Climbing kilimanjaro via Machame Route with Kossovo camp
Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) via the Machame Route, the renowned "Whisky Route", with Kilisherpas Travel. This 7-day private trek is designed for high summit success, combining diverse landscapes, from rainforest to alpine desert with a proven “walk high, sleep low” acclimatisation profile.
The itinerary includes an overnight at Kosovo Camp (4,800m), a higher-positioned camp than the standard Barafu Camp, improving acclimatisation and increasing summit success rates. Summit night begins from Kosovo, offering a shorter and more efficient final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Expect panoramic views of the Western Breach and remaining glaciers, supported by expert guides, premium camping, and strong safety systems. This eco-conscious expedition also contributes directly to local communities, making it ideal for serious climbers seeking both performance and purpose.
Is this tour for me?
Private group — flexible dates and pace
15+ — families and groups welcome
Wildlife
Parks & destinations in this program:
Safari Route Map
Explore your journey through Tanzania's wilderness
Itinerary
Explore the detailed day-by-day plan
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and enjoy a private transfer to Gold Crest Hotel in Arusha (50 km, 1 hour). Meet your Kilisherpas Travel representative for a comprehensive pre-climb briefing, covering the Machame Route, safety protocols, and gear requirements. Rest and prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure in the comfort of your hotel.
Accommodation
Gold Crest Hotel
After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate (1.5-2 hours) for registration. Begin your ascent through a lush rainforest rich with moss and birdlife, trekking 11 km (7 miles) in 7 hours to Machame Camp (3,000m). Settle into high-quality tents, surrounded by forest tranquility, and enjoy a full-board meal.
Accommodation
Machame Camp
Leave the rainforest behind and trek across a small valley, ascending a steep, heather-covered rocky ridge for 5 km (3 miles) in 6 hours. Turn west into a river gorge to reach Shira Cave Camp (3,850m) on the scenic Shira Plateau. Bundle up for colder temperatures below freezing and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in tents with expansive views.
Accommodation
Shira Cave Camp
Climb to the base of Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch and acclimatization, then descend ~650m following the “walk high, sleep low” principle to Barranco Camp (3,950m) over 10 km in 8 hours. Capture stunning photo opportunities of the Barranco Wall and Western Breach, then relax with dinner and an overnight stay in tents.
Accommodation
Barranco Camp
Start with a fun scramble up the Great Barranco Wall, then traverse scree slopes for 4 km (2 miles) in 4 hours to Karanga Valley (4,210m), beneath the icefalls of Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. This short day aids acclimatization with spectacular views, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in tents.
Accommodation
Karanga Camp
Trek 4 km (2 miles) from Karanga Camp to the Mweka junction, then ascend to Barafu Camp (4,675m) or continue to Kosovo Camp (4,800m). The higher Kosovo Camp improves acclimatisation and supports up to 98% summit success. Enjoy views of Mawenzi and Kibo, then rest and prepare for the summit push. Overnight in tents.
Accommodation
Kosovo Camp
Wake at 1:00 PM for tea and biscuits, then begin the midnight summit ascent through heavy scree between Rebman and Ratzel Glaciers to Stella Point (5,732m), the most challenging section, over 6-8 hours. Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) for a sunrise view (weather permitting), photograph the summit, then descend to Kosovo Camp for lunch (2-3 hours) and continue to Mweka Camp (3,100m, 3-4 hours) for dinner and a well-earned sleep in tents.
Accommodation
Mweka Camp
After breakfast, descend 1,300m through rainforest for 10 km (6 miles) in 4 hours to Mweka Gate. Collect your Kilimanjaro National Park summit certificate at Park Headquarters, then transfer to Gold Crest Hotel in Arusha for a shower and celebration.
Accommodation
Gold Crest Hotel
Enjoy breakfast and a private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO, 50 km, 1 hour) for your onward journey or connect with us on safari or Zanzibar trip if arranged.
What's included
Complimentary meet and greet at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Private transfers between JRO and hotel, and hotel to Lemosho Gate/Mweka Gate
2 nights’ accommodation at Gold Crest Hotel in Arusha (pre- and post-climb)
Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits
Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
Qualified chief guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook
Salaries for mountain crew per KINAPA guidelines
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot drinks)
3 liters of mineral water (Day 1) and 3 liters of purified water daily (from Day 2)
Hot lunch at lunch stops with tables, chairs, and mess tent (except Day 1, packed lunch)
Superior camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, camp chairs, tables, mess tent)
Emergency oxygen and pulse oximeter for twice-daily health checks
Water for daily washing
Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for successful summit attempt
Porter to carry duffel bag (max 15kg/32 lbs) between camps
Kosovo Camp stay ($118 extra, 98% summit success rate)
Airport transfers.
Flights and airport taxes
Entry visa for Tanzania ($50 for most nationalities, $100 for USA passport holders)
Vaccinations (yellow fever if traveling via an infected country; Meningitis, Hepatitis A optional)
Personal items (souvenirs, additional snacks).
Compulsory tips for guides, porters, cooks ($500-$600 per hiker, varies by group size/route)
Trekking gear
Private portable toilet ($150 extra per group)
Optional live tracking service (additional cost, subject to availability)
Meals and drinks not specified
Pricing
High Season - June + July + August + September + 20 Dec - 10 Jan
Price per person
| Solo | 2 PAX | |
|---|---|---|
| 7-day | $2,990 | $2,740 |
Kilimanjaro Route Recommendation
We recommend longer routes such as Machame and Lemosho, including the Kosovo Camp option, as they deliver optimal acclimatisation and summit success rates of up to 98%. Alternative routes can be arranged on request to match specific preferences or constraints.
Jamie
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this 7-day hiking adventure
This package includes: Complimentary meet and greet at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Private transfers between JRO and hotel, and hotel to Lemosho Gate/Mweka Gate, 2 nights’ accommodation at Gold Crest Hotel in Arusha (pre- and post-climb) All transportation, expert guides, and most activities are included in the price.
The best time for hiking in Kilimanjaro National Park is during the dry season (June to October) when animals gather around water sources. However, this 7-day adventure is available year-round, with each season offering unique experiences.
This is a private adventure that can accommodate 1-6 travelers. The price per person decreases with more travelers, making it perfect for families and groups.
Essential items include: comfortable clothing in neutral colors, sturdy walking shoes, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera with extra batteries, binoculars, and a light jacket for early mornings. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking confirmation.
Cancellation policies vary by season and timing. Generally, cancellations made 30+ days before departure receive a full refund minus processing fees. Please contact us for specific cancellation terms for your travel dates.
