Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Safari summary

The 7-Day Machame Route is one of the most scenic and popular trekking routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a perfect balance of adventure and acclimatization. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” it provides trekkers with stunning landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and glacial summits. Over seven days, you will gradually ascend through diverse ecological zones, allowing your body ample time to adjust to the altitude, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) successfully. This route is ideal for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding climb, with breathtaking views along the way, including the iconic Barranco Wall and the expansive Shira Plateau.

Your journey begins at the Machame Gate, where you trek through dense rainforest, spotting unique flora and wildlife before ascending to Shira Camp with its panoramic vistas. The route follows a climb-high, sleep-low approach, with highlights like the Lava Tower and the scenic Karanga Valley, crucial for acclimatization. The final ascent to the summit starts at midnight from Barafu Camp, culminating in a breathtaking sunrise over the African plains from Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, the descent follows the Mweka Route, offering a swift return through the lush lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. This 7-day trek is perfect for adventurous hikers looking for an unforgettable experience on Africa’s tallest mountain.

Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) – Machame Camp (3,000m)
Your adventure begins at Machame Gate, where you complete registration and meet your guides and porters. The trek starts with a scenic hike through the lush rainforest, home to unique wildlife, towering trees, and vibrant mosses. The trail is relatively moderate, with occasional steep sections, and takes about 5-7 hours to reach Machame Camp, your first overnight stop.

Meals: Full board
Accommodation:
Machame Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000m) – Shira Camp (3,840m)
After breakfast, the trail ascends steeply through the forest before transitioning into heath and moorland. You will trek across rocky ridges, with beautiful views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak in the distance. This day involves a 4-6 hour hike, with increasing altitude but a steady pace, allowing for acclimatization. You’ll spend the night at Shira Camp, enjoying stunning sunset views over Mount Meru.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:
Shira Cave Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840m) – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Today’s trek follows the climb-high, sleep-low strategy, crucial for acclimatization. You ascend gradually to Lava Tower (4,630m), a rocky outcrop where you take a lunch break and let your body adjust to the altitude. Afterward, you descend into the scenic Barranco Valley, passing through giant Senecio trees. The trek takes about 6-8 hours, and you will camp at Barranco Camp, surrounded by towering cliffs and glaciers.

Meals: Full Board
Accommodation:
Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Your day begins with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable scramble that offers rewarding views. The trail then undulates through alpine desert terrain, with a few short ascents and descents before reaching Karanga Camp after 4-5 hours of trekking. This is a shorter day, allowing for rest and acclimatization before the final push to higher altitudes.

Meals: Full Board
Accommodation:
Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m)
The trek continues through barren, rocky landscapes, gradually ascending to Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt. The hike takes about 4-5 hours, and upon arrival, you’ll have an early dinner and rest, preparing for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak. Expect a cold night, but the excitement of reaching the top keeps spirits high.

Meals: Fullboard
Accommodation:
Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Your summit push begins around midnight, trekking in the dark with headlamps under a sky full of stars. The climb is steep and physically demanding, taking 6-8 hours to reach Stella Point (5,756m), where you witness an incredible sunrise. A final 1-hour push leads you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa! After celebrating and capturing memories, you descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m) via Barafu, completing a 10-14 hour trekking day.

Meals: Fullboard
Accommodation:
Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) – Mweka Gate (1,640m)
The final descent is a 3-4 hour trek through the lush rainforest, where you’ll likely see Colobus monkeys and diverse birdlife. At Mweka Gate, you receive your summit certificates before transferring back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest and celebration of your incredible achievement.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Hiking | trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• All drinks
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• All drinks
• Hot air balloons
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas