible. Following a warm lunch at the Camp, the rest of the day is dedicated to resting in preparation for the final climb, culminating in an early night trek to the summit.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation (ft): Barafu Camp 4,673 m to Uhuru peak 5,895 m {Via Stella Point 5756m}

Distance: 4.3 km ascent to Stella Point

Distance: 5 km Barafu to Uhuru Peak Ascent

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent

Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. You begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree that has some well-graded zig-zags, and a slow but steady pace will take you to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m. You will rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to the main peak (5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, you descend to Barafu amazingly fast, and you stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment before continuing to Mweka Camp.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation (ft): Mweka Camp 3,100 m to Mweka Gate 1,640 m

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Half Board

A gentle walk takes you down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Upon a successful descent, you will receive your summit certificates. After lunch, you’ll be driven back to Moshi to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

You will be taken to Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure.