7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route
7 Days · Mount Kilimanjaro
Overview
The Machame Route is the most popular of all Kilimanjaro routes, offering spectacular scenery and a high summit success rate of around 90%. Also known as the "Whiskey Route" for its steep, challenging trails, Machame takes climbers through five distinct climate zones — from rainforest to alpine desert to arctic summit.
This 7-day itinerary includes an extra acclimatisation day to maximise your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa. You will climb with certified guides, experienced porters, and a dedicated cook, sleeping in comfortable mountain tents under some of the clearest skies you'll ever see.
What's Included
- Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
- Professional licensed mountain guide and assistant guides
- Experienced cook and porters (1:3 ratio)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water (3-4 litres per day)
- 4-season mountain tents and sleeping mats
- Portable oxygen and pulse oximeter for health monitoring
- Airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before and after the trek)
- Government taxes and VAT
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory for high-altitude trekking)
- Sleeping bag and personal gear (rentable on arrival)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal items and souvenirs
Why Choose the Machame Route?
- Scenic — climbs through all five climate zones
- High success rate — 90% on the 7-day version
- "Walk high, sleep low" profile aids acclimatisation
- Best views of the Shira Plateau and Southern Ice Field
- More affordable than Lemosho or Northern Circuit
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1 — Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast at your Moshi hotel, we drive to Machame Gate (1,800m) for registration. Begin your trek through lush rainforest, spotting colobus monkeys and exotic birds along the way. The trail climbs steadily to Machame Camp (2,835m) where your porters have set up camp. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 2: Day 2 — Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Today the trail leaves the forest and enters the moorland zone. Cross a rocky ridge and continue up to Shira Camp (3,750m) with stunning views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. Acclimatisation walk before dinner.
Day 3: Day 3 — Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Acclimatisation day — climb to Lava Tower (4,600m), then descend to Barranco Camp (3,950m). This "climb high, sleep low" profile helps your body adjust. Enjoy views of the Western Breach and Barranco Wall.
Day 4: Day 4 — Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Ascend the famous Barranco Wall — a steep but non-technical scramble. The trail continues through alpine desert to Karanga Camp (4,000m). Afternoon rest and acclimatisation walk.
Day 5: Day 5 — Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
A short but steep climb to Barafu Camp (4,673m). Rest early in the afternoon and prepare for the midnight summit push. Get as much sleep as possible.
Day 6: Day 6 — Summit Day: Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Wake at midnight, dress warmly, and begin the 6-8 hour ascent to the summit. Reach Stella Point (5,756m) at sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa. Descend to Barafu, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for the night.
Day 7: Day 7 — Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
Final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Receive your summit certificate, say goodbye to your crew, and transfer back to your Moshi hotel for a hot shower and celebration dinner.