Experience the Most Popular Kilimanjaro Route: Machame in a 7-Day Tour Full Itinerary
The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. This 7-day adventure offers breathtaking views, a diverse range of ecosystems, and a rewarding challenge for trekkers. Known for its incredible acclimatization profile and stunning landscapes, the Machame Route is perfect for those seeking both adventure and success on their journey to Uhuru Peak.
Here’s a detailed day-by-day itinerary for the 7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb.
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrival: Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-Trek Briefing: Meet your guide for a full briefing on the upcoming climb, review your gear, and ensure you’re ready for the trek.
Overnight Stay: Relax and prepare for your adventure with an overnight stay in Moshi.
Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)
Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,200m
Terrain: Rainforest
Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate, where you’ll register and begin your trek. The path starts in the lush rainforest, surrounded by dense vegetation and the possibility of spotting monkeys and other wildlife. The trail is well-maintained but can be muddy, especially if it has rained recently. The hike continues uphill to Machame Camp, where you’ll spend your first night on the mountain.
Overnight: Machame Camp (3,000m)
Day 3: Machame Camp (3,000m) to Shira Camp (3,850m)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 850m
Terrain: Moorland
Itinerary Overview: Leaving the rainforest, the trail steepens as you ascend into the moorland zone, characterized by heathers, shrubs, and fewer trees. You’ll climb a rocky ridge and cross over to the Shira Plateau, which offers stunning views of Mount Meru in the distance. The terrain becomes more open, providing sweeping views of the mountain. The day’s hike is shorter but still challenging due to the steep incline.
Overnight: Shira Camp (3,850m)
Day 4: Shira Camp (3,850m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Elevation Gain: 780m (to Lava Tower) / Descent: 670m (to Barranco Camp)
Terrain: Alpine Desert
Itinerary Overview: Today is a key acclimatization day. You’ll climb to the Lava Tower at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet), where you’ll have lunch and spend time acclimatizing. From Lava Tower, the trail descends to Barranco Camp, which allows your body to adjust to the altitude (“climb high, sleep low”). The day is long, but it helps increase your chances of summit success.
Overnight: Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 75m
Terrain: Alpine Desert
Itinerary Overview: Begin the day by tackling the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical rock scramble that offers incredible views once you reach the top. After the wall, the trail levels out, leading to Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest for the night. The hike today is shorter, allowing your body to continue adjusting to the altitude.
Overnight: Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,680m)
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 645m
Terrain: Alpine Desert
Itinerary Overview: The trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp is short but steep. The path winds through a barren, rocky landscape, with little vegetation as you ascend higher into the alpine desert. You’ll arrive at Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt. Spend the afternoon preparing for the summit push by resting and hydrating. You’ll have an early dinner and go to bed early as the summit attempt begins around midnight.
Overnight: Barafu Camp (4,680m)
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Distance: 19 km (12 miles) (6 km ascent, 13 km descent)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours (6-8 hours to Uhuru Peak, 4-6 hours to Mweka Camp)
Elevation Gain: 1,215m (to Uhuru Peak)
Descent: 2,795m (to Mweka Camp)
Terrain: Arctic, Alpine Desert
Summit Overview: Summit Day! At midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. The trail is steep and rocky, with switchbacks leading to Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim. After resting briefly at Stella Point, continue the final stretch to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. The feeling of reaching the summit as the sun rises is nothing short of extraordinary, with panoramic views of the glaciers and African plains below. After taking in the moment, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp.
Overnight: Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,460m
Terrain: Rainforest
Itinerary Overview: The final day of the trek takes you back through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll sign out and receive your well-earned Kilimanjaro summit certificate. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest at your hotel.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Moshi
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or continue with other travel plans. If you’re not ready to leave, you can explore other parts of Tanzania, such as a safari in the Serengeti or a beach retreat in Zanzibar.
Inclusions
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals while on the Mountain
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Exclusions
Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
