Climbing

7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route

The Machame Route, known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 7-day trek offers breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and gradual acclimatization, making it ideal for adventurous hikers seeking both a physical challenge and natural beauty. Beginning at the Machame Gate, the route passes through lush rainforest, moorlands, alpine deserts, and ends at the glacier-capped summit. With a longer and more gradual ascent than some other routes, the Machame Route increases your chances of a successful summit while allowing time to adjust to the altitude. Trekkers are rewarded with ever-changing scenery and dramatic views over the Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, and the Karanga Valley before reaching the peak at Uhuru Point (5,895m). Nights are spent in campsites along the trail with meals prepared by your mountain crew. This trek is fully supported by experienced guides, porters, and cooks. Each day involves 4–8 hours of hiking, gradually gaining elevation. It’s an unforgettable journey that combines adventure, challenge, and the reward of standing on the Roof of Africa.
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800 m) – Machame Camp (3,000 m)
  • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
  • Altitude Gain: 1,200 m
  • Overnight: Machame Camp

You begin your adventure with a transfer from Moshi or Arusha to Machame Gate. After registration and a final gear check, your trek kicks off through the lush rainforest of Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes. The trail ascends gradually, shaded by thick canopy and filled with exotic flora and occasional monkey sightings. Expect a peaceful walk with birdsong and misty air.
As you gain altitude, the forest thins out and moss-covered trees give way to giant heathers. You’ll reach Machame Camp by late afternoon, nestled in a clearing with views of the towering peak above.
Dinner is served at camp as temperatures drop and stars fill the sky. You’ll settle in for the night with the sounds of the mountain around you.

  • Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
  • Altitude Gain: 840 m
  • Overnight: Shira Camp

Today’s trek begins with a climb through moorland, replacing the forest with dramatic views and cooler air. The trail is steeper and rockier, but you’ll be rewarded with glimpses of the Shira Plateau and surrounding valleys.
After crossing a rocky ridge, you’ll reach the open landscape of the Shira Plateau. This volcanic plain offers incredible views of Kibo and Mount Meru in the distance.
By early afternoon, you arrive at Shira Camp, set on a high plateau with surreal landscapes and a sense of remoteness. You’ll rest and acclimatize while enjoying a hearty meal and a night under the open African sky.

  • Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
  • Altitude Gain: 790 m (up), 670 m (down)
  • Overnight: Barranco Camp

Today’s route offers crucial acclimatization as you ascend to Lava Tower at 4,630 meters before descending to Barranco Camp. The landscape changes to alpine desert—sparse, windy, and strikingly beautiful.
After lunch at Lava Tower, known for its surreal rock formations, you descend to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to altitude.
Barranco Camp is set in a stunning valley beneath the Great Barranco Wall, with views of glaciers and jagged cliffs. Dinner is served as the sun sets behind the massive walls you’ll climb tomorrow.

  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
  • Altitude Gain: 75 m
  • Overnight: Karanga Camp

You begin your day with a scramble up the Barranco Wall—a thrilling section that involves a bit of hands-on climbing. At the top, you’re rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Karanga Valley below and glaciers above.
The trail undulates through rocky ridges and alpine deserts, offering varied terrain that keeps the trek exciting.
You’ll reach Karanga Camp by midday, giving you ample time to rest and acclimatize. This camp, perched on a high ridge, offers dramatic sunset views and prepares you for the push to Barafu tomorrow.

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Altitude Gain: 605 m
  • Overnight: Barafu Camp

The trail to Barafu Camp is steep and rocky, crossing barren landscapes and high ridges. As oxygen thins, your pace slows, but the anticipation builds.
You arrive at Barafu Camp around midday. This final base camp before the summit sits on an exposed ridge with strong winds and icy air.
After an early dinner, you’ll sleep early—summit night begins just before midnight. Prepare your gear, rest mentally, and get ready for the toughest and most rewarding day of the trek.

  • Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
  • Altitude Gain/Loss: +1,255 m, then -2,795 m
  • Overnight: Mweka Camp

You’ll begin your summit push around midnight, ascending through the freezing dark with only headlamps lighting the trail. The climb to Stella Point (5,756 m) is the most grueling part, both mentally and physically.
After reaching Stella Point, the final trek to Uhuru Peak is a gentler but emotionally powerful journey. At the top, you’ll stand on the Roof of Africa at sunrise—a moment of pure triumph.
After photos and a short celebration, you descend to Barafu for brunch, then continue to Mweka Camp, where the air is thick and your body begins to recover.

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Altitude Loss: 1,460 m

Your final trek takes you back into the lush rainforest as you descend to Mweka Gate. The trail can be slippery, so take your time.
At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate—proof of your incredible achievement.
You’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower, celebration dinner, and well-earned rest.

  • Transportation
  • Park Entry Fee
  • Professional Guide
  • Airport Transfers
  • Full Board
  • Accommodations
  • Government Applied VAT
  • Tipping & Gratitude
  • Arrival & Transit Visas
  • Medical & Travel Insurance
  • Drinks at the Hotel
  • Drones Usage
  • International Flight

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