7 Days Machame Route
Step by step, the roof of Africa comes into view.
Journey Overview
Known as the “Whiskey Route,” the Machame Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Over seven days, the route allows excellent acclimatization while taking you through an incredible variety of landscapes, from lush rainforest and giant heather moorland to alpine desert and the glaciers surrounding Uhuru Peak.
Designed for adventurous travelers with a reasonable level of fitness, this itinerary balances challenge with comfort, giving your body the time it needs to adapt to the altitude while maximizing your chances of standing on Africa’s highest point.
Your Journey
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast, drive from Arusha to Machame Gate where registration formalities are completed before your adventure begins. Enter the lush rainforest and follow winding forest trails beneath towering trees draped in moss, where blue monkeys and colorful birds are often spotted.
Arrive at Machame Camp in the afternoon where your mountain crew prepares dinner as you settle into your first evening on Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail climbs into open moorland where giant lobelias and everlasting flowers dominate the landscape. As the vegetation changes, magnificent views of Kibo Peak begin to emerge.
Reach Shira Camp in the afternoon and enjoy spectacular sunset views across the Shira Plateau.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Today’s hike follows the important “climb high, sleep low” principle. Ascend gradually to Lava Tower at approximately 4,630 meters before descending to Barranco Camp, helping your body acclimatize for the days ahead.
Enjoy dramatic alpine scenery and impressive views throughout the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Begin the morning by climbing the famous Barranco Wall, one of the route’s most exciting and rewarding sections. Continue across ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga Camp for a shorter afternoon that allows additional acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Continue climbing through the alpine desert toward Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. After an early dinner, rest for several hours before preparing for the midnight ascent.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Shortly after midnight, begin your climb beneath a sky filled with stars. Reach Stella Point before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. Celebrate your achievement with sunrise views across glaciers and the vast plains below.
After taking time to enjoy the summit, descend via Barafu Camp before continuing to Mweka Camp for a well-earned night’s rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate where you’ll receive your summit certificate before returning to Arusha to celebrate your remarkable achievement.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Inclusives
INCLUDES
- Airport transfers
- Professional mountain guides
- Dedicated mountain cook
- Porters
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- freshly prepared meals daily
- Drinking water
- Emergency oxygen
- Pulse oximeter health checks
- Portable toilet (Private climbs)
- Summit certificate
EXCLUDES
- International flights
- Visa
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Sleeping bag rental
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for mountain crew
- Personal expenses
- Hotel before/after climb unless included