7 Days Machame Route

Overview

Known as the Whiskey Route, the Machame Route is the most popular among Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes, favoured by nearly half of all climbers annually. This path approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, climbing the southern slope before descending via the Mweka route. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, the Machame Route offers stops that boast some of Mount Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Covering 62 km, it is typically completed in six days, though the ‘Without the Whiskey’ 7-day itinerary is recommended. This extended Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Package allows better acclimatization, significantly enhancing success rates. Combining adventure with stunning vistas, the Machame Route is an excellent choice for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding expedition.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Machame Gate To Machame Camp

Machame Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters / 3,900 feet
Your head guide will meet you for the drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate (approximately 45 minutes). After registration, begin climbing along a winding trail through a beautiful and lush forest.

Since this is the zone that experiences the most rainfall on Mount Kilimanjaro you should be prepared for afternoon showers. These can make the trail slippery at times!

The climb is steady, gradually easing as you approach camp at Machame Hut (9,800ft). The camp is located on the edge of the forest and giant heather zones.

Approximately 6-7 hours of walking today.

Day 2 - Machame Camp To Shira Camp

Machame Camp (3,000m/9,800ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)
Elevation Gain: 840 meters / 2,800 feet
Today is a little shorter. It begins by climbing a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo, the summit cone of Kilimanjaro, and the jagged rim of the Shira Plateau.

Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. It is filled with the lava flow from Kibo and its rim has eroded and been blasted away by weather and volcanic action.

Once on the plateau, the trail becomes gentler as you continue your Mt Kilimanjaro Climb to Shira Camp. On a clear day, the views from here are spectacular.

Approximately 5-6 hours of walking

Day 3 - Shira Camp To Barranco Camp To via Lava Tower

Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) via Lava Tower (4,550m/14,900ft)
Elevation Gain: 710 meters / 2,300 feet
Elevation Gain: 700 meters / 2,250 feet
Your climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridgelines of the high desert to Lava Tower. The trek to the base of Lava Tower is about 4 hours. This tower is a 300-foot-high volcanic plug.

If time and energy allow, you can scramble to the top of Lava Tower for fabulous panoramic views.

From Lava Tower we begin our steep descent into the Barranco Valley, passing large flowering plants which actually look like trees, the scenecios.

This is good practice for your descent from the summit in a few days and will take 1-2 hours.

Although you will end your day at almost the same Mount Kilimanjaro Elevation as you started, today is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. Barranco Camp is in a beautiful, sheltered valley below the imposing Barranco Wall.

Day 4 - Barranco Camp To Karranga Camp To via the Barranco Wall

Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,600ft) to Karranga Camp (3,950m/13,000ft) via the Barranco Wall (4,200m/13,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 350 meters / 1,150 feet
Elevation Loss: 250 metres / 820 feet
After breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and begin our climb up the Barranco Wall. This is an impressive scramble where you will be rewarded with fantastic views back towards camp.

The porters climbing the wall are also an impressive sight. From the top, at 4,200m, you will follow an undulating path around the mountainside.

On a clear day, you are treated to spectacular views of Kibo to your left and Mount Meru to your right, each standing as representation of the formidable Kilimanjaro Height.

After descending into the Karranga Valley your climb takes you up a short steep path to Karranga Camp.

Walking time is approximately 3-4 hours

Day 5 - Karranga Camp To Barafu Camp

Karranga Camp (3,950m/13,000ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 650 meters / 2,150 feet
Today you will spend the morning climbing steadily onto Barafu, which is Swahili for ice! This camp is located on the ridge below the summit cone.

You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.

This walk will take around 3 hours meaning that you will arrive at Barafu in time to spend the afternoon resting and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for the summit climb.

The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

Day 6 - Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp

Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,300ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters / 4,200 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,785 meters / 9,100 feet
In the early hours of the morning, you will begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru Peak. This part of the climb takes approximately 6-8 hours.

It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day and therefore you will want clothing for both extremes. Just when you think you’ve had enough of climbing in the dark the sun will rise and you will be rewarded with a rich red sky framing Mawenzi.

At Stella Point (5,750m) you join the crater rim. From here, climb gently to Uhuru Peak which is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

Standing at the summit, you experience the full Kilimanjaro Altitude of 5,895 meters, the tallest peak in Africa.

Following your time at the summit, the descent will take you to Mweka Hut, with lunch served en route. This descent takes about 6 hours. Later in the evening, enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved rest.

Day 7 - Kosovo Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp

Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,280 meters / 4,220 feet
Descend to the gate through the lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. You will be collected from Mweka Village and taken to your hotel in Moshi.

Departure

Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you’ve decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey!.

Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Two nights’ accommodation in Moshi (before and after the trek).
Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
Services of a professional guide, porters, and cook.
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Drinking water during the trek.
Tents, sleeping mats, and camping equipment.
Daily health check-ups, first aid kit, and oxygen for emergencies.
Certificate of achievement for reaching Uhuru Peak or Stella Point.

International flights.
Visa fees for Tanzania.
Personal climbing gear (available for rent).
Travel insurance (including medical evacuation).
Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and snacks.
Meals and drinks at the hotel.
Any additional services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary.