7-Day Machame Route – The “Whiskey Route”

Itinerary Overview

The Machame Route is one of the most scenic and popular routes to the Roof of Africa. It offers diverse landscapes, excellent acclimatization opportunities, and a high success rate.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha/Moshi

• 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 adventure ahead.

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

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours /Distance: 11 km /Habitat: Rainforest
• Depart from the hotel and drive to Machame Gate for registration.
• Begin trekking through lush rainforests with towering trees, moss-covered rocks, and wildlife.
• Arrive at Machame Camp, where dinner and rest await.

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.
• A steady ascent along rocky ridges leads to Shira Plateau, a volcanic caldera.
• Overnight at Shira Camp, enjoying breathtaking sunset views.

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
• A crucial acclimatization day – “climb high, sleep low.”
• Trek to the Lava Tower (4,630m), where altitude effects may be felt.
• Descend to Barranco Camp, nestled 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 an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall (a non-technical but thrilling scramble).
• Trek through valleys and ridges, reaching Karanga Camp for a short break.
• Continue to Barafu Camp, the summit base camp.
• Early dinner and rest before the midnight summit attempt.

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

• Start around midnight, climbing steep scree slopes in the cold.
• Reach Stella Point (5,756m) at sunrise, then trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Africa’s highest point!
• Take photos and soak in the incredible views before descending.
• Descend to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

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

Hiking Time: 3-5 hours | Distance: 10 km | Habitat: Rainforest
• A gentle final descent through the rainforest.
• Receive a summit certificate at Mweka Gate.
• Drive back to Arusha/Moshi for celebration, relaxation, and an optional safari.

Why Choose the 7-Day 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

Inclusions

• 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

Exclusions

• 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)