1. When is the best time to visit Tanzania for safari?

The best time is during the dry season (June–October) for excellent wildlife viewing. The wildebeest migration is best seen between December–July in Serengeti.

2. Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Yes. Most visitors require a tourist visa, which can be obtained online (e-visa) or on arrival at the airport.

3. What animals can I see on safari?

You can see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), plus cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species.

4. Is Tanzania safe for tourists?

Yes, Tanzania is generally safe for safari travelers. You will always be accompanied by professional guides, and lodges/camps are secure.

5. What type of vehicles are used for safaris?

Most safaris use 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, offering comfort and great wildlife viewing.

6. What should I pack for a safari?

Light clothing in neutral colors, a warm jacket for evenings, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a good camera.

7. Are meals included during safari?

Yes, most safari packages include three meals per day and drinking water. Special diets can be arranged upon request.

8. Can children go on safari?

Yes, children are welcome, but some lodges have age restrictions for safety. Family-friendly safaris and private tours are available.

9. Do I need vaccinations for Tanzania?

Yes, yellow fever vaccination may be required if traveling from certain countries. Malaria prevention is strongly recommended.

10. Can I combine safari with Zanzibar or other beaches?

Absolutely! Many travelers finish their safari with a relaxing beach stay in Zanzibar, Mafia, or Pemba Islands.

Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7 Days Itinerary – Serengeti Captain Tours & Safaris

Highlights

The Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7 Days Itinerary is the most popular and highly recommended trekking option for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m / 19,341 ft), Africa’s highest mountain. Known as the “Whiskey Route”, Machame combines adventure, stunning scenery, and excellent acclimatization.

The 7-day itinerary follows the same trail as the 6-day route but splits the trek between Barranco and Karanga camps into two days. This extra day dramatically improves acclimatization, giving climbers more time to adapt to high altitude and greatly increasing summit success rates.

Tour Highlights

Trek the most scenic Kilimanjaro route, passing through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacier zones.
7-day itinerary for optimal acclimatization and higher summit success.
Stunning views of Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, and the glaciers near the summit.
“Climb high, sleep low” strategy with gradual elevation gains.
Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa.
Professional and experienced mountain guides, cooks, and porters.

Why Choose the Machame Route 7 Days?

Best balance of success and adventure: Higher success rate than the 6-day route (85–90% vs. 70–75%).
Extra acclimatization day: Reduces altitude sickness risks.
Breathtaking landscapes: More time to enjoy each zone and its unique beauty.
Flexible pace: Less rushed, ideal for trekkers who prefer steady progress.
Most recommended for first-time Kilimanjaro climbers.

Day by Day Tour Itinerary Expand all

Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) – Machame Camp (3,000m)
Your adventure begins with a morning drive from Moshi or Arusha to Machame Gate. After registration and meeting your mountain crew, you start trekking through lush rainforest filled with monkeys, birds, and tropical vegetation. The trail gradually ascends with some steep sections before reaching Machame Camp, where you will have dinner and overnight.
- Distance: ~11 km
- Trekking time: 5–7 hours
Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000m) – Shira Camp (3,840m)
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail climbs steeply into moorland and heather zones. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. The trek is shorter but steeper than the first day, ending at Shira Camp.
- Distance: ~5 km
- Trekking time: 4–6 hours
Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840m) – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Today is key for acclimatization. You ascend gradually to Lava Tower (also known as the “Shark’s Tooth”), reaching 4,630m. After lunch, you descend into the Barranco Valley, where the drop in altitude helps your body adjust. The day ends at the scenic Barranco Camp, with views of the Great Barranco Wall.
- Distance: ~10 km
- Trekking time: 6–8 hours
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m) – Karanga Camp (4,200m)
The day begins with a scramble up the Great Barranco Wall, a thrilling non-technical climb offering spectacular views from the top. The path continues through ridges and valleys until you arrive at Karanga Camp, used as an important acclimatization stop.
- Distance: ~5 km
- Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,200m) – Barafu Camp (4,600m)
After breakfast, you continue uphill towards Barafu Camp, the final base before the summit attempt. The word “Barafu” means ice in Swahili, and the camp is set on a rocky, alpine desert. After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for the midnight summit push.
- Distance: ~4 km
- Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,600m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Around midnight, you begin your final ascent under the starry sky. The climb is steep and challenging, passing Stella Point (5,739m) before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, you descend back to Barafu for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
- Distance: ~16 km
- Trekking time: 12–16 hours
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) – Mweka Gate (1,640m)
A final descent through lush rainforest leads to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers collect their summit certificates. Transfer back to Moshi/Arusha for a hot shower, rest, and celebration.
- Distance: ~10 km | Trekking time: 3–4 hours

Tour Includes & Excludes

Accommodation (lodges/tented camps/camping)
Camping equipment (tents, tables, chairs)
Drinking water on the mountain
Government taxes & charges
Sleeping mattress
Professional licensed mountain guides

Travel insurance
International flights
Personal expenses (laundry, phone, internet, etc.)
Tips for driver-guide & camp staff
Visa fees
Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bag, poles, warm clothing)

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FAQ's Expand all

1. When is the best time to visit Tanzania for safari?
The best time is during the dry season (June–October) for excellent wildlife viewing. The wildebeest migration is best seen between December–July in Serengeti.
2. Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Yes. Most visitors require a tourist visa, which can be obtained online (e-visa) or on arrival at the airport.
3. What animals can I see on safari?
You can see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), plus cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species.
4. Is Tanzania safe for tourists?
Yes, Tanzania is generally safe for safari travelers. You will always be accompanied by professional guides, and lodges/camps are secure.
5. What type of vehicles are used for safaris?
Most safaris use 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, offering comfort and great wildlife viewing.
6. What should I pack for a safari?
Light clothing in neutral colors, a warm jacket for evenings, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a good camera.
7. Are meals included during safari?
Yes, most safari packages include three meals per day and drinking water. Special diets can be arranged upon request.
8. Can children go on safari?
Yes, children are welcome, but some lodges have age restrictions for safety. Family-friendly safaris and private tours are available.
9. Do I need vaccinations for Tanzania?
Yes, yellow fever vaccination may be required if traveling from certain countries. Malaria prevention is strongly recommended.
10. Can I combine safari with Zanzibar or other beaches?
Absolutely! Many travelers finish their safari with a relaxing beach stay in Zanzibar, Mafia, or Pemba Islands.