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Trek Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route
Take on the adventure of a lifetime with our 7-day Mt Kilimanjaro trek via the Machame Route, one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to reach Africa’s highest peak. This route, often called the “Whiskey Route,” is perfect for travelers of all experience levels who want both challenge and beauty in equal measure.
The journey takes you through five distinct climate zones—from lush rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and icy summit landscapes. The Machame Route is known for offering better acclimatization, giving your body time to adjust gradually to the altitude, which greatly increases your chances of a successful and safe summit.
Evenings at camp are full of laughter, warm food and breathtaking sunsets that remind you how far you’ve come. Your guides are there every step of the way to ensure you climb at a steady pace, rest often and stay hydrated.
The best time to trek Mt. Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, from January to early March and June to October. This is when the skies are clear, trails are drier and summit views are spectacular.
Want to see more of East Africa? Customize your trip by combining this experience with other destinations. Get in touch and we will help you put it all together.
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Itineraries
Day 1
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Depart from Moshi town and drive to Machame Gate (~49 min)
Pass through Machame Village
Begin hike through lush rainforest
Reach Machame Camp, first overnight stop
Elevation:5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Distance:11 km / 7 miles
Hiking Time:5–7 hours
Habitat:Rainforest
Day 2
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Hike towards Shira Ridge, bypass rainforest
Arrive at Shira Plateau in heath and moorland zone
Overnight at Shira 2 Camp
Elevation:9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance:5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time:4–6 hours
Habitat:Heath
Day 3
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Trek towards Lava Tower, past scenic landscapes
Pass Senecio forest at high altitude
Descend to Barranco Camp for acclimatization
Elevation:15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance:10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time:7–8 hours
Habitat:Alpine Desert
Day 4
Barranco to Karanga Camp
Descend into gulley below Barranco Wall
Ascend Barranco Wall (274m cliff, no technical climbing)
Traverse hills and valleys to Karanga Valley
Overnight at Karanga Camp
Elevation:13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance:5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time:4–5 hours
Habitat:Alpine Desert
Day 5
Karanga to Barafu Camp
Hike to junction meeting Mweka trail
Trek through rocky terrain to Barafu Hut Camp
Enjoy 360° views of Kibo and Uhuru Peaks
Overnight at Barafu Camp
Elevation:13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance:4 km / 2 miles
Hiking Time:4–5 hours
Habitat:Alpine Desert
Day 6
Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka
Midnight ascent to summit, witness sunrise at Stella Point
Reach Uhuru Peak, highest point in Africa
Begin descent to Mweka Hut via Barafu Camp
Overnight at Mweka Camp
Elevation:15,331 ft to 19,341 ft (ascent), 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft (descent)
Distance:5 km / 3 miles (ascent), 12 km / 7 miles (descent)
Hiking Time:7–8 hours (ascent), 4–6 hours (descent)
Habitat:Arctic / Rainforest
Day 7
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Continue descent via Mweka Route to Mweka Gate
Receive summit certificates
Vehicle transfer to hotel in Moshi Town
Elevation:10,065 ft to 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
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