Mount Kilimanjaro — Machame Route

Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Price
$2,200 – $3,500
Group Size
Max 12
Difficulty
Challenging

At 5,895 metres, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. The Machame Route is considered the most scenic path to the summit, traversing rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic glaciers in just seven days.

Known as the “Whiskey Route” for its more challenging terrain compared to the “Coca-Cola” Marangu Route, Machame offers better acclimatization, diverse scenery, and higher summit success rates (approximately 85%). The route approaches from the south, offering stunning views of the Shira Plateau, the Western Breach, and the famous glaciers of Uhuru Peak.

Our experienced mountain crew includes certified KINAPA guides, porters, and a cook who prepare hot meals at altitude. Proper acclimatization days are built into the itinerary, with the “walk high, sleep low” principle ensuring your body adjusts safely to the altitude.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Machame Gate to Machame Camp (1,800m → 3,000m)

Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. Begin the trek through lush montane rainforest. Listen for Colobus monkeys and tropical birds. Arrive at Machame Camp in the heath zone. Distance: 11 km, 5-7 hours.

2

Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,000m → 3,840m)

Ascend through heather and moorland into a semi-alpine zone. Cross rocky ridges with views of Mount Meru to the east. Arrive at Shira Plateau, a high-altitude plateau beneath Kibo's western flanks. Distance: 5 km, 4-6 hours.

3

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,840m → 3,960m)

Trek east across the Shira Plateau toward Lava Tower (4,630m) for critical acclimatization. After reaching the tower, descend to Barranco Camp in the Great Barranco Valley — "walk high, sleep low." Distance: 10 km, 6-7 hours.

4

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,960m → 3,995m)

Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall — the most technical section of the route but with no ropes required. Traverse alpine desert to Karanga Camp with views of the Southern Ice Field. Distance: 5 km, 4-5 hours.

5

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (3,995m → 4,673m)

Short but steep ascent to Barafu ("Ice" in Swahili), the final base camp. Rest in the afternoon, eat an early dinner, and prepare gear for the midnight summit attempt. Distance: 4 km, 3-4 hours.

6

Summit Day — Uhuru Peak (4,673m → 5,895m → 3,100m)

Depart at midnight under starlight, ascending scree slopes to Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim. Watch the sunrise over Africa from the roof of the continent, then push on to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Descend all the way to Mweka Camp. Distance: 17 km, 12-15 hours.

7

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate. Transfer to hotel in Moshi for a celebratory dinner and hot shower. Distance: 10 km, 3-4 hours.

What's Included

  • KINAPA park fees and camping fees
  • Professional KINAPA-certified mountain guide
  • Assistant guides and porters
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Quality camping equipment
  • Emergency oxygen cylinder
  • Rescue fees
  • Pre-climb hotel night in Moshi
  • Airport transfers

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel and evacuation insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal climbing gear and clothing
  • Sleeping bag rental ($30)
  • Tips for mountain crew
  • Snacks and energy bars

Interested in this tour?

Get in touch for availability, custom itineraries, and group rates.