The 7-day Machame Route is thoughtfully designed to give you ample time to acclimatize, increasing your chances of safely reaching the summit, and offers a significant advantage over the shorter 6-day variation. This path, known affectionately as the “Whiskey Route,” has become the most popular trail for climbers looking to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. Its stunning scenery, variety of landscapes, and challenging ascents make it a favorite among adventurers seeking more than just a typical hike. From rainforests to alpine deserts, every step on this route brings a fresh perspective of the mountain’s natural beauty.
If you’re seeking adventure and are up for the challenge, the Machame Route will not disappoint. It is steeper and more demanding than some of the other routes, but this only adds to its appeal. Accommodation along the way is provided in tents, which our dedicated porters will pitch at designated campsites, giving you an authentic mountain camping experience. The shorter duration of the Machame Route makes it ideal for climbers who prefer a more compact schedule, though we recommend the 7-day version to allow for better acclimatization and a higher chance of summiting successfully.
Day-by-Day Overview:
Day 1: After arriving in Moshi or Arusha, you’ll meet your guides and finalize preparations. Then, it’s a scenic drive to Machame Gate, where the adventure begins. You’ll trek through lush rainforest, alive with vibrant flora and fauna, reaching Machame Camp (3,010m) in the late afternoon.
Day 2: As you leave the dense forest behind, the landscape opens up into a mix of heather and moorland. With breathtaking views of the peaks above, you’ll make your way to Shira Camp (3,845m) where you’ll settle in for the night.
Day 3: This day takes you across the expansive Shira Plateau, with the towering Lava Tower (4,630m) marking one of the high points of the day. The journey continues as you descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m), offering a great opportunity to acclimatize by hiking high and sleeping low.
Day 4: One of the most exciting moments of the trek is today’s climb up the Barranco Wall. Though steep and challenging, the views from the top make it worth every step. You’ll then descend to Karanga Camp (4,035m), where you’ll spend the night.
Day 5: A shorter trek takes you to Barafu Camp (4,640m) today. This is the final camp before the summit attempt, so the rest of the day is spent preparing for the ultimate challenge that awaits you.
Day 6: Summit day begins in the early morning hours, as you push towards Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Watching the sunrise from the summit is a moment that will stay with you forever. After savoring your achievement, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp (3,080m) for a well-deserved rest.
Day 7: The final day of the trek takes you back through the rainforest as you descend to Mweka Gate, where you’ll celebrate your success and be driven back to Moshi or Arusha, forever changed by your Kilimanjaro adventure.
The Machame Route is renowned for its diversity of landscapes, from the vibrant rainforest to the stunning alpine deserts and the snow-capped summit. Along the trail, you’ll witness unique flora and fauna, including massive lobelias and the occasional birds of prey soaring above. The scenery only adds to the sense of awe and accomplishment as you make your way to the top of Africa.
How is Difficult Is 7 days Machame Route?
While the Machame Route is considered challenging, this 7-day itinerary gives you more time to acclimatize compared to the shorter 6 days Machame Route Itenerary which excludes extra single day for acclimazition period, significantly increasing your chances of success. Each day involves 6-8 hours of trekking, with altitude gains of 900 to 1,000 meters, and occasionally 1,200 meters. The steeper terrain adds to the difficulty, but it is not the hardest route on Kilimanjaro. With proper fitness, mental strength, and preparation, you can conquer this route.
Success Rate:
The 7-day Machame Route has an 85% success rate, thanks to the “climb high, sleep low” strategy, which allows your body to adjust to the altitude more effectively. The additional day for acclimatization greatly improves your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
Tips for Success on the Machame Route:
- Wear comfortable, well-fitting hiking boots to avoid blisters.
- Hydration is key—drink 4-5 liters of water daily to ward off altitude sickness.
- Train and prepare physically in advance. Trekking for several days over challenging terrain requires endurance.
- Pack all necessary gear and make sure your day pack contains essentials like snacks, layers, and water. We can help arrange any missing items.
- Take it slow! The ascent is not a race, and pacing yourself is crucial for adjusting to the altitude.
The trek’s highlight, the summit push, begins around midnight. This final stretch is the most physically demanding, but the reward is incomparable. Standing at Uhuru Peak as the sun rises, with a 360-degree view of the world below, is an experience like no other.
Throughout your journey, Afromasai Eastern Safaris will provide you with expert guides who will support you every step of the way. From logistics and transportation to accommodation and meals, we handle every detail so you can focus on the adventure. After your successful summit, you will be presented with a certificate of achievement—a token of your triumph over Africa’s highest mountain. You’ll leave with memories and stories that will last a lifetime.
Accommodation:
The 7-day Machame Route is a true camping experience. Each night, our porters will set up tents for you at designated campsites along the trail. You’ll stay at Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, and Mweka Camp. We will also arrange a comfortable hotel stay for you in Moshi or Arusha before and after your climb, ensuring you have a chance to relax and reflect on your adventure.
The Machame Route offers an unforgettable combination of adventure, natural beauty, and personal achievement. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or taking on this challenge for the first time, Afromasai Eastern Safaris will be with you every step of the way, guiding you towards the summit of the mighty Kilimanjaro.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We will arrange a private transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). To Arusha at the Hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at The hotel, which is beautifully located on the slope of Mt. Meru and is a perfect place to prepare for your adventure. We will gather in the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance. Dinner and overnight at Moivaro Lodge.
Day 2: Arusha to Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters, 3,935 feet
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
At 8 a.m., leave Arusha for Machame Gate, where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The drive-through coffee farms and villages to Machame Gate takes about 1.5 hours. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Hike to Machame Camp via the mystical, moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. As the forest thins later in the hike, take in the heather, tall grasses, and wildflowers. If the weather is clear, enjoy the striking views of your ultimate destination, Kibo Peak. Our porters and cooks will go ahead and prepare the campsite before you arrive. Dinner and overnight at Machame Camp
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)
Elevation Gain: 840 meters, 2,760 feet
Hiking time: 6 to 8 hours
Today’s trek includes several uphill sections so carry plenty of drinking water as it can be hot hiking on a clear day. There are several viewpoints from which to view the plains and forests below, and the commanding Kibo and Mawenzi peaks above.
Notice the change in vegetation as you gain altitude. The trees diminish in size, giving way to Kilimanjaro’s famous high-altitude plants, Senecio Kilimanjaro and Lobelia deckeni. After lunch, climb the Shira Plateau, created when Kibo’s lava flows filled the Shira crater. Continue to Shira Camp and relax for the rest of the day. Kibo lies to the west and Mount Meru to the east.
A shorter day begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of the Shira Plateau from here and it is a good rest point too, the trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp near Shira Hut (3840m) which has some of the most stunning views on the Tanzania Kilimanjaro trek; close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across to Mt. Meru floating on the clouds. (4-5 hours walking)
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
Total Elevation Gain: 690 meters, 2,264 feet
Hiking time: 6 to 8 hours
Although this up-and-down day ends with an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early afternoon you will have climbed 690 meters to a height of 4,530 meters before beginning your descent to Barranco Camp. This day is crucial for acclimatization.
After breakfast, hike east on the Shira Plateau before reaching the junction for the Shira and Lemosho Routes. Continue on through the barren landscape before stopping for lunch. Shortly after lunch, reach the highest point of the day before descending quickly to Barranco Camp. Faster hikers can take a detour via Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation jutting out of the mountainside.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Camp (4,200m/13,780ft)
Elevation Gain: 250 meters, 820 feet
Distance: 7 Kilometers
Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours
Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with an hour-and-a-half scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places, you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.
Day 6: Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp
Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 400 meters, 1,320 feet
Distance: 6 Kilometers
Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours
After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through an alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep upon finishing dinner as you will wake before midnight for your summit hike.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters, 4,240 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters, 9,170 feet
Hiking time: 6 hours to the rim, 1 hour to Uhuru, 3 to 4 hours back to Barafu, 4 hours to Mweka
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point.
The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers.
At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters, 5,250 feet
Hiking time: 4 hours
After breakfast, finish the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery following rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Arusha at the Hotel: Dinner and breakfast at City Link Hotel
Day 9: Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Private departure transfer.
The price Includes:
– 2 Nights accommodation in Arusha ( Bed and breakfast)
– Private professional mountain guides
– All meals while on the Mountain
– Arrival and Departure transfers
– Government taxes, VAT, and all related service charges
– Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
– Pick up from Kilimanjaro airport and drop off after the tour
– Salary for guides/Cook and porters
– All park entry/camping/ rescue fees
– Camping Equipment/sleeping tents/mess tent/table/chair and sleeping matt.
– Transport from hotel to Londorosi gate/Mweka to Hotel
– Oxygen and oxygen meter available for body evaluation.
The Price does not Include:
– International or Domestic flight
– Tipping for Guides/Cook and Porters
– Personal climbing gears
– Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival
– Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
– Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
– Any items of a personal nature.
– Flying Doctor
Machame Route 7 Days
Group size: 1-4 People
Departure date: Daily
US$2,200 Per Person
Group size: 4-7+ People
Departure date: Daily
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