7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek – Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Overview
Begin unforgettable 7 day adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route, famously known as the Whiskey Route. Trek through lush rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and rugged mountain landscapes before reaching Uhuru Peak, Africa highest point. With experienced guides, a dedicated support team, comfortable camps, and delicious meals, you’ll enjoy a safe and memorable journey. Challenge yourself, discover incredible landscapes, and turn your dream of climbing Kilimanjaro into reality.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Depart from Arusha and drive through Machame village to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate for registration and permits. Begin your trek through the lush rainforest, enjoying scenic trails, diverse flora, and wildlife while your guide shares insights about the ecosystem. The trail may be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended.
Distance: 10.75 km | Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation: 1,811 m to 3,021 m | Gain: 1,210 m
Accommodation: Machame Camp
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast, leave the rainforest behind and continue your ascent toward the Shira Plateau. The trail crosses a valley before climbing a steep, rocky ridge, then winds west along a dramatic river gorge. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more open and temperatures cooler. Arrive at Shira Camp, where you can relax, enjoy the mountain views, and prepare for the next stage of your climb.
Distance: 5.3 km | Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Elevation: 3,021 m to 3,839 m | Gain: 818 m
Accommodation: Shira Camp
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Today is an important acclimatization day as we hike through the high-altitude landscape of the Shira Plateau. The trail heads east along a scenic ridge before continuing southeast toward Lava Tower, also known as Shark’s Tooth, at 4,650 m. After passing this dramatic landmark, we descend toward Barranco Camp, enjoying spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro while allowing your body to adapt to the altitude.
Distance: 10.75 km | Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation: 3,839 m to 3,986 m | Gain: 147 m
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, begin a steep climb toward the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most exciting sections of the Machame Route. With support from your experienced crew, navigate the wall before descending into the beautiful Karanga Valley. Continue along the trail to the Mweka Trail junction, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Arrive at Karanga Camp for a well-deserved rest and overnight stay.
Distance: 5.2 km | Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Elevation: 3,986 m to 4,034 m | Gain: 48 m
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Continue your ascent toward Barafu Camp, completing the scenic Southern Circuit with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its surrounding peaks. The trail becomes increasingly rugged as you approach base camp. Upon arrival, enjoy an early dinner and rest as much as possible, preparing for the challenging summit attempt during the night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Distance: 3.3 km | Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Elevation: 4,034 m to 4,662 m | Gain: 628 m
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Begin your summit attempt around midnight, tackling the steep trail through scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. Enjoy a spectacular sunrise before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement, then descend through the alpine terrain, stopping at Barafu Camp for lunch before continuing to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Distance: 16.36 km Duration: 10 to 13 hours
Elevation: 4,662 m to 5,895 m | Gain: 1,233 m
Descent: 3,106 m | Loss: 2,789 m
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate to Arusha
After breakfast, enjoy a farewell ceremony with your mountain crew before beginning the final descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Park Gate. Collect your Kilimanjaro summit certificate and say goodbye to your guides, cooks, and porters. From Mweka Village, transfer to Arusha for a well deserved hot shower, dinner, and celebration. Overnight at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, with the option to continue your journey with a Tanzania safari or relaxing Zanzibar holiday.
Distance: 9.1 km Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Elevation: 3,106 m to 1,633 m Altitude Loss: 1,473 m
Accommodation: Njiro Legacy
Cost includes
All transfers
Professional and experienced mountain guide, cook and porters
Rescue fees
Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
Clean purified water
Accommodation before climbing
All entry fees
All meals during your trekking
Large portion of fresh healthy nutritious food nbvc
Cost Excludes
Sleeping bags, bring your own sleeping bag but still you can rent it in Arusha at reasonable
Flight ticket
Gratitude’s for Kilimanjaro climbing crews
Personal expenses (e.g. laundry bills, telephone bills, beverages etc.)
Anything not mentioned above