Kilimanjaro climbs
Kilimanjaro: 8-day Lemosho Route
Our highest-success route. Eight days from the remote western forests across the Shira Plateau, with the best acclimatisation profile on the mountain.
Kilimanjaro climbs
Kilimanjaro: 7-day Machame Route
The classic 'Whiskey Route': the most scenic way up Kilimanjaro, with a seventh day that makes a real difference to your summit chances.
- Duration7 days
- DifficultyChallenging
- RouteMachame
- Max altitude5,895 m
- Best timeJan to Mar, Jun to Oct
- GroupPrivate, 1 to 12 climbers
- Starts / endsMoshi or Arusha
Machame is the route most of our guides would choose for themselves. It climbs through five distinct climate zones, crosses the dramatic Barranco Wall, and follows the golden rule of altitude: climb high, sleep low. Adding a seventh day splits the long Barranco-to-Barafu stretch in two, giving your body an extra night to adjust before summit night.
You will be on the mountain with your own crew: a lead guide, assistant guides, a cook and porters, all employed directly by Neeko and paid to Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project standards. We carry a pulse oximeter and check everyone twice a day.
Highlights
- Sunrise from Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa at 5,895 m
- Scramble the Barranco Wall with the Western Breach above you
- Five climate zones, from rainforest to arctic summit
- Extra acclimatisation day at Karanga for a stronger summit bid
- Your own guide team, cook and porters
Day by day
Morning transfer from Moshi to Machame Gate for registration. The trail climbs steadily through dense montane forest, where colobus monkeys are common. Camp is set up for you at the forest edge.
Out of the forest and into moorland. A steep ridge leads to the Shira Plateau, with your first big views of Kibo and Mount Meru floating above the clouds to the west.
The key acclimatisation day. You climb to Lava Tower at 4,630 m for lunch, then descend into the Barranco Valley through giant groundsels. You sleep lower than you climbed, which is exactly what your body needs.
The morning starts with the Barranco Wall, a fun hands-on scramble that looks worse than it is. From the top the trail rolls through valleys to Karanga. A short day on purpose: rest, eat, acclimatise.
A gentle climb to Barafu, base camp for the summit. You arrive by early afternoon, eat early and sleep early. Your guide briefs you on the night ahead and checks your kit.
Wake around midnight. Climb by headtorch up the scree to Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise, then along the rim to Uhuru Peak. After photos you descend all the way to Mweka Camp in the forest, a long but joyful day.
A final walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you collect your summit certificate and say goodbye to the crew. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi for a long shower and a cold Kilimanjaro beer.
What's included
Included
- 2 nights hotel in Moshi (before and after the climb), bed and breakfast
- Transfers between Moshi and the park gates
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping fees and rescue fees
- Professional licensed mountain guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Quality mountain tents, sleeping mats, mess tent, tables and chairs
- Three hot meals a day on the mountain and boiled drinking water
- Pulse oximeter checks twice daily and a first-aid kit
- Portable toilet tent
Not included
- International flights and Tanzanian visa
- Travel insurance (must cover trekking to 6,000 m)
- Personal climbing gear (available to rent in Moshi)
- Tips for the mountain crew (we give you the guideline before you book)
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel, drinks and personal items
Questions people ask
Six days or seven?
Seven. The extra night at Karanga is the single best thing you can do for your summit chances and your enjoyment of the climb. We only run the 6-day version for experienced high-altitude trekkers.
How cold does it get?
Summit night can be minus 10 to minus 20 Celsius with wind. A good down jacket, warm gloves and a four-season sleeping bag are essential. Everything can be rented in Moshi if you do not want to buy it.
Can I climb solo?
Yes. All our climbs are private, so a solo climber gets their own crew. We can also try to pair you with another solo climber on similar dates to share costs, if you prefer.
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