- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Reviews
- FAQ
If you’ve ever dreamed of standing on the Roof of Africa, this 7 Day Mt Kilimanjaro Trek via Machame Route is your chance to make it real. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” it’s one of the most scenic and rewarding paths to the summit.
Your climb begins in the misty rainforest. As you ascend, the landscapes unfold in breathtaking layers, from dense forest to open moorland. Then to high alpine desert and icy glacier slopes.
The Machame Route is loved not just for its beauty but for its excellent acclimatization. Over seven days, you’ll follow a steady pace that lets your body adjust while you take in the scenery. Expect unforgettable stops like the Shira Plateau, where the horizon stretches endlessly beneath you.
Summit day is the heart of the experience. You’ll begin before dawn, climbing until the first light touches Uhuru Peak, 5,895 meters above sea level. Standing there, watching the sunrise over the vast plains of Africa, is a moment of awe.
You are not just hiking a mountain. You are tracing a path through diverse ecosystems and landscapes that few people ever see in a lifetime.
If you’d like to make it your own, you can easily customize your trip by adding a post-climb safari or explore Tanzania’s cultural highlights. Call us and we’ll help you design your trip of a lifetime. One that’s as personal as it is powerful.
No details found.
Itineraries
Day 1
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Drive about 49 minutes from Moshi town through scenic Machame Village at Kilimanjaro’s foothills.
Begin your trek at Machame Gate, escorted by your guide and porters.
The hike climbs steadily through dense, lush rainforest with the sounds of birds and monkeys around you.
Overnight: Reach Machame Camp, your first night at 9,350 ft, where you can relax and enjoy dinner in the fresh mountain air.
Elevation: 5,380 ft → 9,350 ft
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2
Machame Camp to Shira Cave
Terrain Change, Leaving the rainforest behind, the landscape opens up into the heath and moorland zone.
Trek across the Shira Plateau, a vast high-altitude plateau with dramatic views of Kibo Peak.
Campsite: Set up at Shira 2 Camp, located near a river gorge, perfect for enjoying a peaceful evening surrounded by stunning vistas.
Elevation: 9,350 ft → 12,500 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Heath
Day 3
Shira Cave to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Challenging Day, Start hiking towards the imposing Lava Tower, a massive volcanic rock standing about 1 km tall.
Pass through the high alpine desert with scattered giant Senecio plants and expansive views.
Descend to Barranco Camp, located at 13,044 ft, which helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Evening: Enjoy a well-deserved dinner and rest while watching the sunset paint the mountain peaks.
Elevation: 15,190 ft → 13,044 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 4
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Begin the day by tackling the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical 900 ft climb using footholds and handrails.
After the wall, traverse a series of rolling hills and valleys toward the Karanga Valley.
Spend the night at Karanga Camp to help your body adapt to the thinner air at over 13,000 ft.
Savor a warm meal and share stories with fellow trekkers under a starry sky.
Elevation: 13,044 ft → 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Trek from Karanga to the Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt.
Marvel at panoramic vistas of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks as you approach.
Settle in at Barafu (meaning “ice” in Swahili), where the mountain’s icy summit feels close.
Early dinner and rest to prepare for the challenging summit day ahead.
Elevation: 13,106 ft → 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6
Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Begin your summit climb around midnight to avoid harsh midday weather and to catch the sunrise at the top.
Push through the cold, wind, and steep terrain up to Stella Point on the crater rim (18,900 ft).
Experience a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak, an unforgettable moment.
Reach Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft), the highest point in Africa, celebrate this incredible achievement!
Begin the long descent to Mweka Camp, stopping for lunch at Barafu Camp.
In the evening relax with your team after a tough but rewarding day.
Elevation: 15,331 ft → 19,341 ft → 10,065 ft
Distance: 5 km up / 12 km down (total 17 km)
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours ascent, 4–6 hours descent
Habitats: Arctic (summit), Rainforest (Mweka Camp)
Day 7
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Trek through lush rainforest on the last day, enjoying the rich biodiversity.
Arrive at Mweka Gate where you receive your summit certificates, marking your accomplishment.
Vehicle transfer back to Moshi town, concluding your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Be prepared for possible rain and muddy paths as you near the base.
Elevation: 10,065 ft → 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Professional, English-speaking guide
Well-equipped mountain crew
Meals and drinking water
National Park fees and permits
Airport transfers
Gate transfers
Flights
Visa fees
Travel or Medical Insurance
Personal spending money
Tips for porters and crew
Personal hire gear
No Details Found
Related Trips
7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route
The 7-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek via the Machame Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding adventures in Tanzania. Known as the “Whiskey Route” for its slightly more challenging terrain, the Machame Route is perfect for trekkers who want both adventure and stunning scenery. The 7-day climb gives you enough time to adjust to the altitude and enjoy every step of the journey with the support of skilled local guides and porters who make the experience comfortable and safe.
3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Uganda
This 3 day gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi lets you step into the heart of Uganda’s rainforest and meet the fascinating mountain gorillas. As you trek through the jungle, guided by expert rangers, you will hear their distant calls before spotting a gorilla family up close.
Watching them in their natural habitat feels like being welcomed into their world. It is a short trip but one that leaves you feeling connected to the wild heart of Africa.
12-Day Uganda & Tanzania Safari with Zanzibar Island Relaxation
Experience the best of East Africa on a 12 day Uganda and Tanzania safari with a relaxing Zanzibar escape. Firstly, track gentle mountain gorillas in Uganda’s misty Bwindi Forest, then move on to Tanzania’s legendary Serengeti for breathtaking game drives and big five encounters. Along the way, you will take in stunning landscapes, local culture and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Slow down in Zanzibar where the soft white sands and turquoise waters invite you to unwind. It is the perfect mix of adventure and pure relaxation all wrapped into one unforgettable journey.
There are no reviews yet.