The classic Machame route in six days, for fit hikers or anyone who has been at high altitude recently.
The 6-day Machame climb follows the same beautiful trail as the 7-day version, through rainforest, heather, the Shira Plateau and the Barranco Wall, but goes from Barranco to base camp in one day.
It saves a day and some money, but gives your body less time to adapt. Choose it if you are a strong hiker or have been above 4,000 m in the last few months; otherwise we recommend the 7-day climb. A hotel night before and after the climb is included.
We collect you from your hotel after breakfast and drive about an hour to Machame Gate, where your guide completes the park registration. The trail climbs steadily through thick, mossy rainforest, home to blue and colobus monkeys, to a camp at the edge of the heather zone. About 11 km, 5–7 hours.
Leave the forest for giant heather and rocky ridges. The views open up across the Shira Plateau and, on a clear day, to Kibo's glaciers and Mount Meru in the west. A shorter day that lets your body start adjusting. About 5 km, 4–6 hours.
The most important acclimatisation day. Climb to the 4,630 m Lava Tower for lunch, then walk down into the Barranco Valley, past forests of giant groundsels, to sleep almost 700 m lower. Climbing high and sleeping low prepares your body for summit night. About 10 km, 6–8 hours.
Climb the Barranco Wall in the morning, stop for lunch at Karanga Camp, then continue up to Barafu, the base camp for the summit. A long day that skips the extra night at Karanga. Early dinner and a few hours of sleep before the summit attempt. About 9 km, 7–9 hours.
Wake around 11 pm for tea and biscuits and start climbing by headlamp at midnight. After 6–7 hours you reach Stella Point on the crater rim as the sun rises, then walk about an hour more to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa. After photos at the summit sign, walk down to Barafu for a rest and a meal, then on to Mweka Camp. About 17 km, 12–15 hours.
An easy walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate and say goodbye to your crew. We drive you back to your hotel for a hot shower and a celebration. About 10 km, 3–4 hours.
Two people share a four-season mountain tent with sleeping mats. Your crew carries and sets up camp, and you eat in a mess tent with a table and chairs. Hot water for washing is brought to your tent each morning and evening.
Per person, it costs $1,880 for 1 person, $1,690 each for 2–4 people, $1,585 each for 5–7 people and $1,495 each for 8 or more people. The final price depends on your travel dates, so ask us for an exact quote.
2 nights in a hotel in Arusha or Moshi, before and after the climb, All nights on the mountain, with tents and camping equipment, Professional, experienced mountain guides, Guides', porters' and cook's salaries, All park fees and rescue fees, All meals on the mountain: large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food, Clean, purified drinking water, Arrival and departure transfers and Fair and ethical treatment of porters.
International flights, Tanzania visa fees, Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation, Tips for your guides, cook and porters, Personal climbing gear (sleeping bags, poles and warm jackets can be rented) and Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses.
January to mid-March and June to October, the driest months. Climbs run all year.
It starts and ends in Moshi or Arusha.
Yes. Every itinerary can be adjusted to your pace and interests: add a night, swap a lodge, or combine it with Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar. Just ask.
The only Kilimanjaro route with huts instead of tents, with an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo for a better summit chance.
The quiet northern route in six days: drier, gentler and with few other climbers. Best for fit hikers.
The steepest, most direct way up Kilimanjaro, on a wild forest ridge. For strong, experienced hikers.
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