Kilimanjaro Machame Trek
7 days—Climb Africa’s highest peak on a 7-day Machame Route trek. Enjoy stunning views, diverse landscapes, and a rewarding challenge to Uhuru Peak.
$2140-3499 USD
pp
Safari summary
Travel with Nature Quest Safaris on an unforgettable 7-day journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route one of the most scenic and popular trails on Africa’s highest mountain. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is favored for its beautiful variety of landscapes, effective acclimatization profile, and higher summit success rate.
Your adventure begins in the town of Moshi, where you'll be welcomed by our friendly team and transferred to your accommodation. The trek officially starts at Machame Gate, leading you through lush tropical rainforest, expansive moorlands, and high alpine desert, before the final challenging push to the glaciated summit zone of Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters.
Each day brings new terrain, rising altitudes, and stunning views—ranging from the Shira Plateau and Lava Tower to the thrilling Barranco Wall and panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks. The itinerary is designed to allow your body time to adjust, improving your chances of reaching the summit.
You’ll camp under the stars each night, supported by experienced mountain guides, porters, and a cook who ensures you stay well-fed and energized. Nature Quest Safaris provides all essential camping equipment, hearty meals, and reliable logistics so you can focus on the climb.
This shared group tour is ideal for solo travelers or friends seeking adventure, challenge, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of standing on the Roof of Africa. Airport transfers are included, and pre- or post-climb accommodation can be arranged upon request.
With professional service and attention to detail, Nature Quest Safaris is your trusted partner in making your Kilimanjaro dream a reality.
About this tour
Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
Main focus | None | |
Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
Best months | All months | |
Countries | ||
Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Bird watching—with professional guide
- Walking safari—with armed guard
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- All drinks
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Kilimanjaro
Machame Gate (1500m) to Machame Camp (3000m), the distance is about 18 km. It is approximately a 45-minute drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. All your equipment and supplies are taken over by porters; a cook will prepare all your meals. After all, formalities have been taken care of at the gate, you will head into the forest and begin the 7-hour ascent to the first camp on the mountain, Machame camp (3000m).
Budget camping
Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Kilimanjaro
Machame Camp (3000m) to Shira Camp (3840m), the distance is about 9 km. Breakfast is served early in the mess tent and, weather permitting, you could take in your first view of the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro. The lunch stop will be reached at about 3600m. After this short lunch and an equally limited rest, you'll continue up the rocky ridge to the next camp on the mountain, Shira camp (3840m).
Shira Camp
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Kilimanjaro
Shira Camp (3840m) to Barranco Camp (3950m), distance is about 15 km. The route now turns east into a semi-desert and rocky environment where you will reach an altitude of 4600m after a 5 hours walk to Lava Tower. As you ascend from the Shira camp (3950m), there are good views of the Shira Plateau to the west, Oehler Ridge to the northeast and the Western Breach to the east. This day, you will climb high and steep low.
Budget Camping
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Kilimanjaro
Barranco Camp (3950m) to Karanga Camp (3930m), distance is about 5 km. You’ll tackle the famous Barranco Wall and enjoy views across the Karanga Valley. This is a shorter day aimed at recovery and acclimatization. You’ll arrive at Karanga Camp in time for lunch and rest.
Budget Camping
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Kilimanjaro
You will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. You will continue up to the rocky section of Barafu Hut. At this point, you will have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here you will make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Budget Camping
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka
Kilimanjaro
At midnight, you begin the challenging summit push, battling extreme cold and wind. After reaching Stella Point and enjoying a sunrise over Mawenzi, you’ll reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Then, you descend to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The rocky trail is tough on the knees, so trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is in the forest, where rain or mist may occur; enjoy your final dinner and rest.
Budget Camping
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Kilimanjaro
On your last day, you will continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, you will continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.
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