Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895m, is a bucket-list climb for adventurers worldwide. Known as the “Roof of Africa,” it rises dramatically above the savannah, offering trekkers one of the most rewarding mountain journeys on earth. Unlike technical climbs, Kilimanjaro can be conquered without ropes or specialized mountaineering equipment, making it accessible to determined trekkers with good fitness.

This 7-day expedition via the Machame Route combines breathtaking scenery, gradual acclimatization, and one of the highest success rates for reaching the summit. The Machame Route, often called the “Whiskey Route,” is famed for its variety of landscapes — from rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and glaciers. This adventure is guided by experienced mountain guides, supported by a team of porters and cooks, ensuring safety, comfort, and the best chance of standing on Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Itinerary

Cost

Day 01 :

Arrival in Moshi

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your expedition team and transferred to a lodge in Moshi, the base town for Kilimanjaro treks. Here you will meet your lead guide for a detailed briefing, gear check, and final preparations for the climb. The evening will be spent relaxing at the lodge while mentally and physically preparing for the adventure ahead. Overnight in Moshi.

Day 02 :

Moshi – Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)

After an early breakfast, you will be driven to Machame Gate, the starting point of your climb. The trek begins in lush montane rainforest, where the air is humid and alive with bird calls and the rustle of monkeys in the treetops. The trail is steady and ascends gradually, winding through giant fig trees, moss-covered trunks, and tropical undergrowth. After about five to six hours of hiking, you will arrive at Machame Camp (3,000m), located on the edge of the forest and moorland zones. Dinner is served in camp, followed by a restful night beneath the stars.

Day 03 :

Machame Camp (3,000m) to Shira Camp (3,840m)

The morning begins with a hearty breakfast before ascending into the moorland zone. The forest canopy fades away, revealing sweeping views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. The trail is steeper today but rewarding, passing through rocky ridges, giant heather, and volcanic boulders scattered across the highlands. After about five to six hours, you reach Shira Camp (3,840m), a broad plateau with expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit looming ahead. Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp.

Day 04 :

Shira Camp (3,840m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower (4,630m)

Today is an important acclimatization day as you trek high and sleep low. The trail gradually climbs towards Lava Tower (4,630m), a striking volcanic rock formation. The ascent is challenging, and you will feel the effects of altitude, but this part of the climb helps your body adjust. After a break at Lava Tower for lunch, the trail descends into the lush Barranco Valley. The scenery changes dramatically with giant lobelias and senecio plants lining the valley floor. You arrive at Barranco Camp (3,950m) after about seven hours of trekking, with stunning views of the Barranco Wall and the southern glaciers.

Day 05 :

Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (4,200m)

The day begins with an exciting scramble up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb that rewards you with spectacular views once at the top. The trail then traverses undulating terrain with several ridges and valleys, offering glimpses of the Karanga Valley far below. After about four to five hours of trekking, you reach Karanga Camp (4,200m), where you will rest and prepare for the next day’s ascent. This shorter day is crucial for acclimatization and conserving energy for the summit push.

Day 06 :

Karanga Camp (4,200m) to Barafu Camp (4,680m)

Today’s trek is a steady climb through alpine desert landscapes, where the air grows thinner and vegetation is sparse. The trail leads upwards towards Barafu Camp (4,680m), the final base camp before the summit attempt. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili, and the camp lives up to its name with freezing conditions and strong winds. Here, you will rest for a few hours before dinner and an early night, as the summit attempt begins around midnight. The excitement builds as you prepare for the final push to the Roof of Africa.

Day 07 :

Summit Day – Barafu Camp (4,680m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

At midnight, you begin the most demanding yet rewarding part of the climb. With headlamps lighting the trail, you slowly ascend through scree and switchbacks towards Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim. The climb is steep and challenging, but as the first rays of dawn break, the snow-covered summit comes into view. From Stella Point, it is a final one-hour trek along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Here, you celebrate your achievement, take photos at the famous summit sign, and absorb the breathtaking panoramic views stretching across Tanzania and Kenya. After a brief stay at the summit, you descend back to Barafu Camp for rest and lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for a well-deserved sleep after an exhausting but unforgettable day.

Day 08 :

Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Moshi

The final morning is a descent through lush montane forest back to Mweka Gate (1,640m). The air becomes warmer, and the forest alive again with bird calls and tropical vegetation. At the gate, you will receive your official summit certificates before meeting your transfer vehicle for the drive back to Moshi. Upon arrival at the lodge, you can enjoy a hot shower, a celebratory dinner, and the satisfaction of completing one of the world’s greatest trekking adventures. Overnight in Moshi.

Day 09 :

Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey or flight back home, bringing an end to an unforgettable adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro.