7 Days Machame Route

Itinerary overview

The Machame Route, also called the Whiskey Route, is one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular trails. It starts in a lush tropical forest and is available in 6- and 7-day variations. The 7-day version offers better acclimatization and a higher summit success rate, making it ideal even for beginners. Hike through all five climatic zones of Kilimanjaro, climb the stunning Barranco Wall, and discover the unique Dendrosenecio kilimanjari plants found only on the mountain. While the 6-day option might seem tempting, it has a lower summit success rate and is better suited for experienced trekkers. This variation skips the crucial Karanga Camp, which affects proper altitude adjustment. We recommend the 7-day version for optimal acclimatization and a higher chance of reaching the summit.

8-Days-Lemosho

Itinerary in Details:

Day 1 : Airport Transfer & Pre-Trek Briefing

After arrival to the Airport we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha for accommodation.

Pre-trek briefing at your hotel in Arusha. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent trekking equipment which is needed.

  • Accommodation : Arusha Planet Lodge
  • Meal  Plan : Breakfast, Lunch & dinner

 

Day 2 : Arusha To Machame Gate To Machame Hut

After breakfast we drive heading to Machame gate takes about 3hours. 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

  • Accommodation: Machame Hut
  • Meal  Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

 

Day 3 : Machame Hut To Shira Cave 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

  • Accommodation: Shira Cave Camp
  • Meal  Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

 

Day 4: Shira Cave Via Lava Tower To Barranco Wall 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 and enjoy Hot Lunch, 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

  • Accommodation: Barranco Wall Camp
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5 : Barranco Wall Camp To Karanga Valley 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

Climbing Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Accommodation: Karanga Valley camp
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 6 : Karanga Valley Camp To Barafu Camp

After breakfast 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

Climbing Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Accommodation: Barafu Camp
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 7 : Barafu Camp To Summit 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

  • Accommodation: Barafu Camp
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 8 : Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate To Hotel

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).
Our transfer vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for accommodation.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest

  • Accommodation: Arusha Planet lodge
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 9 : Airport Transfer

After one last breakfast, your driver will collect you from the lodge at a time previously arranged time in order to take you to the airport in good time for your return flight or onward travel arrangements.

 

What’s Included

  •  Airport transfer (Roundtrip)
  • All Kilimanjaro transfers
  • Accommodation according to the itinerary
  •  Professional mountain guide
  •  Cook & Porters
  •  Quality four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
  •  Sleeping Mattress
  •  Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  •  Guides Pulse Oxymeter
  •  First Aid Kit
  •  All meals while on the Mountain
  •  Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
  •  Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  •  Clean & pure drinking water
  •  Park fees
  •  Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  •  Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  •  Kilimanjaro summit certificate

 

What’s Not Included

  •  Flights
  • Tanzania Visa
  •  Additional transfers before and at the end of the tour
  •  Tips
  •  Meals not mationed in the itinerary
  •  Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, Alcoholic & etc.)
  •  Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes available in Arusha at Kilimanjaro equipments rental store.

Ready to Plan your African Adventure?

Trusted by Our Clients for Exceptional Service

We value every client’s unique preferences and passions. From your first contact, we aim to build a personal connection while delivering professional service.

Explore our TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings links below to see reviews reflecting our commitment to crafting personalized itineraries and unforgettable experiences in Tanzania and Africa.

Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your activities.

For wildlife safaris, the dry seasons from June to October offer excellent game viewing, including the Great Migration in the Serengeti.

January to February is ideal for witnessing the calving season. For Mount Kilimanjaro treks, the best conditions are from January to March and June to October.

Beach lovers visiting Zanzibar will enjoy the dry months of December to February and June to October.

How to Get a Tanzania Visa

Obtaining a Tanzania visa is simple and convenient. You can apply online via the Tanzania eVisa Portal, at a Tanzanian embassy, or on arrival at major entry points such as airports and border crossings.

Requirements typically include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a completed application form, and payment of the visa fee.

A single-entry tourist visa costs $50 for most nationalities, while US citizens pay $100 for a multiple-entry visa.

The eVisa process usually takes about 10 business days for approval.

Inquire now form