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The classic Machame route with an extra acclimatisation day at Karanga Camp
Seven days on the Machame route is the sweet spot for most climbers. You follow the same beautiful line as the six-day version, through rainforest, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall, but split the Barranco to Barafu stage with a night at Karanga Camp. That extra day lets your body adjust before the summit, and the difference shows on summit night. The climb is private for your party, with hotel nights in Moshi before and after, all park fees, four-season tents, a mess tent, freshly cooked meals and twice-daily oxygen saturation checks.
Warm and mostly dry, clear summit mornings
Long rains: quiet trails and our lowest prices
Cool and dry, the most popular climbing months
Short rains, mostly afternoon showers
We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive about 45 minutes to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening your lead guide runs the briefing and checks every item of gear with you, so anything missing can be hired before the climb. Machame starts at Machame Gate, about 45 minutes from Moshi.
Register at the gate and climb through rainforest of fig, camphor and giant ferns, with blue monkeys in the canopy. Hike about 6 to 7 hours, roughly 11 km, from 1,800 m to 2,835 m.
Leave the forest for heath and moorland and climb a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau. Hike about 5 to 6 hours, roughly 10 km, from 2,835 m to 3,850 m.
Climb to Lava Tower at 4,630 m for lunch, then descend into the Barranco valley to sleep. Hike about 6 to 7 hours, roughly 10 km, from 3,850 m to 4,630 m. You sleep at Barranco Camp (3,960 m).
Scramble up the Barranco Wall, then follow the trail under the Heim and Kersten glaciers to Karanga. A short day with an afternoon to rest. Hike about 4 to 5 hours, roughly 5 km, from 3,960 m to 3,995 m.
A short climb over rock and scree to Barafu base camp. Early dinner, final briefing and sleep before the midnight start. Hike about 3 to 4 hours, roughly 4 km, from 3,995 m to 4,673 m.
Wake around 23:00 for tea and biscuits, then climb slowly by head torch from Barafu Camp. Most climbers reach Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim around sunrise, then walk 45 minutes more to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After photos you descend to Barafu Camp for a rest and hot lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m). Summit push about 6 to 8 hours, descent 5 to 6 hours, roughly 17 km in total. The longest and hardest day of the climb.
A last descent through the rainforest, watching for colobus monkeys, to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), where you sign out and collect your summit certificate. Say goodbye to the crew, then drive back to Moshi for a hot shower and a celebration dinner. Hike about 3 to 4 hours, roughly 10 km.
Breakfast, then a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, or onward to Arusha to start a safari or fly to Zanzibar.
Private transfer between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport and your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, one way, for up to 4 people with luggage.
One more night in a mid-range Moshi hotel with breakfast, per person sharing. Useful before the climb to rest after a long flight.
Four-season sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles, gaiters, waterproof trousers and a head torch, ready at your gear check in Moshi or Arusha.
A portable flush toilet in its own tent for your group, carried and cleaned by a dedicated porter for the whole climb. Price per group.
One more night on the mountain to help your body adjust, including park fees, crew and meals. Raises your chance of reaching the summit.
Flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar, transfers, three nights in a Nungwi beach hotel on half board and Zanzibar visitor insurance. Per person sharing.
Tell us your dates and party size — we'll confirm availability and send a clear quote.