Summit via Machame

7 days—A Challenging Trek with Unmatched Views

$1895-2890 USD

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Safari summary

Machame Route is the “Whiskey” route. It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain. Our seven-day climb passes through some of Kilimanjaro’s most famous landscapes.
It’s an excellent route to the summit and one with very high success rates. The luxury climb offers 3m x 3m dome tents, thick mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, and a thermal liner for a comfortable night’s sleep, a separate loo tent, high-quality food, equipment and experienced English-speaking guides.
The climb starts at Machame gate, ascending through Afro-montane Forest and then into the heath zone and on to the edge of the remnants of the Shira volcano. The route circumnavigates the main peak, Kibo, passing some spectacular features such as giant steps and glacial valleys.
The final night-time ascent is from Barafu Camp, reaching Uhuru Peak via Stella Point. The descent is via the Mweka route. All our climbs provide a large staff including chief guide, an assistant guide, cook, and porters

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
All drinks
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro

After a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive, you'll arrive at the Machame Gate entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. Here, you'll register and show your passport before lunch is served. While the porters prepare, you’ll relax, readying for the trek. In the afternoon, begin your climb through the lower rainforest to Machame Camp. Keep an eye out for monkeys along the way! Your 6-night journey includes all meals, snacks, drinks, and a private camp and staff to make your climb comfortable.

Machame Camp

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Kilimanjaro

Today’s hike takes you up the slopes of the Shira volcano, leaving the lush forest behind as the landscape opens into high-altitude moorland. You’ll notice the change in scenery—giant heathers and unique alpine plants dot the trail. The morning climb is steady and a bit steep, but eases into gentler terrain with amazing views of Kilimanjaro’s Western Breach. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route before reaching Shira One Camp by mid-afternoon.

Shira Camp

Shira Camp-Lava Tower-Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro

Today’s trek lasts about six to seven hours as you climb through Kilimanjaro’s unique alpine desert, passing striking plants like giant lobelias and senecios. You'll hike up to Lava Tower for a high-altitude lunch break—a great way to see how your body handles the elevation. Then it’s a scenic downhill walk into the lush Barranco Valley, a welcome change that stretches your legs before reaching your camp, already set up and waiting.

Barranco Camp

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro

After a hearty breakfast, you'll head out early to tackle the Barranco Wall—best done before the trail gets busy. The climb is steady and fun, taking about an hour, with a great photo stop in front of the Kibo volcano at the top. From there, the trail to Karanga Camp gets tougher with lots of ups and downs, but our guides set a pace that works for everyone. After a warm lunch, you’ll do a short acclimatization hike before settling in.

Karanga Camp

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro

In the morning, after a warm and hearty breakfast, you will begin your hike to Barafu Summit Camp. This camp is the starting point for the final night summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f) – your end goal. Our team will set up camp ahead of time, so when you arrive your tents and sleeping bags will already be prepared, meaning you can just relax and rest when you reach Barafu Summit Camp. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.

Barafu Camp

Uhuru Peak-Descent-Millennium Camp

Kilimanjaro

You’ll leave Barafu Camp in the middle of the night, heading for Kilimanjaro’s summit—Uhuru Peak. The trail isn't technical, but at this altitude, even small movements feel intense. To keep things safe, each pair of climbers is supported by a personal guide. After reaching the top, you can check out a nearby glacier before resting at Barafu and continuing down to Millennium Camp. Take care on the descent—it's where most injuries happen.

Millennium Camp

Millennium Camp-Mweka Gate-Hotel

Kilimanjaro

Waking up at Millennium Camp, surrounded by lush rainforest, you'll feel the difference—lighter air and the joy of having reached the summit. After a warm breakfast, you'll begin the final descent to Mweka Gate. At the bottom, your team will be waiting with high-fives and smiles. You'll sign the guestbook, receive your well-earned certificate, and head back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

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