The classic Kilimanjaro climb. Six days up the scenic Machame Route, from steamy rainforest to the roof of Africa, with a sunrise summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
The Machame route – often called the ‘Whiskey route’ – is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and rewarding trails, and this six-day version is a tent-based camping climb rather than the hut-based Marangu route. The trail crosses several ecological zones, from tropical rainforest through moorland to alpine desert, with nights at the Machame, Shira, Barranco, Barafu and Mweka camps.
It is more demanding than the Marangu route but rewards trekkers with superb landscapes and a real sense of wilderness. On summit night the team sets out to attempt Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa; reaching the summit depends on your acclimatisation, fitness and the conditions on the day.
Walking safarisTrekkingBird watching
Is this tour for me?
$1,950Per person
Trip type
High-altitude trek, not a technical climb: no ropes or climbing experience needed
Fitness level
Good general fitness and the ability to walk 5 to 8 hours a day for multiple days in a row
Age
Recommended for ages 12 and up due to walking distances
Health notes
Consult a doctor if you have heart, lung, or blood pressure conditions. Altitude affects everyone differently regardless of fitness.
Day by day
1
Machame Camp
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Drive to the Machame Gate (around 1,830 m) and trek through montane rainforest to Machame Camp. Overnight at Machame Camp (around 3,000 m).
CampingMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
2
Kilimanjaro
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Climb out of the forest into moorland, crossing rocky ridges to reach Shira Camp. Overnight at Shira Camp (around 3,840 m)
CampingMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
3
Barranco
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)
Ascend towards the Lava Tower (around 4,630 m) for acclimatisation, then descend to Barranco Camp beneath the Great Barranco Wall. Overnight at Barranco Camp (around 3,986 m).
CampingMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
4
Barafu Camp
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Climb the Barranco Wall and continue over ridges and valleys to Barafu Camp, the base for the summit attempt. Overnight at Barafu Camp (around 4,600 m).
CampingMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
5
Uhuru peak
Summit Day: Uhuru Peak & Descent to Mweka Camp
Set out in the early hours to attempt Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), then descend by the Mweka route to Mweka Camp. Overnight at Mweka Camp (around 3,100 m).
CampingMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
6
Mweka gate
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate & Departure
Complete the descent through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate, then transfer back to Arusha.
CampingMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Route
Starts in Moshi, ends in Moshi.
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Other stops
Day 1Machame Camp
Day 2Shira 1 Camp
Day 4Barafu Camp
Day 5Uhuru Peak
Day 6Mweka Gate
Accommodation & meals
What's arranged for you to sleep and eat each night of the trip.
Day 1-6
Camping
All meals included
What's included
Price Includes:
Mountain climbing fees, forest fees, Camping fees, Rescue fees, Food 3 times a day Professional mountain guide, Cook, 3poters per client, ranger fees, tents.
Transport from Arusha to Machame gate and back to Arusha for the last day, accommodation in Moshi before and after the climb for bed and breakfast.
3 to 4 liter of boiled drinking water per person per day during climbing.
Not included
Price Quoted does not include:
Tips for the crews, personal stuffs like telephone, gifts, alcohol, cigarette etc.
The exact order, contents, and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, a comparable alternative will be suggested.
The operator reserves the right to change the advertised rates without prior notice.
Packing list
What this operator recommends bringing on the trip.
Waterproof hiking boots
Insulated jacket
Fleece layers
Warm hat and gloves
Sunglasses (UV protection)
Sunscreen SPF 50
Headlamp with spare batteries
Trekking poles
Daypack (20-30L)
Refillable water bottle
Passport (for park/border entry)
Lightweight rain jacket
Insect repellent
Personal first aid kit
Power bank
Travel plug adapter
Camera or phone with extra storage
Comfortable walking shoes
Small-denomination cash for tips
• Sweater-wicking T-shirts
• First layer
• Long sleeve warm shirt
• Underwear
• Thermal long underwear
• Gore-tex rain jacket
• Smart wool socks
• Hiking pants
• Balaclava
• Fleece hat
• Fleece ear warmers
• Fleece jacket
• Fleece sweater
• Down jacket
• Walking boots
• Hiking boots
• Gore-tex ski gloves
• Light gloves
GEAR
• Sleeping Bag (Rated -25 degrees C/-10 degrees is recommended)
• Day pack, for you to carry
• Large duffel bag for porters to carry
• Water bottles or Camelback
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp
• Batteries - bring extra sets for headlamp/flashlight and camera as cold weather shortens their life
• Binoculars
• Pocket knife
• Gaiters
TOILETRIES
• • Ear plugs
• Toilet paper
• Small towel
• Soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Wet-wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Lotion
• Glasses, contacts, solution (take contacts out each night to prevent blurred vision)
• Eye drops
• Feminine products
FIRST AID
• Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, or Aspirin
• Throat lozenges
• Band-Aid
• Moleskin/2nd skin
• Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
Lip balm with sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Disinfectant, Antiseptic cream
• Diarrhea medicine
• Antihistamines
• Ace bandage
• Sleep aid
• Malaria pills (talk to your doctor)
• Antibiotics (talk to your doctor)
• Diamox (talk to your doctor)
OTHER
• Plastic/zip-lock bags
• Gatorade or other drink mix helps with taste and minerals.
• Water filter or iodine purification tablets
• Sun hat with brim
• Sunglasses
• Energy bars, snacks
• Duct tape
Getting there
By Car and Helicopter.
Rates
Per person, based on group size. Request a quote for an exact price for your dates.
Season
All season
Dates
2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31
Group size
2 to 6
Per person (adult)
$1,950
Per person (child)
$1,750
Mountain gears, like sleeping bag, clothes, shoes, walking poles, head light, gloves and other staff for climb. International flights and Visas, Gratuities for the guide, Personal expenses such as beverages and laundry, Telephone, faxes and telexes and Travel insurance and medical evacuation.
