Adventure Safaris Adventure Pick
7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Machame Gate → Machame Camp → Shira Camp → Barranco → Karanga → Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Gate
- Group: 2–6 people
- 4×4 Safari Vehicle for transfers to and from the mountain
Overview
Take on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, via the spectacular Machame Route.
Often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is known for its beautiful scenery and varied landscapes. The route passes through rainforest, moorland, the Shira Plateau, alpine desert and the high-altitude slopes leading to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.
This 7-day itinerary provides a good balance between trekking distance and acclimatization. The route includes the famous Barranco Wall and follows the important “climb high, sleep low” principle on sections of the ascent.
The summit attempt begins during the night from Barafu Camp, with the goal of reaching Uhuru Peak around sunrise before beginning the descent towards Mweka Camp.
- - 🏔️ Summit Mount Kilimanjaro – Uhuru Peak
- - 🌍 Reach the highest point in Africa
- - 🥾 Trek the scenic Machame Route
- - 🌿 Walk through Kilimanjaro's lush rainforest
- - 🌄 Explore the spectacular Shira Plateau
- - 🧗 Climb the famous Barranco Wall
- - 🌋 Experience Kilimanjaro's alpine desert
- - ⭐ Enjoy several days of altitude acclimatization
- - 🌅 Watch sunrise from the summit
- - 📸 Incredible mountain photography opportunities
- - 🏕️ Sleep in mountain camps
- - 👨👩👧👦 Suitable for physically prepared trekkers
- - 🏆 Earn a summit certificate after successfully reaching Uhuru Peak
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day1
Machame Gate – Machame Camp
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a transfer from Moshi or Arusha to Machame Gate.
Complete park registration and other entry formalities before beginning your trek.The first section takes you through the spectacular montane rainforest, where the trail is surrounded by lush vegetation and towering trees.
The pace is deliberately slow to allow you to settle into the mountain environment.
Keep an eye out for birds and monkeys along the forest trail.
Arrive at Machame Camp in the afternoon and settle into your tent.Overnight: Machame Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Trekking: Approximately 11 km
Trekking Time: Approximately 5–7 hours
Altitude: Approximately 2,835 m -
Day2
Machame Camp – Shira Camp
After breakfast, leave the rainforest behind and continue climbing into the moorland zone.
The trail becomes steeper as you ascend through heather and open vegetation.
As you gain altitude, enjoy increasingly impressive views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape.
Continue towards the Shira Plateau, one of the most spectacular areas of the route.
Arrive at Shira Camp and enjoy the evening while taking in the mountain scenery.Overnight: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking: Approximately 5 km
Trekking Time: Approximately 4–6 hours
Altitude: Approximately 3,840 m -
Day3
Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Today's trek is an important acclimatization day.
After breakfast, leave Shira Camp and gradually climb towards Lava Tower, reaching approximately 4,600 metres.
The landscape changes dramatically as you enter the alpine desert zone.
Spend some time around Lava Tower before descending towards Barranco Camp.
This "climb high, sleep low" approach gives your body additional time to adapt to the altitude.
The descent into the Barranco Valley provides spectacular views of the mountain and surrounding volcanic landscape.
Arrive at Barranco Camp beneath the impressive Barranco Wall.Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking: Approximately 10 km
Trekking Time: Approximately 7–9 hours
Highest Point: Approximately 4,600 m
Sleeping Altitude: Approximately 3,960 m -
Day4
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Wake up early for one of the most memorable sections of the climb — the ascent of the Barranco Wall.
Although the wall looks imposing from below, the trail is a non-technical scramble that can be tackled with the assistance of your experienced mountain guides.Reach the top of the wall and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers.
Continue through a series of ridges and valleys towards Karanga Camp.
The relatively short trekking day provides additional time for rest and acclimatization.Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking: Approximately 5 km
Trekking Time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Altitude: Approximately 4,035 m -
Day5
Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
After breakfast, begin your trek towards Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt.
The landscape becomes increasingly barren as you move into the upper alpine desert.
Arrive at Barafu Camp and have lunch.Your guides will brief you about the summit attempt and check your equipment.
Spend the afternoon resting and preparing mentally and physically for the summit.
Have an early dinner and go to bed early because your summit attempt begins around midnight.Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking: Approximately 4 km
Trekking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Altitude: Approximately 4,640 m -
Day6
Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Summit Day
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of your Kilimanjaro climb.
Wake up around midnight and begin the summit ascent.
The trail climbs steadily through the darkness towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
The terrain becomes increasingly steep and demanding as you approach the summit.
With the support of your guides, maintain a slow and steady pace.Reach Stella Point at approximately 5,739 metres.
From Stella Point, continue along the crater rim towards Uhuru Peak.
At 5,895 metres, Uhuru Peak is the highest point in Africa.Celebrate your achievement, take photographs and enjoy the extraordinary views, weather and conditions permitting.
After spending some time at the summit, begin the descent towards Barafu Camp.
Take a short rest before continuing down towards Mweka Camp.
As you descend, the increasing oxygen levels normally make the journey progressively easier.Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking: Approximately 17 km total
Trekking Time: Approximately 12–15 hours
Summit: 5,895 m – Uhuru Peak -
Day7
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi/Arusha
Enjoy your final breakfast on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Begin your descent through the beautiful montane rainforest towards Mweka Gate.
At the gate, complete the park exit formalities and receive your summit certificate if you successfully reached the summit.
Meet your transfer vehicle and travel back to Moshi or Arusha.
Enjoy a well-earned shower, rest and celebration after completing your Kilimanjaro adventure.Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Trekking: Approximately 10 km
Trekking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
End Point: Moshi / Arusha
What’s included
Included
Not included
Where you’ll stay
6 nights · Mountain Camping
Kilimanjaro Mountain Camps
Accommodation during the climb is provided at designated mountain camps along the Machame Route. Rather than staying in permanent lodges, climbers sleep in quality mountain tents while the climbing crew prepares meals and assists with camp setup. The principal camps on this itinerary are: - Machame Camp - Shira Camp - Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp - Mweka Camp The mountain camps provide a simple but authentic wilderness experience surrounded by Kilimanjaro's spectacular landscapes.
Route map
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