7-days Machame Route

Overview

7-days Machame Route, affectionately known as the "Whiskey Route," offers a spectacular climb featuring diverse terrain and superior acclimatization compared to shorter routes. Beginning in lush rainforest, trekkers ascend progressively through heath, moorland, alpine desert, and glacial zones, with built-in acclimatization days to minimize altitude sickness risk. The summit is reached via Stella Point and Uhuru Peak, before descending back through the forest. Fully supported by expert guides, assistant guides, porters, and cooks, the route ensures excellent pacing, nutrition, camp comfort, and safety. Experience challenging climbs balanced with stunning scenery and a dedicated support team to make your summit dream.

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1
Machame Gate → Machame Camp (10–11 km, 1,500 → 2,835 m)
Begin your adventure with a scenic transfer from Arusha or Moshi to Machame Gate for park registration. The trek starts through lush rainforest teeming with colobus monkeys and exotic birds, over humid and sometimes muddy terrain—gaiters recommended. After 5–7 hours, arrive at Machame Camp where porters have prepared tents and cooks serve a hearty 3-course meal. Guides conduct health checks, briefing on pacing and altitude acclimatization. Sleep comfortably in two-person tents with sleeping mats, enjoying hot tea and communal dining under crisp mountain air.
Day 2
Machame Camp → Shira Camp (8 km, 2,835 → 3,845 m)
Climb through heath and moorland, ascending approximately 800–1,000 meters over 6–8 hours. Cross ridge terrain and open plateaus with breathtaking views of the Western Breach. At Shira Camp, porters have set up camp, and cooks provide trail lunches and hot dinners. Guides share insights on Kilimanjaro’s geology and glaciers while managing acclimatization activities. Nights are cold and exposed, so warm layers and a good sleeping bag are essential.
Day 3
Shira Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp (10–15 km, 3,845 → 3,960 m)
Today features an important acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (4,600 m) before descending to Barranco Camp. The trail transitions from moorland to alpine desert, with varying terrain over 6–8 hours. Guides and assistant guides closely monitor health, hydration, and pacing. Enjoy lunch near Lava Tower and spectacular views of the Great Barranco Wall at camp. Evening meals and health checks prepare you for the next day’s challenge.
Day 4
Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (4–6 km, 3,960 → 4,035 m)
Ascend the iconic Barranco Wall, using hands-free climbing techniques with guides’ support, followed by a ridge walk to Karanga Camp. The short but steep trek lasts 3–5 hours. Porters transport gear; cooks prepare hot meals. Guides encourage steady pacing and breaks to manage altitude effects. Rest and hydrate well in camp, preparing for the more strenuous ascent ahead.
Day 5
Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4–5 km, 4,035 → 4,640 m)
Ascend roughly 600 meters through rocky alpine desert terrain to Barafu Camp, your base for summit night. The 3–4 hour trek brings you to an exposed ridge area with cold winds and freezing night temperatures. Guides conduct final summit briefings; cooks serve an early carbohydrate-rich dinner. Prepare layers, headlamps, and gloves carefully as lights-out is early to ensure rest for the demanding summit climb.
Day 6
Summit Day – Barafu Camp → Stella Point → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp (20 km)
Wake around 11:30 p.m. for hot tea, snacks, and final gear checks. Begin the nighttime ascent up scree slopes to Stella Point for a breathtaking sunrise at 5,730 meters, then continue to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point at 5,895 meters. Assistant guides carry oxygen and supplies while supporting slower climbers. After summit celebrations, descend to Barafu for lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp for rest. Porters and cooks ensure hydration and meals are ready; guides watch for altitude-related symptoms.
Day 7
Mweka Camp , Mweka Gate (10 km)
Descend through moorland and rainforest on an easier 2–3 hour hike to Mweka Gate, where certificates are awarded in a memorable ceremony. The team is formally thanked during the traditional tipping lineup. Transport returns you to Arusha or Moshi for hot showers, debriefings, and celebration meals featuring local favorites. Reflect on your Kilimanjaro triumph with pride and gratitude.

Cost Info

Price includes

Park fees
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodations as stated in the itinerary
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Camping Equipment
Porterage

Price excludes

International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Alcohol drinks
Rescue Fee
Climbing Gear
Sleeping Bag

Please select date

from Free

Booking Form
Enquiry Form

Full Name* :

Email* :

Country :

Phone Number :

Number of Adults :

Number of Children :

Message :

7-days Machame Route

Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1

Machame Gate → Machame Camp (10–11 km, 1,500 → 2,835 m)

Day 2

Machame Camp → Shira Camp (8 km, 2,835 → 3,845 m)

Day 3

Shira Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp (10–15 km, 3,845 → 3,960 m)

Day 4

Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (4–6 km, 3,960 → 4,035 m)

Day 5

Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4–5 km, 4,035 → 4,640 m)

Day 6

Summit Day – Barafu Camp → Stella Point → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp (20 km)

Day 7

Mweka Camp , Mweka Gate (10 km)

Cost Info

Price includes

Price excludes

Please select date

Gardenia African Safaris

Helpful links

Safari Optional Activities

Associations

We accept

Need Help?