Africa Joy Tours

9-DAY TRIP: CLIMBING
KILIMANJAROVIA THE POPULAR
6-DAY MACHAME ROUTE.

From $2236 USD* / Park fees / 9 days

*Price p.p. incl. transfers, accommodation,
food, drinks, guides and park fees. Excl.
International flight (based on six persons)

Overview

  • Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb
  • Day 2: Marangu Route (1/5) | Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) – Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft)
  • Day 3: Marangu Route (2/5) | Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)
  • Day 4: Marangu Route (3/5) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) – Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft)
  • Day 5: Marangu Route (4/5) | Kibo Huts (4,720 m/15,485 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)
  • Day 6: Marangu Route (5/5) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) – hotel
  • Day 7 – 8: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb
mount-Kilimanjaro-Map

9-day trip: climbing Kilimanjaro via the popular 6-day Machame Route

The Marangu route is a well-known and budget-friendly option for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route where climbers stay in mountain huts instead of tents overnight. The trail follows the same path both to the summit and back, with significant altitude changes each day, making it more suitable for experienced climbers.

The climb via the Marangu route typically takes five days. However, adding an extra day is highly recommended to allow your body to acclimatize to the high altitude. By choosing this option, you can spend an additional night at Horombo Huts on the fourth day and take an acclimatization hike. This additional day greatly enhances your chances of reaching the summit.

Unique Services by Africa Joy Tourss.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime challenge! At Africa Joy Tourss, we pay attention to the smallest details to ensure your climb is a success. You’ll be accompanied by professional guides, porters, and a cook who will support you throughout the journey on the Marangu route. Our team monitors your health twice a day and serves nutritious meals to keep you energized.

Altitude sickness can occur unexpectedly, so proper care and nutrition are essential for a successful climb. Our services are designed to give you the best chance of reaching the top safely and comfortably.

In addition, we provide a detailed information package to help you prepare for your Marangu route adventure. This guide includes insights about Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro, recommended preparations, and guidance on the gear you’ll need to buy or rent.

We are proud partners of the Kilimanjaro Responsible Travel Organisation (KRTO), ensuring the well-being of both our crew and the mountain. With us, you can climb with confidence and peace of mind. Are you ready for an unforgettable journey?

If you’d like to preview the menu, we’re happy to send it in advance.

How fit do you need to be to climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a rewarding but demanding adventure due to the altitude, pace of ascent, and varying temperatures. On average, you’ll walk six to seven hours per day. If you are healthy and reasonably fit, this challenge is achievable with proper preparation.

Here are some tips to maximize your chances of reaching the summit:

Take Your Time: Hike at a steady pace to allow your body to adapt and acclimatize gradually.
Prepare in Advance: Physical preparation is key. Engage in regular hiking, especially multi-day hikes, as well as running or aerobic exercises, several months before the climb.
Add an Extra Day: Since altitude sickness can be unpredictable, adding an extra day to your climb gives your body more time to adjust. This additional time significantly reduces the risk of altitude sickness and increases your chances of reaching the summit.

We strongly encourage taking these steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek to the top!

Trip Prices:

Low season (April 1st – May 19th)

2 People4 People6 People +

$2.611,00 USD*

$2.229,00 USD*

$2.236,00 USD*

Mid season (the rest of the year)

2 People4 People6 People +

$2.739,00 USD*

$2.344,00 USD*

$2.352,00 USD*

High season (July + August + 20 Dec + 10 Jan)

2 People4 People6 People +

$2.852,00 USD*

$2.440,00 USD*

$2.448,00 USD*

INCLUDED

Park fees

Pickup and transfer airport

Private cook speaking fluently English

Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Portable toilet

Porters who carry your luggage

Private guide speaking fluently English

High quality tents (including dinner-tent)

Rescue fee (up to 11.483 feet above sea level by car)

EXCLUDED

International flights and visas

Accommodation on day of arrival and departure

Travel insurance

Itinerary

Exploring all that Tanzania has to offer is a dream for many. From epic Tanzania safari adventures spotting Africa’s Big Five, to climbing Kilimanjaro or relaxing on the paradise beaches of Zanzibar: Tanzania has it all. Good news: Exodus Africa Safaris can build a custom-made itinerary that suits all your wishes.

Our most popular itineraries can help you find some inspiration. Most of our clients love to end their exciting safari with a few days of relaxation on one of Zanzibar’s most stunning beaches. Would you like that as well? Whether you choose one of our popular Tanzania itineraries or prefer to customize your journey, we are here to assist you. Come aboard and get ready to explore Tanzania at your own pace, exactly the way you like it! 9-day trip: climbing Kilimanjaro via the popular 6-day Machame Route.

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Tanzania Specialist guide is there waiting for you. He then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.

Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.

Day 2:Machame Route (1/6) | Machame Gate (1,800 m/5,905 ft) - Machame Camp (2,835 m/9,301 ft)

The first morning, your guide picks you up from the hotel and takes you to Machame Gate. The first part leads you through coffee and banana plantations, as well as an untouched and very green rainforest. After a five to six-hour hike, you reach the Machame Camp on the edge of the forest area with a heath zone. This is your first day at this altitude, so remember to drink plenty of water!

Day 3: Machame route (2/6) | Machame Camp (2,835 m/9,301 ft) to Shira Camp (3,839 m/12,595 ft)

This second day on the mountain starts with another nice climb that is a little steeper. You first pass to a small circular cliff known as the picnic rock where you are rewarded with stunning views of Kibo (a peak of Kilimanjaro) and Shira (one of the other volcanic peaks). From the picnic rock, you hike on to Shira Camp via a beautiful route to have lunch and rest. If you wish, you can take an acclimatisation walk towards the Lava Tower (to an altitude of 4630 meters and a distance of 2 km).

Day 4: Machame route (3/6) | Shira Camp (3,839 m/12,595 ft) - Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft) - Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft)

From Shira Camp to the beautiful Lava Tower, you go through many ascents and descents with amazing views along the way. You have lunch at Lava Tower for one to two hours for your body to acclimatize as you might feel uncomfortable with the increase in altitude. After lunch, you descend to Barranco Camp. Watch out for strange-looking flowering plants that grow up to five meters high! Barranco Camp is located at the foot of the imposing Barranco Wall, which is impressive in both its sheer size and steepness.

Day 5: Machame route (4/6) | Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft) - Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft)

After breakfast, you depart Barranco Camp and hike towards Barranco Wall. After a challenging but enjoyable route, you reach the top of the Barranco wall and have a spectacular view of the Kibo volcano to your left and of the distant Mount Meru to your right. Then a more difficult hike starts through Karanga Camp, with many ascents and descents, after which you reach your camp for the night: Barafu Camp, the last camp before the summit! Enjoy a hot meal and make sure to relax and sleep, before your final ascent to the summit!

Day 6: Machame route (5/6) | Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Millennium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft)

Today is the day! Around midnight you start from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak. The climb leads over good trails and the most challenging part is the high altitude. Once you reach the summit you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! After a small time at the top, where you celebrate your ultimate triumph you descend slowly to the scenic Millennium Camp.

Day 7 : Machame route (6/6) | Millennium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) - Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) - Hotel

The Millenium camp is located in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up today, you feel a sense of relief from the reduced altitude and satisfaction from reaching the summit. After breakfast you take an easy walk to the park exit.

Day 8 - 9: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!