Summit Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m (19,341 ft) · Trek through the montane rainforest
Trip Info
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Accommodation
Mountain tents
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Departure City
Moshi / Arusha
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Arrival City
Moshi / Arusha
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Best Season
Jan – Mar, Jun – Oct
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Guide
Guided mountain crew
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Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
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Group Size
1 – 12 guests
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Stay Category
Camping
Overview
The Machame Route, known as the "Whiskey Route", is the most popular way up Kilimanjaro. It climbs through lush rainforest onto the Shira Plateau, passes beneath the Lava Tower and scales the famous Barranco Wall before the summit push from Barafu Camp.
This 7-day itinerary is led by our professional mountain crew of guides, cooks and porters. Every day is paced to help you acclimatize, with daily health checks, hot meals and a carefully planned summit night to give you the best chance of standing on the Roof of Africa.
Tour Highlights
- Summit Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
- Trek through the montane rainforest
- Cross the Shira Plateau
- Climb high to Lava Tower, sleep low at Barranco
- Scramble up the Barranco Wall
- Sunrise views over the Mawenzi peak
Places You’ll See
Machame Route
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Professional mountain guide, assistant guides & porters
- Camping equipment & tents
- All meals on the mountain
- Rescue fees
- Airport transfers (Moshi / Kilimanjaro Airport)
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and porters
- Personal trekking gear rental
- Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages
Itinerary
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Day 01: Machame Gate – Machame Camp
After breakfast, drive from Moshi to Machame Gate for registration. The trek begins through lush montane rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and giant ferns, climbing steadily to Machame Camp.
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Distance: 11 km
- Starting Altitude: 1,800 m / 5,906 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Machame Camp
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Day 02: Machame Camp – Shira 2 Camp
Leave the rainforest behind and climb a steep, rocky ridge into the moorland zone. The trail eases onto the Shira Plateau with wide views of Kibo and the western Breach.
- Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
- Distance: 5 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,845 m / 12,615 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
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Day 03: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
A key acclimatization day: climb through the alpine desert to the 4,630 m Lava Tower for lunch, then descend into the Barranco Valley among giant groundsels. Climb high, sleep low.
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,845 m / 12,615 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,960 m / 12,992 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Barranco Camp
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Day 04: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, then follow a scenic up-and-down trail across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, the last water point before the summit.
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 5 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,960 m / 12,992 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,995 m / 13,107 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Karanga Camp
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Day 05: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
A short climb through the alpine desert to Barafu Camp. Arrive early for lunch, rest, an early dinner and a full summit briefing before sleeping a few hours.
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 4 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,995 m / 13,107 ft
- Ending Altitude: 4,673 m / 15,331 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp
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Day 06: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Wake near midnight for the summit push. Climb steadily to Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise, then on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend to Barafu for a rest and continue down to Mweka Camp.
- Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
- Distance: 17 km
- Starting Altitude: 4,673 m / 15,331 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Mweka Camp
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Day 07: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
A final walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
- Ending Altitude: 1,640 m / 5,381 ft
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi / Departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This package is specifically the Machame Route for 7 days. Other day options are listed as separate packages.
No technical climbing is required, but good fitness and preparation help a lot.
Dry seasons January–March and June–October are the most popular.
