Overview
The scenic route with the best acclimatisation
The Machame Route — the “Whiskey route” — is Kilimanjaro’s most popular and scenic trail, and this 8-day version adds an extra camp at the Karanga Valley for the best possible acclimatisation and one of the highest summit-success rates on the mountain. Passing through rainforest, the Shira Plateau, the Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall and beneath the Southern Icefields, it is the ideal choice for a first Kilimanjaro climb.
Day by Day
Your 8-day Machame Route itinerary
Arrive in Moshi
Arrive in Moshi for a pre-climb briefing and equipment check. Overnight at a hotel (bed & breakfast).
Machame Gate to Machame Camp (3,000m)
Drive to the Machame Gate and trek through lush rainforest to Machame Camp (3,000m). Dinner and overnight.
Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,840m)
Climb onto the moorland and the Shira Plateau (3,840m) with grand views of Kibo. Dinner and overnight.
Shira to Barranco Camp (3,960m) via Lava Tower
Ascend to the Lava Tower (4,600m) then descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m) — a key “climb high, sleep low” day. Dinner and overnight.
Barranco to Karanga Camp (3,995m)
Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall and traverse to Karanga Camp (3,995m) — the extra camp that boosts acclimatisation. Dinner and overnight.
Karanga to Barafu Camp (4,673m)
A shorter climb to Barafu Camp (4,673m), the summit base camp. Rest and prepare for the midnight summit push.
Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895m) & descend to Mweka
A midnight start via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) for sunrise, then a long descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m).
Mweka Camp to Moshi
Final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, collect your summit certificate, and transfer to Moshi.
What to expect
What’s included & excluded
Included
- Transfers between Moshi and the park gate
- Professional mountain guide, cook and porters
- Kilimanjaro National Park, camping/hut & rescue fees
- Full-board meals while on the mountain
- Mountain huts or tented camping as per the route
- One night’s hotel in Moshi before the climb (B&B)
- Drinking water on the trek
Not included
- International flights, visa & travel insurance
- Personal climbing gear & sleeping bag (hire available)
- Tips for your mountain guide, cook and porters
- Personal items, snacks & extra drinks
- Anything not listed under “Included”
Why book with us
Why travellers choose Nairobi Tour Promoters
Mountain experts
A Nairobi-based team guiding Mount Kenya & Kilimanjaro climbs for years.
Safe, strong crew
Experienced guides, cooks & porters focused on your health and a safe summit.
All-inclusive pricing
Park, hut & camping fees, meals and crew included — no hidden costs.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How high is Kilimanjaro and what is the summit?
Kilimanjaro’s summit is Uhuru Peak at 5,895m — the highest point in Africa and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. It is a non-technical walk-up, but the altitude makes it a serious challenge.
Why choose the 8-day Machame Route?
The extra day and Karanga camp give your body more time to acclimatise, which is why the 8-day Machame has one of the highest summit-success rates on Kilimanjaro. It is our most recommended route for first-time climbers.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
The best months are January to mid-March and June to October, which are drier with clearer summit conditions. Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the long rains of April–May are best avoided.