7 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Hike via Machame Route
+ 7 Night Tanzanian Wildlife Safari
Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater Reserve – Tarangire National Park
The Great Migration, UNESCO World Heritage area and the Elephant stronghold.
Staying in nice tented camps under African skies in the heart of the Serengeti NP, experience the true wilderness of this great land where animals are free to roam without restriction of fences. You are in safe hands with local Maasai tribesman and experienced guides employed to keep you safe. Camp a top of Ngorongoro Crater one of the most incredible wild life exhibitions in the world and home to the biggest congregation of large mammals on earth to the less visited yet abundant Tarangire NP after descending into the Great Rift Valley. You have a very good chance of seeing the Great Migration in the Northern Serengeti this time of year as well as large Elephant herds up to 300 in Tarangire NP.

About Mount Kilimanjaro
It is one of the Seven Summits (the highest points on each continent) and is a destination for the adventurers from around the world. A climb up Kilimanjaro is a challenge and more often than not, a triumph for those who undertake it. However, it is not a technical climb but rather an attainable goal for any trekker who is relatively fit. Kilimanjaro is far from being the only interesting or challenging climb in the country. Mount Meru which is the second highest peak in Tanzania is a challenging trek, often considered to offer a more difficult climb than the famous Kilimanjaro. The Usambara mountains further east of mount Kilimanjaro also offer a variety of treks as do the Crater Highlands in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Mount Kilimanjaro which is the highest free standing mountain in the world is also referred to as the roof of Africa.
About the Serengeti
The park covers 14,750 square kilometres of grassland plains, savannah, riverine forest, and woodlands. The park lies in North-Western Tanzania, bordered to the north by the Kenyan border, where it is continuous with the Maasai Mara National Reserve. To the southeast of the park is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Bordering the Serengeti, Mara and Ngorongoro are numerous parks and reserves; together these areas form the larger Serengeti ecosystem.
The Serengeti National Park is a Tanzanian national park famous for its annual migration of over 1.5 million white-bearded (or brindled) blue Wildebeest and 250,000 Zebra along with numerous other plains antelope and Gazelle you will also find the famous Big 5; Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo and Rhino although it is unlikely to see Rhino in the Serengeti as they heavily guarded and restricted to quiet area’s of the park.

About Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is one of our favourite parks in Africa with a wide range of habitats. The landscape is composed of granitic ridges, river valleys, and swamps. Vegetation is a mix of Acacia woodlands, seasonally flooded grassland, and large Baobab trees. It covers an area of approximately 2,850 square kilometres with plenty of dirt tracks to explore and a lot less visitors than it’s infamous neighbours the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. This park is often the highlight of Safari for a lot of our clients.
This park has wildlife you will not find in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Reserves, such as Kudu, Lesser Kudu and Gemsbok, you won’t find Rhino here unfortunately, again most the Rhino in Tanzania have disappeared and what’s left is heavily guarded and kept away from public view. You will find a lot of BIG bull Elephants here as well as female herds numbering in the hundreds.

About Ngorongoro Crater
Here you will get a real insight into the Maasai people who still live traditionally to this day, nomadic herders living amongst the wildlife in harmony; for the most part anyway. As a conservation reserve as opposed to a National Park the local Maasai are allowed to live and graze their cattle in the area, including grazing inside the Crater although they cannot live on the Crater floor.
The crater, officially a Caldera, the largest unbroken un-flooded in the world, is the remnants of an active volcano with the rim reaching up to 1800m above sea level and the walls inside dropping 600m to the crater floor. This has created a natural wonder with a wide range of habitat diversity that stretches almost 22km in diameter. From thick rain forest, steep hills, grassy savannah plains, swap land and sulphuric salt lakes home to Pink Flamingos. Black Rhino call this place home although they are very shy and elusive animals you have a good chance to see them, generally at a distance early in the morning.
7 DAY KILIMANJARO CLIMB MACHAME ROUTE AND HOTEL
+ 7 DAY TANZANIAN HIGHLIGHT SAFARI
DAY 01 – Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport
You will be greeted upon arrival and transferred to Mount Meru Hotel. Later this afternoon you will meet your climbing guide and team, check over your climbing gear and safety briefing. Enjoy a lovely dinner, a hot bath and an early night before starting your hike.

Day 02 – Central, Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
The drive from Arusha to the Machame Gate takes about 2 hrs. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.

Day 03 – Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.

Day 04 – Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Day 05 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft
cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb
up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatisation.
Day 06 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from manydifferent angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Day 07 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of
the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short breaks.
Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 08 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive us back to Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha.
Day 09 – Central, Serengeti National Park
Transfer by road via Manyara, climbing up out of the Great Rift Valley and onto Serengeti NP with en route game drives. Your first taste of a real African Safari awaits. One of our favourite camps inside the Serengeti NP, you are right in the middle of one of the best conservation areas on earth. Without fences you can sit by the fire or lay in bed and soak in all the sounds and smells of the African bush.
Day 10 – Northern, Serengeti National Park
Day 11 – Serengeti National Park
Early morning optional hot air balloon flight.
Full day game drive with morning tea and bush picnic lunch before returning to Kati-Kati Camp and overnight.
Day 12 – Ngorongoro Crater Reserve
Morning game drive heading away from the Great Plains and into the mountains toward Ngorongoro Crater. Over night at the beautiful An’gata Tented Camp on the crater rim.
DAY 13 – Tarangire National Park
Early morning wake up and into the Crater as the gate opens at 6am making the most of the day and beating the crowds. A busy and popular place for good reason.
Exiting the park you will head down the mountains and onto our favourite park, Tarangire.
Roika tented camp might be outside the park borders but with no fences the animals have not got the memo. You could see any number of animals around the camp, most likely the Elephants that Tarangire is famous for.

DAY 14 – Tarangire National Park
Morning game drive, a totally different landscape when compared with Serengeti and the Crater. Here you also have the opportunity see unique animals you won’t find else where in Tanzania as well as herds of Elephants up to 300 strong.
Following a picnic lunch inside the park your final night ends with a Maasai party inside the Boma. Staying at Roika Tented Camp.
DAY 15 – Tarangire to Kilimanjaro Airport
After a big breakfast you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro airport to start your journey home or onto the next leg of your African experience.
African Safari tented camps fitted with all the luxuries of home. Running water, flushing toilets, hot showers, comfortable beds, great food and camp fires in the heart of African savannah.
Mara Under Canvas Tented Camp
This luxury temporary camp is open from June to November. It allows visitors to be in the proximity of the Great Migration and to be able to explore remote areas and the beautiful settings of Seregenti with a large amount of resident fauna.
The camp has only ten double tents and a family tent which assures the intimacy and exclusivity of this intense experience.
Kati-Kati Tented Camp
Kati Kati is a mobile camp strategically situated in central Serengeti, ideal for exploring the extensive Serengeti plains. The camp offers comfortable accommodation together with the unique opportunity to enjoy a real safari experience on a camp. In its comfortable tents one will feel completely immersed in the surroundings and one can enjoy the rich animal life and vegetation of the area.
11 spacious tents with a private en-suite bathroom which includes a camp shower, wash basin and toilet. All of the tents have large beds (double or two singles). The electricity is provided by solar panels.
Roika Tented Camp
A unique FLORA & FAUNA of SHRUBLANDS and ACACIA WOODLANDS with hearty BAOBAB TREES strewn around. Welcome to the BIRDS’ PARADISE of over 500 bird species. Roika Tarangire Tented Lodge, has 21 luxury en-suite tents, Swimming pool, internet cafe, games room gift shop and bar lounge area.
ANG’ATA Ngorongoro Camp
The camp is set under the Acacia forest on the north eastern side of the Ngorongoro Crater’s rim. Just inside the park boundaries our location permits early game drives down to the crater leaving you almost alone to discover this World Heritage Site. Up to 25.000 animals call the crater their home, the only prominent absentees would be the Maasai Giraffes who cannot cope with the steep slopes of the crater. The main attraction, and also the most elusive are the 23 Black Rhinoceroses that live inside the crater, maybe the one and only chance to see them in the wild. From camp Empakaai Crater is in half a days hiking distance, and a Massai Boma is located a few kilometres away for those who wish to meet the Maasai.
Small camp with 8 Guest Tents including a 2 tent Family unit, a lounge and a dining tent. Each guest tent has an en-suite bathroom with shower, vanity desk and flush toilets. Depending on request a Kingsize bed or 2 Twin beds or triples are available.
GETTING THERE AND AWAY
Day 1 Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport
Day 8 Depart Kilimanjaro Airport
If you are flying from Australia QANTAS have direct flights from Sydney to Johannesburg while South African Airways fly direct from Perth.
Getting to Nairobi is not quite as easy and will require a flight through Dubai, Oman, Guangzhou or Hong Kong. You can also fly via Mauritius if you want to mix things up.
MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME
We find when asked that everyone has an African Safari on their life’s bucket list, at Moon Tours we know that when you do it needs to be special; capturing those moments will help you relive the experience for years to come.
Weather on Safari
Corresponding with our winter in the southern hemisphere, June – September are the cooler months. In land is a little cooler than on the coast, particularly night and early mornings. Average day time temperatures will be in the mid 20’s Celsius, while early mornings, late evenings and nights can be quite cool and into the low – mid Celsius teens.
What to pack
1 x small carry on size bag 15-20kg max.
This should include Camera, binoculars, chargers, and batteries, spare memory cards, toiletries, insect repellent, clothes.
During the day shorts and T-shirts are for the most part fine. Bring a warm set of clothes for early morning, late afternoon or night drives.
Neutral coloured clothes are best and you can’t beat Khaki.
Vaccinations
You will need some vaccinations, contact your GP or will most likely send you to a travel Dr.
Visas
Every African country requires to at a minimum to purchase an entry Visa, this is usually USD50 and they will only accept cash. For Tanzania it is recommended to send your passports off to the Tanzanian consulate in Melbourne, this service is approx AUD125 per passport including special document freight. We can do all this for you.
Security/Safety
Common sense here is key, the Moon Kite & Adventure gang have had years of experience working in Africa and are there to guide, assist and make you feel comfortable along the way. Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania are quite safe with a good vibe; frequented by tourists all over the world the most common problem is fending off traders who want you to spend money at their stalls. Most vendors will expect you to buy or give them money for photos, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania.
As with anywhere, keep valuables locked away, do not flash cash and carry only what you need. Get local advice before venturing into town solo and going out in groups at night is recommended. Handbags and backpacks should be secured and never left unattended or open while carrying them around.
Currency
Tanzanian Shillings, Kenyan Shillings, Zambian Kwacha are the local currency but as with anywhere in Africa the Greenback is king. We recommended using a mix of local currency and USD for bartering. You definitely don’t want to be leaving one of these countries with lots of local currency; once you leave the value will be next to worthless.
Optional extras
A HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI
Early morning enjoy an hour on safari in a hot air balloon in the clear blue African sky with the savannah, its flora and fauna at your feet. And after the flight enjoy a picnic breakfast. Available at Kati Kati, pre bookings required.
DATES UPON REQUEST
RATES
14 nights, 15 days
All accommodation, transfers, english speaking guides and meals included
FROM $9400USD
DEPOSITS
Non refundable 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking
Balance due 90 days prior to departure
Terms and conditions
Non refundable $1000USD or equivalent in AUD deposit due on day of invoice to confirm all bookings.
Total amount of all invoices due no later than 90 days prior to travel.
USD payments can be paid in AUD directly into the account shown on this invoice at the current exchange rate shown on the NAB foreign currency exchange calculator link below.
https://www.nab.com.au/personal/international/foreign-exchange-rates?return#/calculator
PayPal payments are accepted and incur a 2.5% additional fee. Cancellation policy; For bookings cancelled between 12 and 6 months the minimum deposit amount will be non refundable.
Cancellations 6 and 3 months before commencement of the trip, 50% or minimum deposit, which ever is greater, will be non refundable. Cancellations within 90 days of commencement of a trip, the cancellation fee will be 100%.
Moon Tours does not offer refunds in the event of personal injury, airplane delay, mechanical breakdowns, weather, sickness, strikes, war, criminal acts, quarantine, acts of god or anything out of it’s control.
Guests must have valid travel insurance including emergency medical evacuation, dive medical and cancellation insurances.
All information is subject to change without notice.
Climbing Equipment Check List & Hire Prices in $USD
Hire all of your equipment for $325 or choose just some items.
- Sleeping Bag $35
- Upgraded mattress $50
- Rain Trouser $15
- Rain Jacket $15
- Warm Jacket $15
- Warm Touser $15
- Balaclava (Ninja like mask) $10
- Gloves $10
- Short and Long Flees (Vest-like) $10
- Head Torch $20
- Walking Poles $25
- Hiking Boot $25
- Socks (5 pairs) $20
- Water Bottles $10
- Thermal under Wear $10
- Garters (Boots-like covering up to the knees) $10
- Sun Glasses $10
- Poncho (Rainjacket-like) $10
- Day Pack $20
Hire equipment is quality and sized to each individual.
NOTE THAT THE ABOVE RATES ARE NOT PER DAY BUT FOR THE WHOLE DURATION OF THE CLIMB
ADD ANOTHER UNIQUE AFRICAN EXPERIECNE
You are in African Safari country! Join our exclusive Moon Tours small group safari or let us put together a completely unique and private experience just for you.
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