This is a private trekking, run exclusively for you and each vehicle holds a maximum of 7 clients. If an accommodation is fully booked we’ll suggest a comparable alternative where possible. All prices quoted are per person in USD (US Dollars) and are subject to availability and expire on the 31st December 2019. Please contact us for a quote for travel in 2020 and beyond.
Today is an acclimatisation day and you will continue along a steep ridge passing the Great Barranco Wall passing below the Heim Glacier and through the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley where you will have views of the summit from many different angles.
After breakfast you will depart Arusha and drive to the village of Machame located at the base of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing at 5,895m high, it is known as the Roof of Africa. The road from the Machame village to the Machame gate can become very muddy and at certain times of the year may be impossible for vehicles to pass. In this instance, you will complete the 3km walk on foot and upon arrival at the Machame Gate you will sign in, complete your registration and other formalities before beginning your Machame Route 7 Days with your team of Guides, Chefs and Porters.
You will enter the rainforest and continue up a winding trail up a ridge and have the opportunity to see black and white colobus monkeys and exotic birds before arriving at the Machame Camp in the late afternoon.
Starting Point: Machame Gate 1,640m
End Point: Machame Camp 2,835m
Walking Time: 5-7 Hours approx.
Overnight – Machame Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Starting Point: Machame Camp 2,835m
End Point: Shira Camp 3,850m
Walking Time: 4-6 Hours approx.
Overnight – Shira Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
From the Shira Plateau you will continue east up a steep and rocky trail to Lava Tower. At 3,901m high, this chunky remnant of Kilimanjaro’s earlier volcanic activity is several hundred meters high and the trail passes right below. You will then descend to the lower cliffs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall to Barranco Camp where you will be rewarded with beautiful landscape and spend the night. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, today is an important acclimatisation day.
Starting Point: Shira Camp 3,850m
Via: Lava Tower 4,600m
End Point: Barranco Camp 3,900m
Walking Time: 6-8 Hours approx.
Overnight – Barranco Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
For clients trekking the Machame Route 7 Days today is an acclimatisation day with a short but steep hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp where you will spend the night.
Today you will continue your ascent along a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall and the Helm Glacier to the Karanga Valley Camp and on to Barafu Camp. You have now completed the Southern Circuit and the Barafu Camp is located on a narrow, rocky ridge with no barriers to block the wind but offers views of the summit from many angles. You can now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is and from now, all eyes are on the summit.
Tonight you will enjoy an early dinner and retire to your tent where you will prepare for your hike to the summit later tonight. At 11:30pm you will be woken with tea or coffee and a snack before making your way into the night.
Starting Point: Barranco Camp 3,850m
End Point: Barafu Camp 4,680m
Walking Time: 8-10 Hours approx.
Overnight – Barafu Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
You will continue your trek into the early hours of the morning and the route from Barafu Camp to the summit is mentally and physically, the longest and most challenging day of the entire trek. You will pass the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers before reaching Stella Point at 5,756m which is located on the Crater rim in time to watch the sun rise from the Roof of Africa, a once in a lifetime experience. Here you will rest and take in the magnificent beauty around you. You will continue the snow covered trail to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895m. Temperatures near the summit can range from -23 degrees Celsius in the morning to just below freezing during the night. Upon arrival at the summit you will have the opportunity for a short rest and celebrate a successful climb. Note: faster climbers will see the sun rise from the summit at Uhuru Peak.
From the summit you will now make your descent to Barafu Camp where you will enjoy some well-deserved rest before continuing your descent into the moorland and then the forest before reaching Mweka Hut where you will spend your final night on the mountain.
Starting Point: Barafu Camp 4,680m
Via: Uhuru Point 5,895m
End Point: Mweka Camp 3,100m
Walking Time: 11-14 Hours approx.
Overnight – Mweka Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast of Machame Route 7 Days you will continue your descent to the Mweka Gate where successful climbers receive their summit certificate. Your vehicle will be waiting for you and will drive you to Arusha where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Starting Point: Mweka Camp 3,100m
End Point: Mweka Gate 1,640m
Walking Time: 3-5 Hours approx.
Overnight – Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha
Meals – Breakfast and Lunch
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. The end of Machame Route 7 Days.
Meals – Breakfast
– Arrival transfer from Zanzibar Airport to your hotel
– 3 nights accommodation in Stone Town with breakfast daily
– Stone Town Walking Tour
– Transfer from your Stone Town to Nungwi accommodation
– Spice Farm Tour with Lunch
– 3 nights accommodation in Nungwi with breakfast daily
– Departure transfer from your resort to Zanzibar Airport
– All current Government fees and taxes
We’re excited to help you create the ultimate safari experience! Please take a moment to share some details with us about what you envision, and let us know your preferences. We can’t wait to make your dream adventure a reality!
EXCELLENT Based on 114 reviews Posted on Josie A19 October 2025Verified An incredible experience with a small downside Our 7-day adventure was truly unforgettable, featuring waterfalls, ponds, lakes, a safari, a hot air balloon ride, and even flights and boat trips. The highlights of our safari included Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti, and Northern Serengeti, which were absolutely breathtaking.Benson Safaris did a fantastic job organizing the entire trip and making sure everything went smoothly. A special thanks to Zablon, our tour guide, who was more than just a guide—he was an adventure partner! He was kind, attentive, and instrumental in ensuring we saw the Big Five, along with countless other amazing animals. We celebrated together, shared meals, and enjoyed beers under the African sky. It was a fantastic experience, and Zablon played a huge role in making it special.The only downside was the flight from Serengeti (Seronera airstrip) to Zanzibar. Despite our early planning and multiple communications well in advance, the flight tickets were purchased too close to the departure date. As a result, we had to take three separate flights on the same day, instead of the direct flight we had hoped for. This added unnecessary stress and made our journey to Zanzibar more tiring than expected. We essentially lost almost an entire day in transit, which was frustrating, especially after such an exciting safari.But all in all, it was an incredible trip. The minor flight issue didn’t overshadow the incredible experiences we had. Highly recommend Benson Safaris for anyone looking to explore the wonders of Tanzania!Posted on PL H16 October 2025Verified Benson Safaris - top notch on all levels My husband and I had the most amazing experience in Tanzania. Benson and his team took care of all the details. We just had to show up, relax, and enjoy. We are very particular about our accommodations and every location exceeded our expectations. Our driver, Francis, made the experience "next level". He was knowledgeable with identifying the animals, providing historical context of the regions and culture. He also had a keen eye for spotting animals. Most importantly, he was very patient and expertly navigated the rugged terrain in a safe way.In addition to the safari, Benson organized our stay in Zanzibar. Again, he connected us with excellent drivers and tour guides who made our beach stay enjoyable. We ran into a small challenge at the hotel in Zanzibar and we called Benson. He took care of it and it was a huge relief for us.We highly recommend Benson Safaris.Posted on Tania M12 October 2025Verified Unforgettable Only 3 days and 2 nightsThe already short time could have been better exploitedBut beautiful experience and talk even if we have not been in the most famous Serengeti Great guide and accommodationPosted on Trail056789460134 October 2025Verified Great time, great guide Francis, Thanks Fortune for organizing, we made memories of a lifetime We decided to book our honeymoon with Benson Safaris (8 days of safari, 4 days in Zanizbar)Everything was perfectly prepared. All chosen lodges were clean and comfortable. The days were well organized and planned. Our guide Francis was so dedicated and knowledgeable, because of him we managed to have so many beautiful experiences and see wildlife in action. Our operator Fortune was also very good and professional, responsive and was helplful from the day we started planning till the day we came back. Very very recommended to go with Benson SafarisPosted on serahpin30 September 2025Verified Great and knowledgeable tour and safari guide! Our tour group comprised of 3 couples: our age range was mid-50s to early 80s. From the beginning of planning 9 months prior to our trip, Benson Safaris gave us great ideas, always receptive and answered our queries promptly. I am a person with limited ambulation as I have two prosthetic limbs but our tour guide and driver, ZABLON, went beyond to make sure I am cared for: providing a foot stool so I can safely get in the safari vehicle, driving near washrooms and our tented campsite so i won’t have to walk farther and so on. He is very knowledgeable and patient, explaining all the animals. He made sure to explore as best as he can to maximize our experience. Benson Safaris also made arrangements for us to enjoy Zanzibar. I highly recomment Benson Safaris to people who want to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.Posted on Rakesh M22 September 2025Verified Excellent We had a great experience with Benson Safaris. Our safari driver, Zablon was so caring and helpful to our senior citizens group. We highly recommend this company. We had an experience of a life time. Thank you Benson, Zablon for your excellent services. Subhash MinochaPosted on Shiva K27 August 2025Verified Outstanding Tanzania safari (6 days) Thanks to Benson Safari for making this happen. Appreciate the prompt communication prior to our trip and willingness to work with me in building a customized itinerary to meet our needs. Thanks to Mr Benson, Grace and Paul Balthasar Ngoty, our driver and guide. 1) Witnessed absolute magic at Mara River in Northern Serengeti. Saw multiple wildebeest crossings across the river on Aug 20 and 21. From Kenya back to Tanzania. Early for this time of year. Great stay at Aurari tented camp, about 45 minutes from the river (will post separate review under Aurari). 2) Enjoyed our stay at Serena lodge in Central Serengeti, 3) Miracle Air balloon ride was fantastic….saw lions, elephants and lots of deer and zebras (will try to post separate review). 4) Magic again inside Ngorongoro crater (witnessed a lioness kill a wildebeest) with a 2 day stay at Serena in Ngorongoro (will try to post separate review), 4) Finally stopped by at a Masai village (will try to post separate review if possible under Paulo Emanyata, name of village, with young Chief Paulo giving us a grand tour) on the way back to Arusha and onto Kilimanjaro.Make sure you have a good pair of binoculars and a good camera w a powerful zoom lens (400mm).Vegetarian food is not an issue at all the lodges and camps. The Chefs were extremely flexible and worked with us to provide great Indian vegetarian food.; even food without garlic if that’s in line with your liking. Be prepared for rugged terrain (bouncy) with a lot of dust. Have a lot of patience and rise up early and be prompt with your multiple game drives. Request lodges to pack lunch daily for you; this way you maximize your time spent on watching the crossings or going on game drives. Great country - Tanzania and great people. Loved every day of our stay.Finally don’t forget to buy Napenda (“ I like” in Swahili) coffee from Mr Benson. He owns a coffee farm. Asante sana ( picked up some Swahili and people thought I was a local.)Posted on Marek V25 August 2025Verified GREAT EXPERINECE - RECOMMEND We had already second experience with BENSON SAFARIS and again great. All was perfectly organized and program was one big experience. Our guide Liberatus was friendly, experienced and taking care about us each day. We saw all big animals, big 5 and many othres. Accomondations were fantastic experience and very good foood. I RECOMMED BENSON TO ALL TRAVELLERS. MarekPosted on Eileen Z11 August 2025Verified An unforgettable safari experience We took a family trip of five with Benson Safari, and it was filled with joy and wonderful surprises, not only from the breathtaking beauty of Mother Nature, but also from the amazing people we met along the way.From the very beginning, the booking process was smooth and stress-free. Grace and Benson were both incredibly patient and professional. They carefully listened to our needs and drafted a customized itinerary that perfectly fit our schedule.Because we traveled across both Kenya and Tanzania, we had different guides in each country, and all of them are nice people to work with. Special thanks to Edmund and Obi, who are both knowledgeable, fun, patient, and wise. If you have the chance, I highly recommend spending as much time with each guide as possible. Through our conversations and shared moments, we came to appreciate not only their skill as guides, but also their depth as individuals. They shared insights that helped us avoid unnecessary hassles, and their exceptional talent for spotting wildlife made every game drive unforgettable.This was our very first safari, and it truly exceeded our expectations. As we kept saying throughout the trip: we will definitely return for a second safari and when we do, Benson Safari will be our choice again.Posted on Rania A31 July 2025Verified 10/10 experience ! One of the best and most memorable experiences of my life! The safari was incredible from start to finish. Huge shoutout to Liberatus, our tour guide, who was amazing. His knowledge and passion made the experience 10 times better. He went above and beyond to make sure we had the best possible adventure. Highly recommend this safari !
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