A 7-day ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route is a unique journey designed for those seeking a challenge and the opportunity to summit one of the Seven Summits at the “Roof of Africa,” the highest point in Africa.

It begins in lush rainforest at 1,850 meters and steadily climbs through all of Kilimanjaro’s distinct climate zones. The gradual elevation gain supports acclimatization while immersing you in constantly changing equatorial landscapes, where each day brings a new environment and sense of progression toward the summit.

This is a true adventure on one of the mountain’s most scenic and popular routes, known as the “Whiskey Route.” From dense forest trails to sweeping ridgelines and open moorlands, the route delivers dramatic contrasts and unforgettable views. You’ll witness golden sunsets over the Shira Plateau, pass through the misty heights surrounding Kibo, and tackle the iconic Barranco Wall-an extraordinary journey of challenge, discovery, and high-altitude adventure.

*Note: This is a demanding adventure designed for those ready to push themselves. You’ll gradually climb from around 2,600 ft (800 m) in the Arusha region to a high point of 19,341 ft (5,895 m) at Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This represents a total elevation gain of roughly 16,700 ft (5,100 m) across multiple climate zones, from rainforest to alpine desert and finally arctic summit conditions.

We offer curated training through our Move Adventure Mountain Fitness program to help you prepare. Reach out if you’re interested in learning more at info@move-adventures.com.

Book your international flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport and plan to leave on October 15 and arrive in Tanzania by October 16th. When you begin the booking process for your flights, be sure to reach out with any questions!  

• Whether you’ve found a few options you’d like a second opinion on or you’re not sure where to begin, send us a message or email, and we’ll help you sort through the best choices. We’ll be actively supporting everyone with flight planning, so don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Here you will be welcomed to Tanzania by Move Adventures' group leader, Micaela, and our partnering local Tanzanian guide company, G2G Adventures.

• Private group transfer to our hotel in Arusha.

• The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and unwind after your flight.

Overnight: Under the Shade

• The hotel is situated at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The ambiance here is unique – surrounded by the African wilderness, this place is a real hideaway from bustling civilization and a perfect place to unwind. Under the shade features cosy garden view rooms, a swimming pool with a lounge zone, bar, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.

Twende! (Aka) Let’s Go!

Start of the climb- Pick up at 7:00

Trail Stats:

•Distance: 11 km

•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

•Habitat: Rain Forest

The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

We now leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue for a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Pole Pole!

Wake-up time at (Bed tea) 6:00

Trail Stats:

•Distance: 5 km

•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

•Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley, walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

Take it easy!

Wake-up time at (Bed tea) 6:00

Trail Stats:

•Distance: 10 km

•Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

•Habitat: Semi-Desert

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the Southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Over halfway there!

Wake-up time at (Bed tea) 6:00

Trail Stats:

•Distance: 5km

•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

•Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Final Push!

Wake-up time at (Bed tea) 6:00

Trail Stats:

•Distance: 4km

•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

•Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Sleepless Night- Summit Push!

Wake-up time at (Midnight) 11:00

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

•Distance: 5 km/3 miles

•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

•Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

•Distance: 12 km/7 miles

•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

•Habitat: Rain Forest

Around midnight, we will put on our headlamps and start the ascent to the summit under thousands of twinkling stars. Heading northwesterly direction and ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, it`s a steep, long, and most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. However, the energy of our group and the rhythm of our guides' Swahili chants will help you keep going. This is the time when we will all dig deep and remember why we are doing this together

At Stella Point (5,756m), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

After taking in the stunning views, we will make our way back down to our camp. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down.

In the afternoon, after some rest and Lunch at Barafu Camp, we will head back through the Alpine Desert and Moorland to our camp, nestled in the Heath Mweka Camp, which is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Boogie Down!

Wake-up time at (Bed tea) 7:00

Trail Stats:

•Distance: 10 km/6 miles

•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

•Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Today is your last day in beautiful Tanzania:

Our final morning together is a slow and meaningful close to this amazing adventure.

• Transportation from the hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport is included for your departure.

• If you’d like a little more time to explore Tanzania, you can also choose to add an optional extra night before traveling home.