There are six different routes used to hike Mount Kilimanjaro, but this 7-day Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour follows the Machame Route, also known as the “Whisky Route.” It is the most scenic and one of the most recommended routes for those planning to climb Africa’s tallest mountain.
This route includes climbing the Barranco Wall and passing through forest zones, plateaus, deserts, moorlands, icy slopes, and finally reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters above sea level. The tour begins and ends in Moshi town or at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Depart Moshi, head to Machame Gate, and hike to Machame Camp
- Day 2: Machame Gate to Shira Camp
- Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp through Lava Tower
- Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Day 5: Hike to Barafu Camp
- Day 6: Hike to Summit and descend to Mweka Camp
- Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Transfer to Moshi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Moshi, Head to Machame Gate, and Hike to Machame Camp
Your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel in Moshi and transfer you to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park at the Machame Gate for registration and briefing. This session is important as it provides information about the climb and safety guidelines.
Collect the equipment you will use during the hike, such as ropes and other essentials. Begin the trek with park rangers and porters, walking through the montane forest while enjoying bird sounds and spotting primates along the way. You will arrive at Machame Camp in the evening for your first night on the mountain.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Shira Camp
After a good night’s rest, enjoy breakfast and begin your 4–5 hour hike through the moorland zone toward Shira Camp at 3,839 meters above sea level. As you climb higher, the temperatures begin to drop, and the views become more open. You will spend the night at Shira Camp.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp through Lava Tower
Today’s hike helps your body adjust to the altitude. You will walk across similar elevations but experience important acclimatization. Enjoy views of Kibo Peak and visit the Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Afterward, descend to Barranco Camp at 3,986 meters above sea level, where you will spend the night.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Continue your hike through the alpine desert as you climb toward higher ground at 4,034 meters above sea level. The hike lasts about 3–5 hours. You will reach Karanga Camp in the afternoon and spend the night there.
Day 5: Hike to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, hike to Barafu Camp, which means “ice” in the local language. This area is much colder than the previous camps. You will be advised to have an early dinner and rest by 6:00 p.m. to prepare for the summit attempt later that night.
Day 6: Hike to Summit and Descend to Mweka Camp
Wake up around midnight, have a hot drink, and prepare for your final climb. Put on your warm clothes, headlamp, and hiking boots, then begin the slow ascent to the summit. This section is challenging but rewarding.
You will reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, around sunrise. Spend some time taking photos and enjoying the moment before starting your descent. Return to Barranco for lunch and continue down to Mweka Camp, where you will spend your last night on the mountain.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Transfer to Moshi
After breakfast, continue descending through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, you will sign out, return rented gear, tip your porters and guides, and receive your climbing certificate. You will then be driven back to Moshi and dropped off at your preferred location, marking the end of your 7-day Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour.
