7 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route
Machame Gate → Shira → Barranco → Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Gate
Accommodation: Mountain camping
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5 Days Climb Kilimanjaro, Marangu Route
Marangu Gate • Mandara Hut • Horombo Hut • Kibo Hut • Uhuru Peak
Quick facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Start | Marangu |
| End | Marangu |
| Trip type | Private |
| Accommodation | Mountain huts |
| Best for | Kilimanjaro climbers who prefer huts |
Overview
A five-day climb for active, flexible-minded travellers who enjoy the adventurous. Even the easiest trek takes some exertion.
Every itinerary can be customised, with budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation.
Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Marangu
Private transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to your hotel on the lower slopes of the mountain. At 5:30 pm, a pre-climb briefing and equipment check, plus a check of your medical cover and insurance.
- Day 2
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After the gate formalities, walk through tropical rainforest to the first hut, where you have dinner and spend the night.
- Day 3
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
A steep forest ascent opens into moorland with views of Kibo and Mawenzi. You arrive at the hut in mid-afternoon.
- Day 4
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
A gradual climb into the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. There is no running water at Kibo Hut. Rest and an early night before the summit.
- Day 5
Summit day and descent to Horombo
Wake before midnight and climb steadily through loose scree to Gillman's Point at sunrise. Strong climbers continue to Uhuru Peak, then descend via Kibo Hut to Horombo Hut.
- Day 6
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Descend past Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate, where successful climbers receive their summit certificates, then transfer to the hotel.
- Day 7
Departure
Say goodbye to the team. A private transfer takes you to Kilimanjaro Airport, or on to a safari or beach extension if you wish.
Accommodation
Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort
Mount Kilimanjaro
Room type: Confirmed in your quote
Meal plan: Confirmed in your quote
Mandara Hut
Mount Kilimanjaro
Room type: Confirmed in your quote
Meal plan: Confirmed in your quote
Horombo Hut
Mount Kilimanjaro
Room type: Confirmed in your quote
Meal plan: Confirmed in your quote
Kibo Hut
Mount Kilimanjaro
Room type: Confirmed in your quote
Meal plan: Confirmed in your quote
Lodges and camps are named "or similar". Photos show the area; your quote names the exact rooms.
Included
- Hotel nights before and after the climb, with dinner and breakfast
- Airport transfers and transfers to and from the gate
- Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook
- All national park, camping and rescue fees and climbing permit
- All meals and hot drinks on the mountain
- Tents or huts, sleeping mattress and camp equipment
- A porter for your duffel bag (up to 15 kg)
- Emergency oxygen, first-aid kit and Flying Doctors service
- Summit certificate for successful climbers
- Government taxes including VAT
Not included
- International flights and departure taxes
- Tanzania visa and health requirements
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance (required)
- Personal trekking gear (rental available)
- Tips for guides, porters and cook (customary)
- Snacks, personal medication, water-purification tablets and meals or drinks not listed
- Personal items such as phone calls and laundry
What our guests say
We show genuine, verifiable reviews only, from the platforms where guests wrote them.
Trust and company information
- Office: P.O. Box 2071, Njiro Road, Arusha, Tanzania
Our partners
- Tanzania Local Tour Operators (TLTO)
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO)
- Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB)
- Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA)
- Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue
- Flying Doctors Society of Africa
- SafariBookings
- Kilimanjaro Review
Frequently asked questions
Do I need climbing skills?
No. Kilimanjaro is a trek, not a technical climb, and needs no special equipment or climbing skills. You do need to be fit.
How many people reach the summit?
On the seven-day Machame route, more than 95% of our participants reach the top, thanks to the extra acclimatisation day and careful planning. Success rates are lower on shorter routes.
Is insurance required?
Yes. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is required for the climb.
Are tips included?
No. Tips for the guides, porters and cook are customary and are not included in the price.
Can I add a safari or Zanzibar after the climb?
Yes. It is a popular combination, and we plan the full trip for you. See our Safari + Kilimanjaro and Safari + Zanzibar pages.
Request your quote
Tell us what you have in mind and we will reply with honest advice and a tailor-made quote.
How booking works
- 1 Request a quote
- 2 Confirm your itinerary
- 3 Pay the deposit
- 4 Receive your booking confirmation
Deposit, payment methods, cancellation and refunds are set out in our booking terms. Read the booking terms
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Accommodation: Mountain camping
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