Itinerary Overview: 7 Days Kilimanjaro – Machame Route

The 7 Days Kilimanjaro – Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular climbs to the Roof of Africa. This route offers varied landscapes, excellent acclimatization, and a high success rate. Trekking this trail provides an unforgettable adventure while ascending Africa’s highest peak.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha/Moshi – Start of the 7 Days Kilimanjaro – Machame Route

• Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to your hotel.

• Meet your mountain guide for a pre-climb briefing and gear check.

• Rest and prepare for the climb ahead.

Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800m) → Machame Camp (3,000m)

Hiking Time: 5–7 hours | Distance: 11 km | Habitat: Rainforest

• Drive to Machame Gate for registration.

• Begin trekking through lush rainforest with towering trees, moss-covered rocks, and wildlife.

• Arrive at Machame Camp for dinner and rest.

Day 3: Machame Camp (3,000m) → Shira Camp (3,840m)

Hiking Time: 4–6 hours | Distance: 5 km | Habitat: Moorland

• Leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone with stunning views of Kibo Peak.

• Ascend along rocky ridges to reach Shira Plateau, a volcanic caldera.

• Overnight at Shira Camp while enjoying the breathtaking sunset.

Day 4: Shira Camp (3,840m) → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,950m)

Hiking Time: 6–8 hours | Distance: 10 km | Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Today focuses on acclimatization: climb high, sleep low.

• Trek to Lava Tower (4,630m), where altitude effects may appear.

• Descend to Barranco Camp, located beneath the iconic Barranco Wall.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m) → Karanga Camp (4,035m) → Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Hiking Time: 7–9 hours | Distance: 9 km | Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Start with the exciting Barranco Wall climb, a non-technical but thrilling scramble.

• Continue through valleys and ridges to Karanga Camp for a short break.

• Reach Barafu Camp, the base for your summit attempt.

• Enjoy an early dinner and rest before the midnight climb.

Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp (4,673m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Hiking Time: 12–16 hours | Distance: 17 km | Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

• Begin around midnight, climbing steep scree slopes in cold conditions.

• Reach Stella Point (5,756m) at sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Africa’s highest point.

• Take photos and admire the views before descending.

• Arrive at Mweka Camp for rest and recovery.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m) → Arusha/Moshi

Hiking Time: 3–5 hours | Distance: 10 km | Habitat: Rainforest

• Descend gently through the rainforest.

• Receive your summit certificate at Mweka Gate.

• Transfer back to Arusha/Moshi to celebrate and relax. Optional safari experiences are available.

Why Choose the 7 Days Kilimanjaro – Machame Route

• High Success Rate – Excellent acclimatization profile
• Stunning Scenery – Diverse landscapes from rainforest to glaciers
• Adventure & Challenge – Iconic Barranco Wall & summit night experience
• Best for Acclimatization – Extra time to adjust to altitude

7 Days Kilimanjaro – Machame Route Includes

• Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
• All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
• Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
• All meals while on the Mountain
• Rescue fees (part of park fees)
• Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
• Kilimanjaro summit certificate
• Clean, purified drinking water
• Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
• Conservation fees (part of park fees)
• Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
• Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
• VAT (18% charged by the Government)
• Sleeping Mattress
• Professional, experienced, mountain guides

7 Days Kilimanjaro – Machame Route Excludes

• Meals not listed in the itinerary
• International and domestic flights
• Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
• Tanzania Visa
• Travel insurance
• Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
• Transfers (available as an optional addon)
• Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
• Hotel (available as an optional addon)