Machame Camp
Tented camp
Rainforest edge, 3,010m
All Kilimanjaro routes
Machame Route
7 Days Adventures in Kilimanjaro Mount via Machame Route
The classic 'Whiskey Route' with the best scenery-to-price ratio on the mountain and a proven acclimatisation profile.
7 days / 6 nights90% summit successChallengingFrom $2,300 pp
Route overview
Seven days on Machame gives you the famous Barranco Wall, the Shira Plateau and a full climb-high sleep-low day at Lava Tower. It is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro for good reason: varied terrain every single day and a summit success rate around 90% when climbed over seven days.
- Barranco Wall scramble beneath the Breach glaciers
- Lava Tower acclimatisation at 4,600m
- Sunrise on Uhuru Peak at 5,895m
- Private toilet tent and walk-in dining tent
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Moshi to Machame Camp
Registration at Machame Gate, then a rainforest trek beneath giant heather and colobus monkeys to the first camp.
- Elevation:
- 1,800m → 3,010m
- Distance:
- 11 km · 5–7 hrs
- Overnight:
- Machame Camp
- 2
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
A steep morning climb out of the forest onto the moorland ridge with the first full views of Kibo.
- Elevation:
- 3,010m → 3,850m
- Distance:
- 5 km · 4–6 hrs
- Overnight:
- Shira Camp
- 3
Shira to Lava Tower to Barranco
Classic climb-high sleep-low acclimatisation day via the 4,600m Lava Tower before descending into the Barranco Valley.
- Elevation:
- 3,850m → 4,600m → 3,950m
- Distance:
- 10 km · 6–8 hrs
- Overnight:
- Barranco Camp
- 4
Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp
Scramble the Barranco Wall — the most photogenic hour on the mountain — then traverse the scree valleys to Karanga.
- Elevation:
- 3,950m → 3,995m
- Distance:
- 5 km · 4–5 hrs
- Overnight:
- Karanga Camp
- 5
Karanga to Barafu Base Camp
A short alpine-desert stage to base camp with an early dinner and rest before the midnight summit start.
- Elevation:
- 3,995m → 4,673m
- Distance:
- 4 km · 3–4 hrs
- Overnight:
- Barafu Camp
- 6
Summit day: Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Midnight departure for Stella Point and Uhuru Peak at sunrise, then a long descent through the moorland to Mweka.
- Elevation:
- 4,673m → 5,895m → 3,100m
- Distance:
- 17 km · 12–14 hrs
- Overnight:
- Mweka Camp
- 7
Mweka Camp to Moshi
Final rainforest descent, crew tipping ceremony and summit certificates, then transfer to your hotel.
- Elevation:
- 3,100m → 1,640m
- Distance:
- 10 km · 3–4 hrs
- Overnight:
- Moshi hotel (own account)
Camps, huts and lodges
Shira Camp
Tented camp
Open moorland, 3,850m
Barranco Camp
Tented camp
Below the Barranco Wall, 3,950m
Karanga Camp
Tented camp
Scree valley, 3,995m
Barafu Camp
Tented base camp
Summit launch point, 4,673m
Mweka Camp
Tented camp
Upper rainforest, 3,100m
Pricing per person
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 climber | $2,700 |
| 2 climbers | $2,450 |
| 3–4 climbers | $2,300 |
| 5–6 climbers | $2,200 |
| 7+ climbers | $2,120 |
What's included
- Kilimanjaro National Park, camping/hut and rescue fees
- KINAPA-licensed lead guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain plus filtered drinking water
- Quality four-season tents, sleeping mats and dining tent
- Daily pulse-oximeter health checks and emergency oxygen
- Return transfers between Moshi/Arusha and the park gate
- 18% VAT and government taxes
- Summit certificate at Uhuru Peak
Not included
- International flights and Tanzania visa
- Travel and evacuation insurance (compulsory)
- Hotel nights before and after the climb
- Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag hire
- Tips for the mountain crew (KPAP guideline: ~$250 per climber)
- Drinks, laundry and personal expenses
Other Kilimanjaro routes
Questions before you commit to the mountain?
Talk to a Kilimanjaro specialist about fitness, gear hire and the route with the best summit odds for you.
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