Our most popular Kilimanjaro climb. The 7-day Machame itinerary follows the classic Whiskey Route but adds a full acclimatization night at Karanga Camp, splitting the long Barranco-to-Barafu day in two.
That single change transforms your summit chances: you arrive at Barafu rested, with an extra day of altitude adaptation behind you. This is the version of Machame we recommend to most climbers.
Day by Day
Altitude-focused daily plan with distances, hiking times, habitats and overnight camps.
Register at Machame Gate and trek through dripping montane rainforest, home to black-and-white colobus monkeys, to Machame Camp at the edge of the moorland.
Start
1,800m
End
3,000m
Highest point
3,000m
Climb the steep ridge out of the forest into giant heather, reaching the Shira Plateau by early afternoon with wide views of Kibo and Mount Meru floating on the horizon.
Start
3,000m
End
3,840m
Highest point
3,840m
The acclimatization key: ascend to the Lava Tower (4,630m) beneath the summit glaciers, then descend to Barranco Camp — one of the most beautiful campsites on the mountain.
Start
3,840m
End
3,960m
Highest point
4,630m
Tackle the Barranco Wall — a thrilling but non-technical scramble — then traverse ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, with the afternoon free to rest and acclimatize.
Start
3,960m
End
3,995m
Highest point
4,200m
A short, steep climb to Barafu ('ice') Camp. Arrive by lunch, eat, hydrate, check your summit gear with your guide and sleep early — summit night starts before midnight.
Start
3,995m
End
4,673m
Highest point
4,673m
Summit night: a slow, steady climb by headlamp to Stella Point, then along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. Descend to Barafu for brunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp.
Start
4,673m
End
3,100m
Highest point
5,895m
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate for certificates and the crew farewell, then transfer to your hotel for a well-earned shower and celebration.
Start
3,100m
End
1,640m
Highest point
3,100m
Questions
The Karanga Camp night splits the hardest pre-summit day and adds acclimatization — summit success rises from roughly 70% to around 85–90%.
Our mountain team climbs these routes every month — ask us anything about fitness, gear, altitude or dates.
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