7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route
7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route
Overview
Often referred to as the “Whiskey” route, Machame is known for being more challenging and costly compared to the Marangu route, earning its adventurous reputation.
When compared with other routes to Kilimanjaro’s summit, Machame offers one of the best balances between cost and effective acclimatization, making it a top choice for climbers.
The Machame route is diverse and visually stunning, passing through multiple climate zones. However, its popularity means the trail can be busy, which slightly affects the sense of remote wilderness. It begins in the southwest and descends via the Mweka route, featuring highlights such as the Shira Plateau, the Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall, and views of the southern ice field. A scenic and highly frequented trail.
7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route
Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,790m) → Machame Camp (3,010m)
After breakfast, we drive from Arusha to Machame Gate, where registration and park formalities are completed. Here we meet our team of guides and porters before starting the trek. The trail leads steadily uphill through lush and dense rainforest, often humid and muddy, before emerging into heather moorland. By late afternoon, we arrive at Machame Camp.
Distance: 10.8 km / 6.7 miles
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Machame Camp (3,010m) → Shira Camp (3,845m)
Today’s trek continues through the last stretches of forest before a steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau. Once on the plateau, the landscape opens with sweeping views of Kibo Peak ahead and Mt. Meru in the distance behind. We camp overnight at Shira Camp.
Distance: 5.4 km / 3.4 miles
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Shira Camp (3,845m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)
We trek across high moorland, traversing the southwest slopes of Kilimanjaro. The route takes us beneath the Lava Tower (4,600m) before descending again to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach helps with acclimatization.
Distance: 10.8 km / 6.7 miles
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) → Karanga Camp (3,963m)
The day begins with a descent into the Great Barranco Valley, followed by a steep but rewarding climb up the Barranco Wall. The route then meanders beneath the Heim and Kersten Glaciers before reaching Karanga Valley. A final steep ascent brings us to Karanga Camp. For extra acclimatization, an afternoon hike to higher altitude may be offered.
Distance: 5.5 km / 3.4 miles
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Karanga Camp (3,963m) → Barafu Camp (4,640m)
After breakfast, we set off on a steady climb across barren scree slopes with little vegetation. The path is tough and the altitude makes progress slow, but eventually we reach Barafu Camp. Here we rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit push. An early dinner is served before heading to bed in anticipation of a midnight start.
Distance: 3 km / 1.9 miles
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Millennium Camp (3,790m)
Summit day! We begin our climb around midnight, ascending steep scree slopes under the stars. After a challenging 4–5 hours, we reach Stella Point (5,739m), where the sunrise over Africa is truly unforgettable. A final push takes us to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, we descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and breakfast, before continuing down to Millennium Camp for overnight.
Distance: 13.4 km / 8.3 miles
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Millennium Camp (3,790m) → Mweka Gate (1,630m)
A gentle descent through the rainforest leads us to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive climbing certificates. Vehicles will be waiting to transfer you back to Arusha for a hot shower and well-deserved rest.
Distance: 12.1 km / 7.5 miles
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
From $1,885 Per Person Sharing
Inclusive & Exclusive
Trekking Includes
- High quality mountain sleeping tents.
- 2 Nights accommodation
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs:
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food:
- Clean, purified drinking water:
- Crisis management and safety procedures:
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters:
- Sleeping Mattress
Trekking Exclusive
- Tanzania Visa: $50 / $100 (American residents) per person on arrival at airport
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
- Tips and any items of personal nature.
