7 Day Machame Route KIlimanjaro Climbing

Overview

The 7-day Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most popular and scenic paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route offers excellent acclimatization, diverse landscapes, and a high summit success rate, making it a favorite choice for adventurous trekkers.

Your journey begins with arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and a transfer to your hotel for rest and a detailed pre-trek briefing. The climb starts at Machame Gate, passing through lush rainforest, heathland, alpine desert, and glacial zones. Along the way, you’ll experience iconic highlights such as the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, and Barafu Camp.

Summit night begins just before midnight, with a challenging ascent to Stella Point followed by the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend via the Mweka Route, enjoying changing scenery as you return to lower elevations.

The Machame Route is ideal for climbers seeking a well-balanced adventure, combining physical challenge, breathtaking scenery, and strong acclimatization over seven unforgettable days.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kilimanjaro

You’ll arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our driver will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. After settling in, enjoy a hot meal and relax. Later, you’ll meet your mountain guide and coordinators for a detailed pre-trek briefing, including route information, safety tips, and a gear check to ensure you’re fully prepared for the climb.

Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Machame Gate for registration before starting the trek. The trail leads through dense rainforest, where you may spot monkeys and exotic birds. The path can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain. After 5–6 hours of steady hiking, you’ll arrive at Machame Camp, where dinner and rest await.

Altitude: 1,800 – 3,000 m
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 5–6 hours

Day 3: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

You’ll leave the rainforest behind and ascend into heath and moorland. The trail becomes steeper, offering stunning views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau. After a 4–5 hour hike, you’ll reach Shira Camp. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and enjoying the wide-open landscapes as your body acclimatizes.

Altitude: 3,000 – 3,840 m
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Today is crucial for acclimatization. After breakfast, you’ll trek toward Lava Tower through alpine desert terrain. This section can feel challenging due to altitude. After lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, allowing your body to adjust. The descent offers dramatic views of the Western Breach and glaciers.

Altitude: 3,840 – 4,630 – 3,960 m
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 7–8 hours

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

You’ll start the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble that rewards you with incredible views. After reaching the top, the trail winds through ridges and valleys before descending into the Karanga Valley. After 4–5 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Karanga Camp. The afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the final ascent.

Altitude: 3,960 – 4,035 m
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you’ll trek to Barafu Camp. The terrain is rocky and exposed, with colder temperatures as you gain altitude. Upon arrival, you’ll rest, hydrate, and enjoy an early dinner. Your guide will give a summit briefing, explaining the route, pacing, and safety for the night climb. Try to rest, as the summit push begins late at night.

Altitude: 4,035 – 4,640 m
Hiking distance: 4 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

You’ll rise around 11:30 PM and begin the summit ascent after tea and light snacks. Climbing through scree and switchbacks, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,685 m) after about 6 hours, often the most mentally and physically demanding part of the climb. After a short rest and witnessing a spectacular sunrise, you’ll continue for another 1–2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,090 m) for dinner and overnight.

Altitude: 4,640 – 5,895 – 3,090 m
Hiking distance: 17 km
Hiking time: 14–16 hours

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After breakfast, you’ll descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), a 4–5 hour walk. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate before being transferred back to your hotel for a hot shower and rest. Later, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure or continue with a safari or Zanzibar extension.

Altitude: 3,090 – 1,640 m
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Inclusions and Exclusion

Included

• Experienced and certified Kilimanjaro guides

• Professional porters to carry camping equipment and supplies

• Cook and kitchen staff to prepare freshly cooked meals during the trek

• Park fees, rescue fees, and camping fees

• All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• Tea, coffee, and snacks during the trek

• Sleeping tents and dining tents

• Walking poles (if requested)

• First aid kit and oxygen cylinder for emergencies

• Detailed pre-trek briefing and itinerary guidance

• Certificates of achievement after successful summit

Excluded

• International and domestic flights to/from Kilimanjaro

• Airport departure taxes

• Personal hiking gear and clothing (trekking boots, jackets, gloves, etc.)

• Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended)

• Tips for guides, porters, and kitchen staff

• Beverages other than provided tea and coffee

• Optional excursions before or after the climb

• Personal items, souvenirs, and snacks beyond what is provided