The Best 6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route to Summit
The Best 7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route to Summit (2025, 2026, 2027)
Why Choose the 7-Day Machame Route?
The 7-day Machame Route offers an ideal balance of challenge, scenery, and acclimatization time. Often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” it provides climbers with more time to adjust to the altitude, increasing your chances of reaching the summit. The additional day also allows for a more relaxed pace, giving you more time to enjoy the stunning landscapes, from lush rainforests to the dramatic, rocky terrain near the summit.
Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
Meet your guide for a pre-climb briefing, covering essential safety tips and gear checks.
Day 2: Moshi – Machame Gate (1,800 m) – Machame Camp (3,000 m)
After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate, where you’ll complete registration.
Trek through the beautiful rainforest, taking in the lush surroundings and wildlife.
Arrive at Machame Camp for your first night on the mountain.
Distance: 11 km | Trekking time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
Day 3: Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3,850 m)
Continue your ascent through the moorland, passing rocky ridges and breathtaking landscapes.
Reach Shira Camp, situated on a plateau offering magnificent views of Kibo Peak.
Distance: 5 km | Trekking time: 4-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: Shira Camp – Lava Tower (4,600 m) – Barranco Camp (3,900 m)
A key day for acclimatization, you’ll climb up to the Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp.
The steep ascent to Lava Tower is a good opportunity to acclimatize before the descent.
Arrive at Barranco Camp, located in a stunning valley beneath the Great Barranco Wall.
Distance: 10 km | Trekking time: 6-8 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert and moorland
Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (3,995 m)
Climb the Great Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble that offers thrilling views.
Enjoy a relatively short hike to Karanga Camp, where you’ll spend the night, allowing for additional acclimatization.
Distance: 5 km | Trekking time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,673 m)
Make your way to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt.
This day’s trek provides spectacular views of the summit, with plenty of time to rest and prepare for the final ascent.
Get an early dinner and rest as you will begin your summit push shortly after midnight.
Distance: 4 km | Trekking time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 7: Barafu Camp – Summit (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Start your ascent just after midnight, heading toward Stella Point on the crater rim.
From Stella Point, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and the Roof of Africa.
After celebrating your achievement, begin the long descent to Mweka Camp.
Distance: 17 km (total) | Trekking time: 12-15 hours | Habitat: Arctic and alpine desert
Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
Complete your descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll collect your summit certificate.
Transfer back to Moshi for a much-needed rest and celebration.
Distance: 10 km | Trekking time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your journey home.
Package Inclusion & Exclusions
Inclusion
Guide, Porters
Park Fees, Tax
Gate transfer
Crew wages
Environment fees
Camping throughout you climb!
Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners
Drinking water
Cook
Exclusion
Flights
Tipping the crew
Visas
FAQs About the 7-Day Machame Route
What are the benefits of the 7-day Machame Route? The extra day offers better acclimatization and more opportunities to enjoy the diverse landscapes. It also increases the overall success rate for reaching the summit.
Is the Machame Route difficult? The Machame Route is considered challenging due to its steep sections, but it provides excellent acclimatization and scenic views, making it a rewarding experience.
What’s the best time to climb Kilimanjaro via Machame? The best time to climb is during the dry seasons, from January to March and June to October.
Can beginner hikers do the Machame Route? Yes, with proper training and preparation, beginners can complete the Machame Route. The additional acclimatization day on the 7-day itinerary increases the likelihood of success.
Why Book the 7-Day Machame Route with Us?
Highly Experienced Guides: Our team of expert guides has extensive knowledge of the Machame Route, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the journey.
Scenic Beauty: The Machame Route is renowned for its stunning views, passing through five distinct climate zones on the way to the summit.
Excellent Acclimatization: The 7-day itinerary offers a perfect balance of adventure and acclimatization, increasing your chance of a successful summit.
Comprehensive Support: We provide top-notch equipment, personalized service, and all the assistance you need to make your climb as smooth as possible.
