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Kilimanjaro climb · 7 days, 6 nights · Best balance

7-Day Kilimanjaro via Machame Route Climb

The Whiskey route: big views, better acclimatisation

  • 7days
  • Arushastarts
  • 6camp style
  • $2,986per person, 2 travelling
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Overview

Embark on a 7-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route. This journey takes you through lush rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert before reaching the glacier-covered summit of Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. Descend through the Mweka Route with incredible views along the way. A perfect mix of adventure, challenge, and natural beauty in Tanzania’s most iconic climb.

  • Uhuru Peak

Best time to go

  • Jan: good
  • Feb: good
  • Mar: good
  • Apr: quieter
  • May: quieter
  • Jun: good
  • Jul: good
  • Aug: good
  • Sep: good
  • Oct: good
  • Nov: quieter
  • Dec: good

Meals included

7 breakfasts5 lunches6 dinners

Route

Arusha → Mweka Gate

6 nights

Day by day

Scroll through the days and the map follows you. Tap a day number on the map to jump to it.

  1. Day 1: From Machame Gate to Machame Camp

    Arusha → Machame Gate → Machame Camp

    Machame Camp 2,835 m BLD

    1. Pick-up from your hotel in Arusha. Drive to Machame Gate (1,640m) through scenic countryside (approx. 2 hrs).

    2. Arrive for registration with Kilimanjaro National Park. Meet your guides and porters, and complete park formalities.

    3. Begin trekking through lush montane rainforest, home to blue monkeys and colorful birds. The trail may be muddy and slightly steep in parts.

    4. Stop for a packed lunch along the forest trail.

    5. Reach Machame Camp (2,835m). Porters set up camp as you enjoy tea or coffee.

    6. Dinner is served, followed by a short briefing by your guide.

    Tonight you sleep atMachame Camp · 2,835 m Budget camping

  2. Day 2: Hike from Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

    Machame Camp → Shira Cave Camp

    Shira Cave Camp 3,750 m BLD

    1. After breakfast, leave Machame Camp (2,835m) and begin your ascent through heather and moorland terrain.

    2. The trail climbs steadily, crossing small streams and open ridges with stunning views of Mount Meru behind you.

    3. Stop for lunch along the trail, enjoying the fresh mountain air and expansive views.

    4. Arrive at Shira Cave Camp (3,750m) on the Shira Plateau. On a clear day, enjoy views of Kibo Peak and the Western Breach.

    5. Relax with tea or coffee as porters set up camp and prepare dinner.

    6. Dinner is served, followed by a briefing from your guide on the next day’s trek.

    Tonight you sleep atShira Cave Camp · 3,750 m Budget camping

  3. Day 3: Shira Cave Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

    Shira Cave Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp

    Barranco Camp 3,960 m BLD

    1. After breakfast, begin your ascent from Shira Cave Camp (3,810m) toward Lava Tower (4,630m). The trail leads through alpine desert, with fewer plants and cooler air.

    2. Reach Lava Tower, a striking rock formation. Lunch is served here, and the high altitude helps with acclimatization.

    3. Begin your descent to Barranco Camp (3,976m). The trail drops into a scenic valley with views of the Barranco Wall ahead.

    4. Arrive at camp where porters have set up your tents. Enjoy tea or coffee as the sun sets behind the cliffs.

    5. Dinner is served, followed by a briefing for the next day’s climb.

    Tonight you sleep atBarranco Camp · 3,960 m Budget camping

  4. Day 4: Hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

    Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp

    Karanga Camp 4,035 m BLD

    1. After breakfast, begin your climb up the iconic Barranco Wall. Though steep, it’s more fun than feared, with hands-on scrambling in parts.

    2. At the top, take in breathtaking views of the Southern Ice Fields and summit in the distance.

    3. Continue with gentle ascents and descents across alpine desert terrain.

    4. Arrive at Karanga Camp (3,995m). Rest with warm drinks as porters set up camp.

    5. Dinner is served, followed by a briefing and health check with your guide.

    Tonight you sleep atKaranga Camp · 4,035 m Budget camping

  5. Day 5: Ascend from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

    Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp

    Barafu Camp 4,673 m BLD

    1. After breakfast, leave Karanga Camp (3,995m) and begin your steady ascent through alpine desert terrain.

    2. Enjoy stunning views of Kibo Peak and surrounding glaciers as you approach the final base camp.

    3. Arrive at Barafu Camp (4,673m). Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit attempt.

    4. Early dinner is served. Final briefing and gear check take place before you head to sleep.

    Tonight you sleep atBarafu Camp · 4,673 m Budget camping

  6. Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

    Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

    Mweka Camp 3,100 m BLD

    1. Wake up for a light snack and begin your summit attempt under the stars. The trail climbs steeply toward Stella Point (5,685m) on the crater rim.

    2. After a tough climb, reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – the highest point in Africa. Celebrate briefly, then begin your descent.

    3. Return to Barafu Camp for a hot meal and short rest.

    4. Continue descending through changing landscapes to Mweka Camp (3,110m).

    5. Arrive at camp for your final night on the mountain.

    Tonight you sleep atMweka Camp · 3,100 m Budget camping

  7. Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

    Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate

    End of trip 1,640 m BLD

    1. After breakfast at Mweka Camp (3,068m), begin your final descent through lush rainforest toward the base of the mountain.

    2. Arrive at Mweka Gate (1,640m). Receive your summit certificates and say goodbye to your mountain crew.

    3. Meet your driver and transfer to your lodge. Time to rest, enjoy a cold drink, and celebrate your achievement!

On the mountain

1 night

Machame Camp

Day 1

1 night

Shira Cave Camp

Day 2

1 night

Barranco Camp

Day 3

1 night

Karanga Camp

Day 4

1 night

Barafu Camp

Day 5

1 night

Mweka Camp

Day 6

Prices

In US dollars, per person. The more of you travel together, the less each person pays.

Travellers

—per person

—in total

Book at this price
Start datesSolo1 tent2 people1 tent3 people2 tents4 people2 tents5 people3 tents6 people3 tents
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026$3,930$2,986$2,795$2,653$2,624$2,521
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027$3,930$2,986$2,795$2,653$2,624$2,521

What is included

Included

  • Transport
  • From your hotel in Arusha to the trailhead into Kilimanjaro National Park then back to your hotel.
  • Mount Kilimanjaro National Park entry fee
  • Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping / hut fees
  • All fresh and nutritious meals on the mountain
  • Snacks
  • Purified drinking water
  • Sleeping mat
  • Medical equipment (pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen)
  • Arrangement of any rental equipment if required
  • Mountain Crew
  • 2 Qualified experienced English-speaking guides
  • Experienced cook
  • Porters
  • Climb certificate
  • You will receive a Kilimanjaro certificate if you reach any of the three Kilimanjaro summits, i.e. Gilman’s Point, Stella Point or Uhuru Peak. With a responsible tour operator, proper preparation on your end prior to the trek, and physical fitness level, this is absolutely possible with us.

Not included

  • Traveller’s Insurance
  • It is highly recommended that you buy traveller’s insurance for your Kilimanjaro adventure since this protects you from unpredictable circumstances. Your insurance should cover the following categories:
  • Delayed, cancelled or interrupted flights and other delays
  • Overseas medical expenses
  • Emergency rescues
  • Lost or damaged luggage
  • A travel Insurance for hiking up to an elevation of 6,000 meters is an important requirement.
  • Your internal flights
  • Tanzania Visa
  • It costs $100 per person for US citizens and $50 for all other Nationalities. You can visit Tanzania’s ambassador office in your country or visit www.eservices.immigtation.go.tz to apply online.
  • Your Personal Gear
  • Mostly your outfit (cloths for climbing)
  • If you wish to hire all or some of your gears, kindly keep in mind that the expenses are not included in your package price and therefore extra charges will apply.
  • Crew Tip
  • Tipping on Mt. Kilimanjaro is an essential way of expressing gratitude for the services one receives from the crew. We suggest an amount of $250 - $300 per person to be shared by the whole team. You’re free to give more or less of the suggested amount; it is never compulsory.
  • Personal & Medical Items
  • Your international Flights
  • Any changes done by you during safari
  • Laundry services at your booked hotel
  • Mandatory tourism insurance fee of USD 44 per person (payable upon checking in at the Airport)

Book this trip

Tell us your dates and how many are travelling. We confirm availability and send you an invoice with every detail.

Booking terms

50% deposit to confirm, balance at the start of the safari or by bank transfer a week before. Card or PayPal payments carry the handling fee (usually 5–8%).

Read the full terms and conditions (PDF)
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