Kilimanjaro Itineraries: 6, 7 and 8 Day Climbing Plans by Route

Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain, with its summit, Uhuru Peak, at 5,895 metres. No technical climbing is needed on the standard routes, but the altitude makes the trek a serious undertaking.

The length of your itinerary has a major effect on comfort and summit success. The plans below outline three common options, followed by guidance on pacing and safari add-ons.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Choosing a Route

Routes differ in scenery, crowds and acclimatisation profile. Marangu is the only hut route; Machame is scenic and busy; Lemosho is quieter and longer. Compare them in Kilimanjaro routes compared and read the Kilimanjaro climbing guide.

Six-Day Itinerary: Marangu Route

• Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut through rainforest.
• Day 2: Mandara to Horombo Hut across moorland.
• Day 3: Rest or acclimatisation walk at Horombo.
• Day 4: Horombo to Kibo Hut across the saddle.
• Day 5: Summit night to Uhuru Peak, descend to Horombo.
• Day 6: Descend to the gate.

Huts offer beds, but the schedule is the tightest of the three, so it suits those already used to altitude.

Seven-Day Itinerary: Machame Route

• Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp.
• Day 2: To Shira Camp.
• Day 3: Over Lava Tower to Barranco Camp, which builds acclimatisation by climbing high and sleeping lower.
• Day 4: Up the Barranco Wall to Karanga.
• Day 5: To Barafu Camp.
• Day 6: Summit attempt in the night, then descend to Mweka.
• Day 7: Walk out to Mweka Gate.

This is the itinerary used on the 7-day Machame route trek.

Eight-Day Itinerary: Lemosho Route

• Day 1: Lemosho Glades to Mti Mkubwa camp.
• Days 2 to 3: Across the Shira Plateau.
• Day 4: Lava Tower to Barranco.
• Day 5: Barranco Wall to Karanga.
• Day 6: Barafu Camp.
• Day 7: Summit and descent to Mweka.
• Day 8: Walk out.

The extra day gives more time to adapt and usually improves comfort and summit prospects.

Acclimatisation and Pacing

Choose the longest itinerary you can afford, walk slowly and drink plenty of water. A warm-up hike on Mount Meru helps; see Arusha National Park itineraries. Read the best time and altitude sickness guide and health and vaccinations before you go. Good boots that are already broken in, layered clothing for the huge temperature swings and a medical check-up before departure are all sensible preparations. Mention any medical conditions to your operator well ahead of time.

Add a Safari and Practical Notes

Many climbers add a few days of game viewing afterwards, which gives tired legs a rest. See the northern circuit for options. Fees are set officially, and your operator will confirm inclusions, crew and equipment.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team