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- Kilimanjaro
- 7 Days
- Trekking: Moderate to Hard
7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route Itinerary
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Description
The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most popular paths to Uhuru Peak. It offers a beautiful and varied trekking experience, with stunning scenery and a good acclimatization profile. Below is the detailed 7-day itinerary, including daily distances, elevation changes, and the landscapes trekkers will experience.
Include /Exclude
- Hotel accommodation before and after your climb
- Airport transfers
- Transfers to and from the mountai
- National Park entry, camping, climbing and rescue fees
- A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)
- All meals and drinking water on the mountain
- A clean and private portable toilet
- High quality dining tent and sleeping tents with comfortable foam mattress
- Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- A certificate documenting your summit ascent
- International flights and visas
- Tips for your guide and crew
- Travel insurance (you must be insured for trekking up to 6000m)
- Your personal trekking gear
- Personal Snacks
- Meals and drinks not on the mountain
- Tips for the mountain crew
Trek Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival and Pre-Trek Orientation
Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our dedicated team will be there to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha (if you have opted for airport transfers). We highly recommend arriving at least one day before your trek to allow time for rest and final preparations.
In the evening, you’ll attend a pre-trek briefing at your hotel, where our expert guides will review your gear, discuss the climb itinerary, and arrange any necessary equipment rentals to ensure you’re fully prepared for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)
Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,200m
Habitat: Rainforest
Trekkers start at Machame Gate, where they register before embarking on a scenic trek through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest. The trail winds through dense vegetation filled with black-and-white colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and towering fig trees. The air is humid, and the path can be muddy. By late afternoon, you arrive at Machame Camp, located on the edge of the forest.
Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000m) to Shira Cave (3,840m)
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 840m
Habitat: Moorland
The trail ascends steeply out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone. As you climb, the landscape changes dramatically, with fewer trees and more shrubs. Trekkers will have breathtaking views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau. By evening, you reach Shira Camp, where you’ll enjoy a sunset with magnificent views of Kibo Peak.
Day 3: Shira Cave (3,840m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Elevation Gain: 790m (to Lava Tower), then descent of 670m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is an important acclimatization day. You ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m), a volcanic rock formation offering spectacular views. After spending time at high altitude, the trail descends to Barranco Camp (3,960m) through the scenic Great Barranco Valley, passing giant lobelias and senecios. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps with acclimatization.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 75m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day starts with an exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical rock scramble. Once at the top, trekkers enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak before descending into the Karanga Valley. This shorter trekking day allows for more rest and acclimatization at Karanga Camp.
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 605m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trek continues through a barren, rocky landscape with little vegetation. The trail gradually ascends to Barafu Camp, the final base before the summit attempt. Trekkers prepare their gear and rest in the afternoon before an early night’s sleep, as the summit push begins at midnight.
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Summit Day!
Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles) (Ascent & Descent)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,255m
Elevation Loss: 2,785m
Habitat: Arctic Zone
The final ascent begins around midnight, climbing steep switchbacks to Stella Point (5,756m). The air is thin, and the climb is challenging due to altitude and freezing temperatures. From Stella Point, a final push leads to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, trekkers descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for a well-earned rest.
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,460m
Habitat: Rainforest
The last day of trekking is a steady descent back into the rainforest zone, where you’ll see tropical flora and wildlife. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, climbers receive their summit certificates before heading back to Moshi or Arusha.
FAQ Machame Route
Is the Machame Route good for beginners?
Yes, but it requires a good level of fitness due to its steep climbs and long trekking days.
How difficult is the Machame Route?
It is considered moderately difficult, with some steep ascents like the Barranco Wall. The 7-day itinerary improves acclimatization, increasing summit success rates.
What is the success rate for summiting via the Machame Route?
The 7-day route has a success rate of 85-90%, thanks to better acclimatization opportunities.
What are the best months to climb Kilimanjaro via Machame?
The best months are January-March and June-October, when the weather is dry.
How does the Machame Route compare to other Kilimanjaro routes?
It is more scenic and challenging than Marangu but offers a better success rate than Umbwe due to gradual acclimatization.