6-day Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route: Uhuru Peak

Six days ascending Africa's highest peak through rainforest, alpine desert and scree to the summit at sunrise.

A 6-day guided trek up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route (also called the Whisky Route) in Tanzania, ascending to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. The route crosses rainforest, heathland and alpine terrain over six days with experienced guides, camp accommodation and all park fees included. The steeper terrain and longer route offer better acclimatization than faster climbs, improving your chances of reaching the summit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and trek to Machame Camp

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Meet trekking team and transfer to Machame Gate
• Complete park formalities
• Trek through rainforest to Machame Camp
• Enjoy dinner and overnight at Machame Camp

Day 2: Hike to Shira Camp and acclimatize

• Hike from Machame Camp to Shira Camp
• Ascend through heathland zone
• Enjoy panoramic views and rest at Shira Camp

Day 3: Trek to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

• Trek across Shira Plateau to Lava Tower
• Acclimatize at Lava Tower
• Descend to Barranco Valley
• Overnight at Barranco Camp

Day 4: Climb Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp

• Climb Barranco Wall scramble
• Traverse ridges and valleys
• Reach and rest at Karanga Camp

Day 5: Ascend to Barafu Camp and summit attempt

• Hike to Barafu Camp
• Rest and prepare for summit climb
• Begin summit ascent around midnight
• Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise
• Descend back to Barafu Camp

Day 6: Descend to Mweka Camp and departure

• Descend from Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp
• Celebrate and overnight at Mweka Camp
• Descend to Mweka Gate
• Receive summit certificates
• Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport

The experience

The trek starts at Machame Gate after airport pickup, where your guide meets you and leads through lush rainforest alive with bird calls and monkeys. The first day climbs gently to Machame Camp at 3,000 meters, introducing your body to altitude. Day two steepens as you leave the rainforest for heathland, reaching Shira Camp on the Shira Plateau at 3,840 meters with views of the snow-capped peak already visible.

Day three is the acclimatization day: you trek east across the plateau toward Lava Tower at 4,600 meters, then descend into the dramatic Barranco Valley to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters. This climb-high-sleep-low strategy helps your body adjust to thinner air. Day four crosses the iconic Barranco Wall (a short scramble that looks steeper than it is), then undulates through ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp at 4,035 meters. Day five is short: a four-hour push to Barafu Camp at 4,640 meters, your base for the summit attempt. After an early dinner and brief rest, you'll be woken around midnight to begin the final push. The summit climb takes six to eight hours over steep scree in darkness, reaching Uhuru Peak as the sun rises. After photos and celebration, you descend back to Barafu for rest.

The final day descends to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters, where you celebrate with your team and receive your summit certificate the next morning. You're then transferred back to the airport. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language. Children from age one are welcome on the trek.

What’s included

• Experienced guide in your chosen language.
• airport pickup and transfer back to the airport.
• all park entrance fees and government fees.
• accommodation in mountain camps each night.
• meals throughout the trek.
• fuel surcharge.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (36 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (16 to 35 years) · Child (4 to 15 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Demanding physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Herbivore African Expeditions

Is this one for you?The Machame Route suits fit climbers who want better acclimatization than faster routes offer: the steeper terrain and longer timeline let your body adjust to altitude gradually, raising your odds of summiting. The six-day structure is what creates this advantage: shorter climbs skip these camps and descend too quickly for safe adjustment.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 35 years); Child (4 to 15 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many hours of hiking happens each day on the Machame Route?

Day one runs six hours from Machame Gate to Machame Camp; day two takes five hours to Shira Camp; day three is the longest at eight hours to Barranco Camp; day four is five hours to Karanga Camp; day five is four hours to Barafu Camp; day six descends five hours to Mweka Camp. The summit attempt itself takes six to eight hours starting around midnight on day five.

What is the Barranco Wall and why is it on this route?

The Barranco Wall is an iconic rock scramble between Barranco Camp and Karanga Camp that looks daunting but is a relatively short climb with guide support. It is part of the Machame Route's design to help your body acclimatize by climbing to higher altitude during the day and sleeping at lower altitude at night, which improves your chances of reaching the summit.

What altitude will I sleep at each night, and how high is Uhuru Peak?

You sleep at Machame Camp (3,000 meters), Shira Camp (3,840 meters), Barranco Camp (3,950 meters), Karanga Camp (4,035 meters), Barafu Camp (4,640 meters) and Mweka Camp (3,100 meters). Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point, sits at 5,895 meters. You climb to it on day five and descend the same day.

What is included in the trek price?

The trek includes all park entrance fees, government fees, airport or departure taxes and fuel surcharge. Airport pickup is provided. Camp accommodation and meals are included throughout the six days on the mountain.

Do I need to be very fit to climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route?

A high level of physical fitness is required. The route is steeper and more challenging than some alternatives, and the trek involves sustained daily hiking at altitude. The trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or if you are pregnant.