The best Seven-(7)-days Kilimanjaro’s Climbing Machame full Package on 2025-2026
7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Full Package (2025-2026)
The 7-Day Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. This extended version offers better acclimatization and is ideal for those looking for a higher chance of success in reaching the summit. The route takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to alpine desert and glaciers, offering a unique trekking experience on each day of the climb.
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Arrival: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Transfer: To your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a pre-climb briefing, gear check, and relaxation before starting the trek.
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (2,835m)
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Your adventure begins with a drive to Machame Gate, where you’ll register for the trek. The trail leads through the lush rainforest, offering beautiful scenery with towering trees, hanging moss, and occasional wildlife. The trek can be muddy but is relatively gentle. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Machame Camp, where you’ll rest for the night.
Day 3: Machame Camp (2,835m) to Shira Camp (3,750m)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail gets steeper and you enter the moorland zone. Today’s trek offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and Kibo Peak. The trail ascends along rocky ridges and open terrain, leading to Shira Camp, situated on the Shira Plateau. You’ll have time to explore the plateau and enjoy the expansive views before resting for the night.
Day 4: Shira Camp (3,750m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This day is crucial for acclimatization as you follow the “climb high, sleep low” strategy. You’ll trek up to the Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation at 4,630m, where you’ll stop for lunch. Afterward, you’ll descend into the Barranco Valley, passing through impressive landscapes. The descent to Barranco Camp helps your body acclimatize, and you’ll camp with stunning views of the Barranco Wall.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Begin the day by tackling the Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding scramble. Once at the top, the trail follows a more gradual incline across valleys and ridges, offering views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscape. You’ll arrive at Karanga Camp for lunch and rest. This shorter day allows more time for acclimatization.
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you’ll ascend through rocky and barren terrain to Barafu Camp, the final stop before the summit. The landscape is stark, with little vegetation, but the views of the summit are inspiring. Upon arrival, you’ll rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit push.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Distance: 19 km (5 km ascent, 14 km descent)
Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
Habitat: Arctic and Moorland
Around midnight, you’ll begin your final ascent to the summit under the stars. The climb is steep and challenging, passing through Stella Point (5,739m) on the way to the ultimate goal, Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
The final leg of your journey is a gentle descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi for a well-deserved rest.
Includes:
Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
Airport Transfers
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water and Full Board Meals
All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
Gate Transfers
Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
Quality Imported Equipments
Excludes:
Flights
Visa fees
Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
Gamow Bag
Medication
Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
This 7-day Machame Route itinerary offers ample time for acclimatization and stunning views at every stage, increasing your chances of reaching the summit and enjoying the journey to the fullest!
