7 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Route
Scenic, rewarding, and beautifully diverse — a classic trek to the Roof of Africa.
The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most scenic and popular ways to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. This 7-day itinerary provides excellent altitude acclimatization, varied landscapes, and breathtaking views from rainforest to alpine desert and the glacier-capped summit.
For trekkers seeking a balanced challenge with high summit success rates, this route is a perfect match.
- • Lush rainforest approach
- • Dramatic Shira Plateau
- • Iconic Lava Tower acclimatization
- • Striking Barranco Wall ascent
- • Midnight summit attempt to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
- • Rewarding descent through Mweka rainforest
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Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Your guide will conduct a pre-climb briefing and equipment check.
Accommodation to be arranged upon request through our travel expert.
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (3,010m)
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate (1,640m) for registration and begin hiking through lush, shaded rainforest. The trail gradually climbs to Machame Camp.
Distance: 11 km | Time: 5–7 hrs | Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation at Machame Camp (mountain tents).
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,840m)
Climb out of the forest and into heather and moorland, with expansive views across the plateau. Arrive at Shira Camp near the rugged Shira Ridge.
Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–6 hrs | Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation at Shira Camp.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Ascend gradually to the Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp in a lush valley.
Distance: 10 km | Time: 6–8 hrs | Habitat: Alpine Desert → Valley Moorland
Accommodation at Barranco Camp.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Climb the dramatic Barranco Wall, then traverse ridges and valleys to reach Karanga Camp, positioned for optimal acclimatization.
Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–5 hrs | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation at Karanga Camp.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Hike steadily toward Barafu, your base for the summit attempt. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for a midnight start.
Distance: 4 km | Time: 3–5 hrs | Habitat: High Alpine Desert
Accommodation at Barafu Camp.
Day 6: Summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Begin your ascent around midnight, reaching Stella Point (5,739m) at sunrise and Uhuru Peak (5,895m) shortly after. After summit celebrations, descend to Mweka Camp via Barafu.
Distance: 16 km | Time: 10–14 hrs | Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest at lower camp
Accommodation at Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m), Transfer to Hotel
Finish the trek through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where climbers’ certificates are awarded. Transfer to your hotel for rest and celebration.
Accommodation to be arranged upon request through our travel expert.
End of Trek.
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