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Mountains

MOUNT KILIMANJARO - Tanzania · 5,895 m · Roof of Africa​

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and the world's tallest free-standing mountain, rising to 5,895 m above the Tanzanian plains. A non-technical climb, it demands no ropes or technical gear — but the altitude is serious. Proper acclimatisation is the single greatest factor in reaching Uhuru Peak. Two routes stand out for scenic beauty and summit success: Machame (the 'Whiskey Route') and Lemosho, our highest-recommended option for those with time. Both share the same summit push and descent via the Mweka trail

7-DAY MACHAME ROUTE The Whiskey Route · Southwest approach​

Nicknamed the 'Whiskey Route' for its challenge and length, Machame rewards with superior acclimatisation via the 'walk high, sleep low' principle — and one of the highest summit success rates on the mountain

ARRIVAL​

Fly into Kilimanjaro International (JRO). Private transfer to hotel in Moshi. Pre-climb briefing with your guide team.

Hotel accommodation

DAY 1 | Machame Gate → Machame Camp​

Rainforest trek from the gate (1,640 m) to camp at the forest/moorland boundary.

6–7 hrs · 11 km
Ascent 1,200 m
Max alt 3,000 m

DAY 2 | Machame Camp → Shira 2 Camp​

Steep climb into moorland and grasslands onto the Shira Plateau. First views of Kibo and Mount Meru.

5–6 hrs · 5 km
Ascent 850 m
Max alt 3,850 m

DAY 3 | Shira 2 → Barranco Camp via Lava Tower​

Trek through the Garden of the Senecios, up to Lava Tower (4,600 m), then descend to Barranco. Classic acclimatisation day.

6–7 hrs · 7 km
Ascent 750 m / Descent 650 m
Max alt 4,600 m

DAY 4 | Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp​

Scramble the Great Barranco Wall, then traverse under glaciers to the Karanga Valley. Shorter acclimatisation day.

4–5 hrs · 5 km
Net flat
Max alt 4,210 m

DAY 5 | Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp​

Final climb to high camp. Views of both Mawenzi and Kibo. Early dinner and rest before midnight summit push.

3–4 hrs · 4 km
Ascent 670 m
Max alt 4,700 m

DAY 6 | Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp​

Summit push from midnight. Sunrise at Stella Point (5,685 m). Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Long descent to Mweka Camp.

12–14 hrs · 17 km
Ascent 1,295 m / Descent 2,795 m
Summit 5,895 m

DAY 7 | Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Hotel​

Final descent through forest to Mweka Gate. Summit certificates awarded.

Transfer back to Moshi/Arusha.

3–4 hrs · 10 km
Descent 1,300 m

7-DAY LEMOSHO ROUTE Highest success rate · Western approach​

Lemosho is widely considered the finest route on Kilimanjaro — pristine wilderness, low foot traffic, and the best acclimatisation profile of any 7-day itinerary. Wildlife sightings are common in the lower forest zones

ARRIVAL​

Fly into Kilimanjaro International (JRO). Private transfer to hotel. Pre-climb briefing.

Hotel accommodation

DAY 1 | Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp​

4-hour drive to Londorossi Gate. Short forest walk into Big Tree Camp — Colobus monkeys, antelope, possible buffalo and elephant.

3–4 hrs · 5 km
Max alt 2,895 m

DAY 2 | Mti Mkubwa → Shira 2 Camp​

Long climb through moorland onto the Shira Plateau — a collapsed volcanic crater. Dramatic views of glaciers on the Western Breach.

7–8 hrs · 10 km
Ascent 1,000 m
Max alt 3,800 m

DAY 3 | Shira 2 → Barranco Camp via Lava Tower​

Cross semi-desert terrain to Lava Tower (4,550 m) — a 300 ft volcanic rock formation. Descend into Barranco Valley. Altitude symptoms may begin.

6–7 hrs · 12 km
Max alt 4,550 m

DAY 4 | Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp​

Climb the Barranco Wall (easier than it looks), then traverse glacial valleys to Karanga. Shorter day for recovery.

4–5 hrs · 5 km
Max alt 4,000 m

DAY 5 | Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp​

Rocky ridge walk to high camp. Prep gear, eat early, rest.

3–4 hrs · 6 km
Ascent 605 m
Max alt 4,700 m

DAY 6 | Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp​

Summit push just before midnight. Switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers to Stella Point. One more hour to Uhuru Peak. Descend to Mweka.

12–14 hrs · 17 km
Ascent 1,295 m / Descent 2,795 m
Summit 5,895 m

DAY 7 | Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Hotel​

Forest descent. Summit certificates at the gate. Transfer to hotel for shower and celebrations.

3–4 hrs · 10 km
Descent 1,300 m

INCLUDED IN BOTH ROUTES​

  • 3-star hotel accommodation before and after your climb (bed & breakfast, sharing basis)
  • All transfers to and from the mountain
  • National Park entry, camping fees and Park rescue fees
  • Fully supported climb — average 4:1 staff-to-climber ratio
  • All meals and drinking water on the mountain
  • First aid kit and emergency oxygen
  • Summit certificate
  • High-quality mess tent, sleeping tent, and foam mattress

NOT INCLUDED​

  • International flights and visas
  • Tips for guide and crew (USD 150–225 per trekker recommended)
  • Travel insurance — must cover trekking to 6,000 m
  • Personal trekking gear and clothing
  • Snacks and personal drinks on the mountain
  • Airport transfers (USD 50/trip up to 4 pax · USD 80/trip up to 9 pax)
  • Private portable toilet (USD 15/day · fits up to 5 trekkers)

Add-ons available: personal porter · gear rental · single supplement · extra hotel nights · safari or Zanzibar extension