Kilimanjaro Trek | Machame Route
Arusha, Tanzania 6 nights from £2,495

Kilimanjaro Trek | Machame Route

Follow the "Whiskey Route" to the summit and back, over just 7 days, and experience Kilimanjaro's breathtaking scenery and excellent acclimatisation profile to maximise your chances of success.

  • 7 days hiking

Overview

Take on the adventure of a lifetime as you trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro!

Over seven unforgettable days, you’ll climb the world’s tallest freestanding mountain and stand proudly on the “Roof of Africa.”

Reaching Uhuru Peak is a moment you’ll never forget. At over 3.5 miles above sea level, Kilimanjaro’s ice-capped summit rises from one of the largest volcanoes ever to break through the Earth’s crust, offering some of the most breathtaking views on the planet.

This is a serious challenge, but it is achievable. With the support of a highly experienced mountain crew and proper acclimatisation, anyone with a good level of fitness and some hiking experience can reach the summit.

You’ll take on the renowned Machame Route, widely considered the best path for summit success. Along the way, you’ll trek through an incredible range of landscapes—from lush tropical rainforest and shrubby heathlands to alpine desert and finally the glacier-covered summit.

Adventure video

  • Mountain
  • Forest
  • Average fitness
  • Machame route
  • Solo
  • Couples

Fitmess level

Mount Kilimanjaro, otherwise known as the Roof of Africa is not a challenge to be taken lightly, although acclimatisation permitting, any reasonably fit person with some hiking experience can reach the summit with our supportive mountain crew.

Kit list

A downloadable kit list is readily available.

Season

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

  • Mountain
  • Forest
  • Desert
  • Minibus

Itinerary

  • Day 1 | Arrival in Arusha

    Your adventure begins in Arusha, the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), make your way to the hotel where you’ll meet the team and prepare for the days ahead.

    In the afternoon, your guide will conduct a compulsory kit check and briefing, ensuring everyone is fully prepared for the climb. The rest of the day is free to relax, recover from your journey, or explore the nearby town before the trek begins.

    16:00 | Kit check and team briefing

  • Day 2 | Machame Camp (2,980m) – 11km

    After breakfast, you travel to Kilimanjaro National Park and the Machame Gate, where the trek officially begins.

    The trail winds through dense rainforest filled with towering trees, exotic birds and lush vegetation. Gradually climbing out of the forest, you reach Machame Camp for your first night on the mountain.

    Trekking time | 5–7 hours

  • Day 3 | Shira Cave (3,840m) – 5km

    Leaving the rainforest behind, you continue climbing towards the Shira Plateau. The landscape begins to change dramatically as giant heather and open alpine terrain replace the dense forest.

    On clear days, spectacular views of the summit appear ahead before you arrive at Shira Cave for rest and recovery.

    Trekking time | 4–6 hours

  • Day 4 | Barranco Camp (3,950m) – 10km

    Today’s route climbs higher towards the Lava Tower at 4,630m before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach is key for acclimatisation.

    The terrain becomes more rugged and the altitude more noticeable, but the dramatic mountain scenery makes every step worthwhile.

    Trekking time | 5–6 hours

  • Day 5 | Barafu Camp (4,550m) – 9km

    The day begins with a scramble up the famous Barranco Wall before descending into the Karanga Valley. From there, the trail climbs steadily across an exposed alpine desert landscape towards Barafu Camp.

    This is your final camp before the summit push, so an early night is essential as you prepare for the toughest stage of the challenge.

    Trekking time | 7–9 hours

  • Day 6 | Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and Millenium Camp (3,820m) – 18km

    Summit day begins early and is the most demanding stage of the climb. Slowly and steadily you ascend the rocky slopes towards Stella Point, before completing the final stretch to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa.

    Standing at 5,895 metres is an unforgettable moment. After celebrating at the summit, you begin the long descent to Millenium Camp for your final night on the mountain.

    Trekking time | 10–16 hours

  • Day 7 | Mweka Gate (1,980m) – 13km

    Your final descent takes you back through lush rainforest towards Mweka Gate, where the trek officially ends.

    Here you celebrate your achievement with the mountain crew before returning to the hotel. After days on the mountain, the hot shower and relaxed evening will feel well deserved.

    Trekking time | 5–6 hours

  • Accommodation
  • Guides
  • Meals

Included

  • English-speaking group leader
  • Local mountain guides, cooks and porters
  • Accommodation (1 night pre-challenge, 1 night post-challenge)
  • Camping on the mountain plus tents
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner for each day on the mountain
  • Special Kilimanjaro finisher medal
  • Kilimanjaro park entrance fees, camp fees and standard KINAPA rescue fees
  • Guides, cooks and porters wages to the standard of Mountain Society of Kilimanjaro
  • Pulse oximeter safety equipment to check blood oxygen levels daily
  • Medical support equipment such as oxygen cylinder and Gamow bag
  • Toilet facilities while camping

Add-ons

  • Airport transfers (guide price £75 each way)
  • Single supplement

Not Included

  • Flights
  • Equipment
  • Meals when not on the mountain
  • Personal clothing
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for the guides, cook and porter
  • Inoculations
  • Expenses incurred outside the scope of the challenge including additional nights’ accommodation or transfers resulting from early descent or arrival/departure in Tanzania

  • Age 15 & over
  • Between 1-50 in group
  • Private group option
  • Pay in instalments

Although the minimum legal age to trek this mountain is 10, this challenge requires that participants be at least 18. Adventurers between the ages of 15 and 17 will be accompanied by an adult who will have full responsibility for the child during the trip.

Costs

Price per person (inc deposit)

£2495.00

Meeting point

Mount Meru Hotel
Arusha
2673
Tanzania

How to book

To find out more or book, please provide your details here.

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Sleep well

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Train slow

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Eat natural

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Get outdoors

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