7 Days Machame Route
Overview
The 7-day Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most scenic and popular routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). It offers a challenging yet rewarding trek with diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glacial zones. The route provides a gradual ascent, allowing for better acclimatization, which increases summit success rates. The journey begins at Machame Gate (1,800m) with a trek through dense rainforests to Machame Camp (3,000m). The second day leads to Shira Camp (3,840m), offering stunning views of Kibo Peak. On day three, climbers reach Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp (3,950m). The fourth day involves climbing the Barranco Wall and trekking to Karanga Camp (4,035m). From there, the trail continues to Barafu Camp (4,673m) on day five, where trekkers prepare for the final midnight ascent. Day six is the most challenging, with a long climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, followed by a descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m). The trek concludes on day seven with a descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m), where climbers receive their summit certificates. The best times to climb are January–March and June–October, and proper preparation, including physical training and acclimatization, is essential for success.
1 person | 2-5 persons | 6-10 persons | 11+ persons |
USD 2300 | USD 2100 | USD 1950 | USD 1800 |
Per person | Per person | Per person | Per person |
Tour plan
Day 1: Arrive in Moshi.
Arrival: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Our dedicated representative will be eagerly waiting for you at the airport, holding a sign with your name on it, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome.
Transfer: From the airport, a seamless and comfortable transfer service will whisk you away to our enchanting hotel.
Check-In and Meal: Upon arrival at the hotel, you will check in and be served a delicious meal to help you relax and recharge.
Briefing: Later in the day, our experienced mountain coordinators and your guide will provide a pre-trekking briefing. This exciting session will cover essential information and give you a glimpse of the wonders that await you on your upcoming expedition. During the briefing, there will be an equipment check to ensure that you have everything needed to make your climb comfortable and safe. Should you require any equipment, it can be rented locally at a fair price and is of good quality.
Please note that if your arrival is at night, the briefing and equipment check may be conducted early the next morning instead. This ensures that you are well-prepared and fully equipped before starting your adventure.
Overnight: Stay at the hotel and get a good night’s rest before the adventure begins.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,800m (5,905ft) to 3,000m (9,843ft)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11km (7mi)
Terrain: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After enjoying a hearty breakfast and receiving a briefing at your hotel, you’ll embark on a scenic 45-minute drive from Moshi to Machame Park Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll complete the registration process and receive your packed lunch. The adventure begins as you enter the lush rainforest, where you may encounter muddy and slippery conditions if it has rained recently. The trail to Machame Camp is approximately 11 km and typically takes about 6 hours to complete.
In the evening, porters will provide boiled drinking and washing water and give you a hot water bottle to help you regain body heat in the chilly night. The cook will prepare a delicious dinner
for you. With temperatures potentially dropping to freezing, you’ll retire to your tent for a chilly but rewarding night.
Overnight at Machame Camp.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: 3,000m (9,843ft) to 3,850m (12,631ft)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5km (3mi)
Terrain: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After a hearty breakfast at Machame Camp, you’ll begin your trek towards Shira Camp. This day’s journey covers approximately 5 km and usually takes around 4 to 6 hours. The trail initially leads you through a steep ascent into the moorland zone, presenting you with stunning vistas as you climb higher.
As you approach Shira Camp, you’ll be walking along a ridge that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival, our porters will set up the tents and prepare a satisfying lunch. You’ll have the afternoon to relax, acclimate to the higher altitude, and take in the beautiful surroundings.
In the evening, enjoy a warm and delicious dinner prepared by our cook. Afterwards, your guide will provide a briefing on the next day’s trek, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the journey ahead.
Overnight at Shira Camp.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower, then to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,850m (12,631ft) to 4,630m (15,190ft) then down to 3,950m (12,959ft)
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Distance: 10km (6mi)
Terrain: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at Shira Camp, you’ll embark on a challenging trek to Lava Tower, which stands at an impressive 4,630 meters. This 11 km hike typically takes between 6 to 8 hours and features rocky, semi-desert terrain. Upon reaching Lava Tower, you can take a break and enjoy your lunch while soaking in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Following lunch, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, situated at 3,960 meters. This descent, lasting about 2 hours, provides stunning vistas of the Western Breach, one of Kilimanjaro’s most dramatic features. Upon arrival at Barranco Camp, our team will set up your tents and prepare a delicious dinner.
In the evening, your guide will brief you on the plans for the next day’s trek, ensuring you are well-prepared for the adventures ahead.
Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,950m (12,959ft) to 4,200m (13,780ft)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5km (3mi)
Terrain: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Start your day early with a wake-up call and a nourishing breakfast to fuel your trek. The journey begins with ascending the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but rewarding section that requires both physical and mental strength. Once you’ve conquered the Wall, you’ll descend into the scenic Karanga Valley, known for its lush vegetation and breathtaking landscapes.
Upon reaching the Karanga campsite, the porters will set up your tents while our chef prepares a delicious lunch. After your meal, you’ll have the opportunity to go on an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, ascending an additional 200 meters before returning to camp. This hike will help you adjust to the altitude and increase your chances of a successful summit.
In the evening, enjoy a hot meal prepared by the chef. After dinner, your experienced guide will provide a detailed briefing on the next day’s trek, discussing the route, challenges, and key details to ensure you are well-prepared for the adventures ahead.
Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,200m (13,780ft) to 4,600m (15,091ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 4km (2.5mi)
Terrain: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Start your day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek toward Barafu Camp. The trail features varied terrain, including rocky sections and gradual slopes, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude landscapes. As you ascend, make sure to focus on acclimatization to avoid altitude-related issues.
Upon reaching Barafu Camp, the porters will set up the camp while the chef prepares a nourishing lunch. After eating, you’ll have time to rest and recuperate until dinner. In the evening, enjoy a warm meal prepared by the chef. Following dinner, your guide will provide a detailed briefing on the upcoming summit attempt, covering the route, challenges, safety measures, and necessary preparations.
Try to rest well, as the summit ascent begins late in the evening.
Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then Descent to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,600m (15,091ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) and down to 3,100m (10,171ft)
Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
Distance: 17km (10.5mi)
Terrain: Arctic conditions
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
You’ll rise around 11:30 PM and start the ascent after some tea and biscuits. Heading northwest, you’ll climb through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour trek to Stella Point (5,685m) is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. After a brief rest at Stella Point, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting.
From Stella Point, it’s a 2-hour snow-covered ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. Your time at the summit will depend on the weather, so it’s essential not to linger too long due to the extreme cold and fatigue.
After celebrating your achievement, you will descend back to Barafu Camp, which takes about 3 hours. At Barafu, you’ll have a short rest and enjoy a well-deserved meal. Following this, you will continue your descent to Mweka Camp, taking approximately 3-4 hours. The trail can be tough on the knees, so trekking poles are helpful. Upon arrival at Mweka Camp, you’ll have dinner and get some much-needed rest after a long day.
Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,100m (10,171ft) to 1,640m (5,381ft)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 10km (6mi)
Terrain: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll begin your descent through the lush rainforest. This final stretch of your journey takes you back through the vibrant vegetation and diverse ecosystems of Mount Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. As you trek down, you’ll witness the forest coming alive with various sounds and sights—chirping birds, rustling leaves, and maybe even the occasional glimpse of wildlife.
The path will be damp and sometimes slippery, so take your time and appreciate the rich environment around you. Your guides will ensure a safe and steady pace as you make your way down. The journey from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate typically takes around 4-6 hours, offering ample time to savor the final moments of this incredible adventure.
Upon reaching the gate, our team will be there waiting for you with a medal. You’ll be presented with your well-earned summit certificate as a testament to your achievement. We will continue celebrating and take photos with the Great Time Experience (GTE) team. From there, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in Moshi, where a hot meal, a refreshing shower, and a comfortable bed await.
After taking a short rest, join us in the evening for a brief celebration where we’ll present you with an award from our company to commemorate your achievement and say our goodbyes. If you’re interested in extending your adventure, you can meet with our safari coordinator to explore options like a thrilling wildlife safari or a relaxing beach getaway in Zanzibar. Additionally, we offer various day trips to nearby attractions, allowing you to further immerse yourself in the local culture and natural beauty of the region.
Overnight: Rest at the hotel and get a good night’s sleep before your departure.
Day 9: Departure from Moshi
Activity: Relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, explore Moshi town or visit local markets before heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure
Kindly note: If you wish to extend your adventure, consider adding a day trip to your itinerary. You can explore nearby attractions or immerse yourself in local culture for a truly enriching experience. For more details, we invite you to visit our Day Trip page.
Alternatively, you can continue your journey with a visit to the stunning island of Zanzibar. Whether you seek relaxation on pristine beaches or wish to delve into the island’s rich culture, Zanzibar offers something for everyone. Discover the perfect package for your next excursion by exploring our Zanzibar page.
If you’re interested in adding a safari experience, please visit our Safari page. Here you will find detailed information on our exciting safari options, allowing you to further extend your adventure with a thrilling wildlife experience.
Additionally, our team is always available to help customize your extended itinerary, ensuring you have the most memorable and enjoyable experience possible.
Price Included:
- Qualified guides with mountain crew
- National Park fees
- Hut/camping fees and tents
- Tents foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and (Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils.
- Rescue fees (required by the National Park)
- Pulse oximeters
- First aid kit
- Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
- Boiled water on the mountain
- Airport transfers (JRO – Kilimanjaro International Airports)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Not Excluded:
- Single rooms supplement.
- Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags)
- Gear for your climb, some equipment is available for rent.
- Car Supplement USD$145 per car for clients who go through Lemosho/Rongai/Shira Routes
- Items of personal nature (expenses)
- Emergency Oxygen
- Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
Where to Stay
When planning your safari, there are plenty of great places to stay from lodges and camps to hotels. Each option offers a comfortable and unique way to experience the beauty of nature. Discover the perfect spot to relax after a day of adventure for this tour.
