7 Day Kilimanjaro climbing Machame route

Overview

The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered hard, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

Day to Day Itinerary

On arrival in Tanzania.

Arrival Location: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight. A pre-climb briefing and gear check will be conducted in the evening to ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

DAY 1: Machame Gate – Machame Camp
Distance: 10.75 km / 7 mi | Time: 5–6 hrs | Zone: Rainforest
Elevation: 1811m / 5942ft to 3021m / 9911ft
Altitude Gained: 1210m

Departing from Moshi, a 45-minute drive takes you through Machame Village to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. While your permits are being issued, enjoy the hustle and bustle as crews prepare for the journey ahead.
Trek through lush rainforest with winding trails as your guide introduces you to the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. Expect muddy and slippery terrain—gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

DAY 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp
Distance: 5.3 km / 3 mi | Time: 4–5 hrs | Zone: Moorland
Elevation: 3021m / 9911ft to 3839m / 12,595ft
Altitude Gained: 818m

After a restful night and hearty breakfast, leave the rainforest and ascend along a rocky ridge. The trail continues westward into a river gorge before reaching Shira Camp. Temperatures drop as you gain elevation.

DAY 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Distance: 10.75 km / 6 mi | Time: 5–6 hrs | Zone: Semi-Desert
Elevation: 3839m / 12,595ft to 3986m / 13,077ft
Altitude Gained: 147m

This is a key day for acclimatization, though the elevation change is small. Climb eastward up a ridge, past a junction toward Kibo Peak, then continue southeast to Lava Tower (4650m / 15,250ft), known as the "Shark’s Tooth." After a short visit, descend to Barranco Camp for the night.

DAY 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Distance: ~5 km / 3.1 mi | Time: 4–5 hrs | Zone: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3986m / 13,077ft to 4034m / 13,235ft
Altitude Gained: 48m

Begin with the thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall, one of the most exciting parts of the trek. The route continues through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp. A relatively short but steep day—excellent for acclimatization.

DAY 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Distance: 3.3 km / 2 mi | Time: 3–4 hrs | Zone: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4034m / 13,235ft to 4662m / 15,295ft
Altitude Gained: 628m

Continue the ascent to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit and gaining stunning views of the summit from multiple angles. Early dinner and rest as summit night begins just after midnight.

DAY 6: Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp
Distance: 4.86 km / 3 mi up | 11.5 km / 7.2 mi down
Time: 5–7 hrs up | 5–6 hrs down
Zone: Glaciers, Snow-capped Summit
Elevation: 4662m / 15,295ft to 5895m / 19,341ft (Uhuru Peak)
Altitude Gained: 1233m
Descent: To 3106m / 10,190ft | Altitude Lost: 2789m

Begin the summit attempt between midnight and 2 a.m. Ascend via heavy scree and switchbacks to Stella Point, then continue to Uhuru Peak. Celebrate your accomplishment at the top of Africa!

Descend to Barafu for a quick lunch and short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp. The terrain is loose and dusty—gaiters and trekking poles are essential.

DAY 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
Distance: 9.1 km / 6 mi | Time: 3–4 hrs | Zone: Rainforest
Elevation: 3106m / 10,190ft to 1633m / 5358ft
Altitude Lost: 1473m

Enjoy breakfast and a celebration with your crew before the final descent through the lush rainforest. At Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your well-earned summit certificate.

A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes’ drive).

Inclusion

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
• Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
• One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant ); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits.
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Exclusion

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
• Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
• One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant ); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits.
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).