6-Day Budget Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Moshi – Machame Gate – Machame Camp

Your journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro begins with an exciting drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, the starting point of one of the most scenic and popular Kilimanjaro trekking routes. After completing registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, your guided trek officially starts. Hike through the lush montane rainforest, where you may encounter blue monkeys, tropical birds, and exotic plant species unique to Tanzania. This part of the Machame Route hike offers cool shade, rich biodiversity, and a gentle introduction to the climb. Your professional mountain guide will ensure a steady pace to support acclimatization. You’ll reach Machame Camp in the afternoon for a hot meal and well-deserved rest.

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

Join our affordable Kilimanjaro tour and experience the adventure of a lifetime with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Machame Camp – Shira Cave Camp

Today’s Kilimanjaro trek offers a shorter but steeper ascent as you leave the lush rainforest behind and enter the heather and moorland zone. The trail winds through volcanic ridges, rocky outcrops, and open alpine terrain, giving you your first real sense of the mountain’s vast scale. As part of your guided Mount Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll enjoy incredible views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding valleys. This section of the Machame Route is ideal for acclimatization and is known for its dramatic scenery and expansive vistas. You’ll reach Shira Cave Camp, located on a high-altitude plateau, where you’ll settle in for dinner and a well-earned rest under the stars. This stage helps your body adjust to higher elevation, increasing your chances of a successful summit.

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

Choose Serengeti Wildlife Safaris for a safe, scenic, and expertly guided Kilimanjaro trekking tour.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Today is a vital acclimatization day on Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll ascend from Shira Camp to the towering Lava Tower at 4,630 meters before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy is essential for altitude adaptation and greatly boosts your chances of reaching the summit. The route passes through semi-desert terrain, with dramatic views of Arrow Glacier and the massive Western Breach. As part of your guided Kilimanjaro trekking tour, this day helps your body adjust safely to the high altitude. Barranco Camp offers one of the most scenic overnight spots on the mountain, featuring a spectacular sunset beside the famous Barranco Wall, a dramatic cliff that you’ll conquer tomorrow.

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

Experience the best of Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

Begin your day with an exhilarating climb up the famous Barranco Wall, a fun yet challenging scramble that tests your skills and determination. This iconic part of the Machame Route offers incredible views and a true sense of achievement. After conquering the wall, continue trekking across rugged rocky terrain toward Karanga Camp, where you’ll enjoy lunch and refill your water. This is the last water source before the summit push. From Karanga, the trail ascends to Barafu Camp, your final base camp situated in the stark alpine desert zone. Here, you’ll have an early dinner and ample rest to prepare for the demanding midnight summit climb ahead. Barafu Camp’s high elevation and location make it critical for final acclimatization and success on your Mount Kilimanjaro climb.

Elevation: 3,976m → 3,995m (Karanga) → 4,673m (Barafu Camp)
Distance: 9 km | Hiking Time: 7–9 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine desert.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Summit day on Mount Kilimanjaro begins at midnight. After a light snack and hot drink, begin your final ascent under a sky full of stars, using headlamps to light the rocky trail. This is the most challenging and rewarding part of your Kilimanjaro trek. You'll reach Stella Point (5,756m) at sunrise, where breathtaking views greet you. A short push later, you'll stand at Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa and the pinnacle of your Mount Kilimanjaro climb. Celebrate your achievement with photos and take in the once-in-a-lifetime view. Afterward, descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp through alpine desert and forest zones. This long day demands strength, but the reward is unforgettable.

Elevation: 4,673m → 5,895m → 3,100m
Distance: 17 km | Hiking Time: 11–15 hours
Vegetation Zones: Arctic, Alpine Desert, Forest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha

After breakfast, begin your final descent through the lush rainforest zone toward Mweka Gate. This last stretch of your Mount Kilimanjaro trekking tour is a peaceful walk filled with birdsong and the chance to spot monkeys in the trees. At Mweka Gate (1,640m), you'll receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate, a proud reminder of your incredible journey to Uhuru Peak. You’ll be met by your driver and transferred back to Arusha, where comfort awaits. To help you recover, we offer a complimentary post-climb massage to soothe sore muscles. Alternatively, choose a free trip to Chemka Hot Springs, a stunning natural geothermal pool perfect for swimming, relaxing, and celebrating your achievement. It's the perfect way to end your unforgettable Kilimanjaro climb with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris.

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

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.