Machame Route – 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb

Safari Overview

The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular paths to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. This 7-day Kilimanjaro climb is ideal for adventurous trekkers looking for a scenic and challenging route. The trail passes through tropical rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacier zones before reaching Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. With good acclimatization, it offers high summit success rates for fit hikers.

Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate – Machame Camp

– Drive from Moshi/Arusha to Machame Gate (1,800m)
– Registration and start trek through rainforest
– Reach Machame Camp (2,835m) by late afternoon
– Hike duration: 5–7 hours
Overnight: Machame Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

– Steep ascent through moorland
– Cross ridges with views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak
– Camp at Shira Cave Camp (3,850m)
– Hike duration: 4–6 hours
Overnight: Shira Camp

Day 3: Shira – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

– Trek through alpine desert zone
– Ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) for acclimatization
– Descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m)
– Hike duration: 6–8 hours
Overnight: Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco – Karanga Camp

– Climb the iconic Barranco Wall
– Cross valleys with views of glaciers and alpine desert
– Short trek to Karanga Camp (3,995m)
– Hike duration: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga – Barafu Camp

– Final leg before summit push
– Hike uphill to Barafu Camp (4,673m)
– Early dinner and rest for midnight summit
– Hike duration: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Summit – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

– Start at midnight for summit attempt
– Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise
– Celebrate at the top of Africa, then descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
– Hike duration: 12–14 hours
Overnight: Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Transfer to Moshi/Arusha

– Final descent through rainforest
– Receive summit certificates at Mweka Gate (1,640m)
– Transfer to hotel in Moshi/Arusha
– Hike duration: 3–4 hours
End of trek