Trip Overview

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with the 7-Day Machame Route, one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and rewarding climbs.

Nicknamed the “Whiskey Route” for its more challenging terrain, this route offers breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and a high success rate due to its excellent acclimatization profile.

Unlike the Marangu Route, climbers on Machame sleep in tents, immersing themselves in the raw beauty of the mountain.

The journey takes you through lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and the iconic Barranco Wall, culminating in a sunrise summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa.

Trip Highlight

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, pre-climb briefing.

Day 2: Hike from Machame Gate (1,640m) to Machame Camp (2,835m).

Day 3: Trek to Shira Camp (3,750m) – panoramic views of Kibo Peak.

Day 4: Acclimatization hike via Lava Tower (4,630m), descend to Barranco Camp (3,950m).

Day 5: Conquer the Barranco Wall, trek to Karanga Camp (3,995m).

Day 6: Final ascent camp at Barafu (4,673m) – early rest before summit push.

Day 7: Summit Day! Midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), descend to Mweka Camp.

Day 8: Final descent to Mweka Gate, return to Arusha.

Day 9: Depart Arusha (or extend your adventure with a Tanzania safari).

Itinerary – Day by Day

Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Arusha

Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Arusha.

A driver will meet you at the Kilimanjaro Airport after you go through immigration and customs. Look for someone with a sign that shows your name. It takes a minimum of 45 minutes to get to Moshi with no traffic.

There will be a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide today and an opportunity to get any rental items that you may need and also pack for the trek. You can leave extra luggage that is not needed on the trek at the hotel.

If you have time, we recommend an extra rest day before your trek.

Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel or Lodge

Day 2: Drive to Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp

Drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (30-45 minutes). The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

— Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
— Distance: 11km/7mi
— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Machame Camp

Day 3: Hike Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

— Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
— Distance: 5km/3mi
— Walking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Moorland

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Shira Camp

Day 4: Hike Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

— Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
— Distance: 10km/6mi
— Walking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

— Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
— Distance: 5km/3mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Karanga Camp

Day 6: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

— Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
— Distance: 4km/2mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barafu Camp

Day 7: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

— Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
— Down to 3090m/10,150ft
— Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
— Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
— Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mweka Camp

Day 8: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha (about 30 minutes). Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.

— Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
— Distance: 10km/6mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Forest

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel or Lodge

Day 9: Depart Arusha (B)

If you are starting a safari today, your guide will meet you at your hotel. We can also arrange a transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport.

Meals included: Breakfast