7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route
The Machame or 'Whiskey' route is the most popular way up Kilimanjaro, prized for its scenic variety and strong summit success thanks to a 'climb high, sleep low' profile. Seven days gives you the acclimatisation edge to reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895m.
Highlights
- Summit Uhuru Peak at 5,895m, Africa's highest point
- Cross five climate zones from rainforest to arctic summit
- Dramatic scenery via Shira Plateau and the Barranco Wall
- Excellent acclimatisation profile for higher success rates
- Summit push via Barafu Camp
- Experienced mountain crew, guides, cooks and porters
Day by day
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1
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After registration at Machame Gate (1,800m), trek up through dense montane rainforest to Machame Camp at 3,000m (about 5-7 hours). Watch for colobus monkeys and lush vegetation. Overnight in tents.
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2
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Climb out of the forest onto moorland, ascending steeply to the Shira Plateau and Shira Camp at 3,850m (about 4-6 hours). Enjoy your first clear views of Kibo. Overnight in tents.
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3
Shira to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
A key acclimatisation day: climb to Lava Tower at 4,600m for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp at 3,960m (about 6-8 hours). Climbing high and sleeping low helps your body adjust. Overnight in tents.
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4
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, then traverse a series of ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp at 3,995m (about 4-5 hours). A shorter day that aids acclimatisation. Overnight in tents.
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5
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Ascend across alpine desert to Barafu Camp at 4,673m, the base for the summit push (about 4-5 hours). Rest, eat and sleep early ahead of a midnight start. Overnight in tents.
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6
Summit day — Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Set off around midnight for the long climb to Stella Point and on to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m for sunrise (6-8 hours up). After celebrating at the summit, descend all the way to Mweka Camp at 3,100m. A long, rewarding day of 12-15 hours total.
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7
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
A final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (about 3-4 hours), where you receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned rest.
What's included
- park and camping fees
- professional mountain guides
- cooks and porters
- all meals on the mountain
- camping equipment (tents, mess tent)
- rescue fees
- transfers to and from the gate
- two nights hotel are not included
Not included
- international flights
- Tanzania visa
- travel insurance with high-altitude cover
- personal trekking gear and sleeping bag
- tips for the mountain crew
- hotel nights before and after the climb
- drinks and personal items
Tour companies for this trip
For a multi-day trip like this, an operator handles the vehicles, camps and logistics end to end.
Nomad Tanzania
UnclaimedArusha
Luxury mobile & permanent safari camps
Asilia Africa
UnclaimedArusha
Boutique safari camps and lodges
Thomson Safaris
UnclaimedArusha
Northern-circuit safaris with private camps
Wayo Africa
UnclaimedArusha
Walking & active safaris off the beaten track
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