Climbers on Kilimanjaro’s snowy upper slopes

Treks · Sample itinerary

7 Days Machame Route

Follow Kilimanjaro’s Machame, or Whisky, route through rainforest and high volcanic terrain, with an overnight at Karanga before Barafu.

Duration7 mountain days · 6 camp nights

RouteMachame · Shira · Barafu · Mweka

PaceDemanding camping trek

Best timeTypically Jan–Mar · Jun–Oct

A starting point for your custom trip

Seven mountain days connect the southern approach, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and Barranco Wall. Camping is part of the journey, with a separate arrival and recovery stay in Moshi.

Before choosing this route

Kilimanjaro is a demanding high-altitude trek. Fitness does not prevent altitude illness, and no route guarantees a summit. Discuss preparation with a qualified clinician, report symptoms promptly and follow your guide’s decisions about continuing or descending.

Machame’s southern approach

Lava Tower and Barranco Wall

Separate Karanga overnight

English-speaking mountain guides

Day by day

A sample route, refined with you.

Day 1

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Transfer from Moshi, complete park registration and begin the climb through rainforest. Trails can be wet and muddy. Walk at a measured pace to Machame Camp, where your team sets up the first mountain overnight.

Day 2

Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

Leave the forest and climb through heath and moorland along steeper sections of trail. Continue toward the Shira Plateau and settle at Shira Cave Camp.

Day 3

Shira via Lava Tower to Barranco

Gain height toward Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp. Your guide will set the pace and review how you are adjusting to the altitude throughout this demanding stage.

Day 4

Barranco Wall to Karanga

Tackle the steep Barranco Wall with your guide, then cross the ridges and valleys toward Karanga Camp. Stay overnight here, with time for food and rest before the higher camp.

Day 5

Karanga to Barafu Camp

Continue into the alpine desert toward Barafu. Check equipment and discuss the summit attempt with your team, then have an early dinner and rest ahead of the night’s departure.

Day 6

Summit attempt, then descend to Mweka

Start very early toward Stella Point. The onward traverse to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres depends on conditions and your wellbeing. Descend to Barafu for a brief rest and meal, then continue to Mweka Camp. Allow for a long day that includes both ascent and descent; a safe turnaround may be necessary.

Day 7

Mweka Gate and return to Moshi

Walk through rainforest to Mweka Gate, complete exit formalities and transfer to your Moshi hotel. Plan recovery time after the climb and avoid a tight flight connection.

Your proposal can include

Private airport–Moshi and hotel–mountain-gate transfers
Two hotel nights in Moshi, as specified in the quote
National park entry and relevant rescue fees; government taxes
Mountain guides, cooks and porters
Four-season tents and double-layer sleeping mats
Three mountain meals daily, treated drinking water and hot drinks
Emergency oxygen, pulse oximeter and first-aid kit

Budget separately

Flights
Laundry, personal items and toiletries
A doctor accompanying the group
Hotel lunches, dinners and drinks before and after the climb
Crew gratuities

Your final proposal will confirm the exact route, accommodation, inclusions, and terms before you book.

Request a written quote confirming dates, group size, camping fees, hotel arrangements and final inclusions. Discuss personal gear, suitable travel and evacuation insurance, and any additional nights separately. The supplied group-shared tipping guide is US$20 per guide per day, US$15 per cook per day and US$10 per porter per day; ask for the expected crew size. Park rescue fees do not replace insurance.