7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is one of the most popular routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers diverse landscapes and a challenging climb with a higher success rate due to its longer acclimatization period.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Meet your guide for a pre-climb briefing and gear check. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate (1,800 meters) for registration. Begin the trek through the rainforest to Machame Camp (2,835 meters). Dinner and overnight stay in tents. (Hiking time: 5-7 hours, Distance: 11 km)
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone, climbing up to Shira Camp (3,750 meters). Enjoy views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. Dinner and overnight stay in tents. (Hiking time: 4-6 hours, Distance: 5 km)
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Trek through the alpine desert zone, reaching Lava Tower (4,600 meters) before descending to Barranco Camp (3,960 meters). This helps with acclimatization. Dinner and overnight stay in tents. (Hiking time: 6-8 hours, Distance: 10 km)
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Climb the Barranco Wall and traverse through valleys to Karanga Camp (4,035 meters). This day involves some scrambling but offers spectacular views. Dinner and overnight stay in tents. (Hiking time: 4-5 hours, Distance: 6 km)
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Continue the ascent to Barafu Camp (4,640 meters), the base camp for the summit attempt. Rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit climb. Overnight stay in tents. (Hiking time: 4-5 hours, Distance: 4 km)
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Begin the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). Enjoy the sunrise at the summit before descending to Mweka Camp (3,080 meters) for rest and overnight stay. (Hiking time: 7-8 hours to the summit, 6-8 hours descent, Distance: 20 km)
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Complete the descent to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi for a celebratory dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. (Hiking time: 3-4 hours, Distance: 10 km)
Day 9: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure, concluding your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure.
Includes:
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation before and after the trek
- Park fees
- Hut accommodations
- All meals on the mountain
- Professional guides, porters, and cook
- Rescue fees
Excludes:
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses