Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7-day climb: summit Uhuru Peak

Seven days crossing five climate zones to Africa's highest peak

A 7-day trek up Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, one of the mountain's most popular paths, with certified guides, professional porters, supplied tents and meals throughout. You climb through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and glaciated terrain, spending nights in camps at increasing altitude before a night ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and descent to the gate. Airport transfers and two nights in a foothills hotel are included before and after the climb.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and briefing

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Meet Altezza Travel representative
• Transfer to hotel
• Check-in at hotel from 2:00 PM
• Evening briefing with managers

Day 2 — Trek to Machame Camp

• Meet guide and support crew at hotel
• Travel to Machame Gate (1,800 m)
• Acquire climbing permits and register
• Trek through rainforest to Machame Camp (3,010 m)
• Overnight at Machame Camp tents

Day 3 — Trek to Shira Camp and acclimatize

• Breakfast at Machame Camp
• Trek to Shira Camp (3,845 m)
• Lunch and rest at Shira Camp
• Acclimatization hike to Lava Tower Camp (4,120 m)
• Return to Shira Camp for dinner

Day 4 — Lava Tower and descend to Barranco

• Breakfast at Shira Camp
• Trek to Lava Tower (4,630 m)
• Rest and lunch at Lava Tower
• Descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
• Overnight at Barranco Camp tents

Day 5 — Climb Barranco Wall and trek to Karanga

• Early wakeup and breakfast
• Summit Barranco Wall
• Rest and photo stop at Kibo volcano
• Trek to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
• Lunch at Karanga Camp
• Acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp (4,270 m)
• Return to Karanga Camp for overnight

Day 6 — Trek to Barafu Camp and acclimatize

• Breakfast at Karanga Camp
• Trek to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
• Set up camp and rest
• Acclimatization hike to Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m)
• Return to Barafu Camp for dinner and rest

Day 7 — Summit Uhuru Peak and descend

• Night departure from Barafu Camp
• Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
• Optional visit to nearest glacier
• Descend to Barafu Camp and rest
• Continue descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m)
• Overnight at Millennium Camp tents

Day 8 — Descend to Mweka Gate

• Breakfast at Millennium Camp
• Trek through rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
• Group gathering and congratulations
• Sign guestbook and receive certificate
• Transfer back to hotel

Day 9 — Departure day

• Rest at hotel
• Check-out by 11:00 AM
• Transfer to airport

The Experience

The trek starts at Machame Gate (1,800 m) after a morning briefing at your hotel in the foothills. Day one takes you through rainforest for 11 km and 5–6 hours of hiking to Machame Camp (3,010 m), where altitude sickness can begin—the guides will watch for symptoms and your crew will have water and meals ready. Each day follows the same rhythm: breakfast in the tent, a trek to the next camp, lunch, an acclimatization hike to help your body adjust, and a hot dinner. The second camp sits at 3,845 m on the Shira Plateau; from there you climb to Lava Tower (4,630 m) for lunch before descending to Barranco Camp (3,960 m), where you'll see the steep Barranco Wall you'll climb the next morning.

By day five you're at Karanga Camp (4,035 m), and the following day you reach Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 m)—the staging point for the final push. You rest and sleep as much as possible, then depart Barafu at night for the ascent to Uhuru Peak. Each climber gets a personal guide for this stretch to monitor how your body is handling the altitude and thin air. The climb is technically straightforward but the 5,895-meter elevation is the real challenge; most people take 8–12 hours for the full ascent and descent back to Barafu, then continue down to Millennium Camp (3,820 m) the same day. The final morning you descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), collect your certificate, and return to the hotel.

Your crew handles the logistics: porters carry the group equipment and personal gear (or you can hire gear on-site), cooks prepare meals tailored to dietary needs, and camp masters set up tents and sleeping pads each night. You sleep two to a tent in North Face VE-25 models designed for the mountain. Guides speak English and are trained in wilderness first response. Medical check-ups happen before the climb, and oxygen tanks and oximeters travel with the group. The mountain's altitude and terrain mean the descent carries real risk—the guides emphasize footwork and pace to protect your knees and toenails.

What’s included

• Two nights at Aishi Machame Hotel (one before the climb, one after) with breakfast included.
• airport pickup and drop-off from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
• all ground transportation to and from the mountain.
• certified English-speaking guides trained in wilderness first response.
• professional porters and camp crew.
• North Face VE-25 tents (two climbers per tent, except solo climbs).
• sleeping pads, dining tent, table, chairs and shared equipment.
• all meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free and halal options available.
• drinks on the mountain (tea, coffee, juices, soda).
• medical kits, medical check-ups and oxygen tanks with oximeters.
• all Kilimanjaro National Park fees and permits.

Good to know

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

Operated by Altezza Travel

Is this one for you?Book this climb if you have at least moderate fitness and can commit to 7 days of daily hiking at altitude—the acclimatization schedule and professional guides make it suitable for first-time climbers, but the mountain demands preparation and respect. Solo climbers can arrange single accommodation in the hotel and tent for an extra fee; families with children aged 13 and up are welcome, though the altitude and physical demand mean younger teenagers should have serious hiking experience.

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Top questions

What physical fitness do I need for the Kilimanjaro Machame Route?

The Machame Route requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. You'll hike 4–8 hours most days over uneven terrain, gaining altitude steadily. The guides set the pace and acclimatization hikes are built in, but the climb is not a walk—your legs, lungs and mental stamina matter.

How does altitude sickness work on this climb, and what can I do about it?

Altitude sickness happens because your body gets less oxygen as you climb. Symptoms include headache, nausea and poor sleep. The guides recommend drinking over 4 liters of water daily, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and taking Diamox (a prescription medication—consult your doctor first). Tell your guide immediately if you feel sick; the route can be adjusted if needed, and acclimatization hikes are designed to help your body adapt.

What's included in meals, and can you handle dietary restrictions?

All meals on the mountain are included: breakfast, lunch and dinner cooked by the crew in the dining tent. The operator offers vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, halal and other meal plans. Hotel breakfasts are included in your two nights before and after; lunch and dinner at the hotel cost extra (around USD 15 per meal).

Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag and hiking boots?

You need your own hiking outfit, boots and sleeping bag. If you don't have them, the operator rents gear on-site at an extra charge. North Face tents and sleeping pads are supplied, and the crew provides all shared equipment: dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cooking gear.

What happens on the night of the summit attempt?

You depart Barafu Camp at night and climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) in darkness, with each climber paired with a personal guide. The ascent takes 8–12 hours depending on pace and altitude response. After reaching the peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if you wish, then return to Barafu for a 2-hour rest before continuing down to Millennium Camp the same day.

Are tips for guides and porters included?

Tips are optional and based on your satisfaction with the crew's work. They are not included in the price, so budget separately if you plan to tip.