7-Day Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Route
Home / Tour Details
Your Adventure, Your Way
We customize every Tanzania Mountain Climb to fit your travel style, budget, and preferences—more wildlife, culture, or luxury, exactly how you want it.
- Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Let us Craft your dream Mountain Trekking Adventure.
Overview
The Machame Route—famously known as the Whiskey Route—is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and rewarding trekking trails. This 7-day climb offers an excellent acclimatization profile, dramatic landscapes, and a well-paced ascent toward the Roof of Africa. From lush rainforests and sweeping moorlands to the striking Barranco Wall and the glacier-crowned summit, this route is ideal for trekkers looking for a balanced challenge with a strong chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
With experienced mountain guides, quality camping equipment, and a carefully planned itinerary, this trek delivers an unforgettable journey to Africa’s highest point.
Tour Highlights
Scenic rainforest approach from Machame Gate
Expansive views across the Shira Plateau
High-altitude acclimatization hike to Lava Tower
Iconic ascent of the Barranco Wall
Midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Diverse landscapes: rainforest → moorland → alpine desert → arctic summit
Professional mountain crew with full support
Rewarding descent through Mweka rainforest
- Machame Gate
- Shira Plateau
- Lava Tower
- Barranco Wall
- Karanga Valley
- Barafu Base Camp
- Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
- Mweka Gate
Explore more Adventures
Explore more adventures with us — customize your itinerary to match your travel style, and once it fits your preferences, simply confirm and book your perfect trip.
Included
- All transportation
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Round-trip airport transfers
- All meals (as per daily itinerary)
- All drinks (except spirits/liquor)
Excluded
- Flights
- Extra accommodation before/after the tour
- Travel insurance
Travel Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Your head guide will conduct a full briefing, safety orientation, and gear check.
Accommodation: Arranged upon request.
Day 1: Machame Gate → Machame Camp (3,010m)
Start the morning with a drive to Machame Gate (1,640m), complete registration, and begin your trek through the dense, green rainforest. The trail gradually ascends to Machame Camp.
Distance: 11 km | Time: 5–7 hrs | Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation: Machame Camp (tents)
Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira Camp (3,840m)
The landscape opens as you climb into heather and moorland zones. Enjoy sweeping views across the Shira Plateau before reaching Shira Camp.
Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–6 hrs | Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Shira Camp
Day 3: Shira Camp → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Ascend gradually to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley, where the campsite sits below steep cliffs.
Distance: 10 km | Time: 6–8 hrs | Habitat: Alpine Desert → Moorland
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Climb the impressive Barranco Wall—a thrilling but non-technical ascent. Traverse ridge lines and valleys before arriving at Karanga Camp for rest and acclimatization.
Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–5 hrs | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Make your way to Barafu Camp, your final staging point before the summit. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing mentally and physically for the midnight ascent.
Distance: 4 km | Time: 3–5 hrs | Habitat: High Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Begin the summit push around midnight, reaching Stella Point at sunrise and Uhuru Peak shortly after. Celebrate at the top of Africa before descending back through Barafu and onward to Mweka Camp.
Distance: 16 km | Time: 10–14 hrs | Habitat: Arctic → Rainforest
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate (1,640m) → Hotel
Complete your descent through lush forest to Mweka Gate for sign-out and climbing certificates. Transfer to your hotel to relax and celebrate your achievement.
Accommodation: Arranged upon request.
End of Trek
it's as easy as 3 simple steps!
Complete the form and our experts will customize a safari perfectly suited to your preferences.
