7-Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Overview

The Machame Route, often called the “Whiskey Route,” is one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular and scenic paths. This 7-day trek takes hikers through lush rainforest, moorlands, alpine desert, and finally the glaciers of Kibo before reaching Uhuru Peak. With good acclimatization and diverse landscapes, it offers a challenging but highly rewarding experience.

Highlights

• Machame Route, known for its scenic and less-crowded trails.

• Diverse habitats: rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers.

• Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise.

• Gradual acclimatization to improve summit success.

• Experienced guides, porters, and full mountain support.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Machame Gate – Hike to Machame Camp
Depart Arusha early and drive to Machame Gate for park registration. Begin the trek through lush rainforest, enjoying streams and tropical vegetation, before reaching Machame Camp. Overnight camping under the stars.

Elevation: 1,800 m → 2,835 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Camping at Machame Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Hike Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Trek through the rainforest and gradually emerge onto the Shira Plateau. Hike across open moorlands with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes. Overnight at Shira Camp.

Elevation: 2,835 m → 3,500 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Accommodation: Camping at Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Ascend from Shira Camp toward Lava Tower (4,630 m) for acclimatization. Descend slightly to Barranco Camp, passing dramatic cliffs and alpine desert terrain. Overnight at Barranco Camp.

Elevation: 3,500 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland → Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Climb out of Barranco Valley via the Barranco Wall, then continue to Karanga Camp. The trail offers excellent mountain views and a final acclimatization opportunity. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Elevation: 3,960 m → 4,035 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Trek to Barafu Camp, the base for the summit climb. Use the afternoon to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight ascent. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Elevation: 4,035 m → 4,640 m
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Begin the midnight summit climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and enjoy sunrise at Africa’s highest point. Descend via Barafu to Mweka Camp for recovery and overnight.

Elevation: 4,640 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert → Arctic → Rainforest

Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, receive summit certificates, and transfer back to Arusha, concluding the 7-day adventure.

Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,600 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Not applicable (day of departure)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included

• Camping along the route

• Meals on the mountain (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

• Kilimanjaro park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees

• Professional guides, porters, and cook team

• Transfers from/to Arusha and Machame Gate

• Summit certificate

Excluded

• International flights

• Tanzania visa fees

• Travel insurance

• Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bags, poles)

• Tips and gratuities

• Optional excursions in Arusha