7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route

7 days Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tour Type
Private tour
Start
Arusha/Moshi
End
Arusha/Moshi
Minimum People
2+

Tour Overview:

The Machame Route, famously known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular trails to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 7-day adventure offers climbers a diverse and breathtaking journey through lush rainforests, dramatic moorlands, alpine deserts, and glacial peaks — all culminating in an unforgettable sunrise at Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Unlike shorter routes, Machame allows better acclimatization with its "climb high, sleep low" profile, increasing your chances of a successful summit. From scrambling up the iconic Barranco Wall to witnessing panoramic views of Kibo and Mawenzi, every day brings new challenges and rewards.

Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a passionate first-timer seeking to conquer Kilimanjaro, the Machame Route is the perfect blend of challenge, beauty, and achievement.

Tour Highlights:

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Arusha/Moshi.
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m).
Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000m) to Shira Camp (3,840m).
Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m).
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (4,200m).
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,200m) to Barafu Camp (4,600m).
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,600m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m).
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,500m).

🏕️ Total Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights on the Mountain
🧭 Route Type: Camping Trek
🚩 Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
🗻 Maximum Altitude: 5,895 meters (Uhuru Peak)
🎯 Ideal For: Adventurous Trekkers | First-Time Summit Seekers | Nature & Photography Lovers
📅 Recommended Season: June–October | January–March

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our representative will be there to welcome you with warm Tanzanian hospitality. You'll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for check-in. Later in the day, your mountain guide will meet you for a detailed briefing on the climb, final gear check, and to answer any last-minute questions. Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

❖ Accommodation: Arusha Farm House Lodge

Your Kilimanjaro journey begins with a drive to Machame Gate for registration. Once formalities are complete and your porters are organized, begin the trek through the lush, green rainforest. This first stretch is rich in biodiversity, with potential sightings of blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and a variety of tropical birds. The trail gradually ascends to Machame Camp, your first overnight stay on the mountain.

〽 Elevation Gain: 1,200m | Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Today’s hike features a shift in landscape as you leave the rainforest and enter the heather and moorland zone. The trail is steeper, with excellent views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. Unique flora like giant groundsels and lobelias decorate the trail. Arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon, and take an optional short acclimatization walk before dinner.

〽 Elevation Gain: 840m | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

This is a key acclimatization day, following the principle of “climb high, sleep low.” Begin with a gradual ascent to the Lava Tower, a striking volcanic rock formation where lunch is served. Afterward, descend through a beautiful valley to Barranco Camp, passing fascinating plants like the giant senecio and enjoying views of the southern glaciers of Kibo.

〽 Elevation Gain: 790m | Net Elevation Gain: 110m | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

Start the day with a thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall — a moderately steep climb with spectacular views. After reaching the top, traverse a series of ridges and valleys before descending into the scenic Karanga Valley. A short final ascent brings you to Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest and acclimatize further.

〽 Elevation Gain: 250m | Distance: 7 km | Hiking Time: 3–5 hours

After breakfast, continue the steady climb across barren, rocky terrain to Barafu Camp. Along the way, enjoy close-up views of the glaciers and both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Upon arrival, you'll have an early dinner and rest. Prepare your gear and mindset for the summit push starting around midnight.

〽 Elevation Gain: 400m | Distance: 6 km | Hiking Time: 3–5 hours

This is summit day — the most physically and mentally demanding part of the trek. Start your ascent under the stars, hiking slowly with headlamps lighting the way. Reach Stella Point (5,756m) at sunrise, then push for the final stretch to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After photos and celebration at the summit, begin your descent to Barafu for brunch and continue on to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

〽 Elevation Gain: 1,295m | Elevation Loss: 2,795m Hiking Time: 6–8 hours to summit, 6–7 hours descent

After breakfast, make your final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so trekking poles are helpful. At the gate, you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a well-deserved shower, hot meal, and celebration.

〽 Elevation Loss: 1,600m | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Optional 6-Day Version:
For climbers with limited time, this route can also be completed in 6 days by combining Days 4 and 5 — hiking from Barranco directly to Barafu Camp via Karanga Valley with a lunch stop. Though more challenging, this option is available upon request.

No. of People	6 Days Tour (Per Person)	7 Days Tour (Per Person)
2 People	$2,378	$2,660
4 People	$1,977	$2,210
6 People	$1,821	$2,032

Inclusion &
Exclusion

All park entrance, camping, hut, and rescue fees.
All meals and filtered drinking water while on the mountain.
Camping equipment, including mountaineering, mess, and sleeping tents, tables and chairs, toilet tent, sleeping mattresses, and pillows.
Certified Wilderness First Responder guide, cook, and porter salaries and fees.
Transport to/from national park gates.
Transfers to/from the airport (all participants should arrive in one group).
First aid kit and pulse oximeter.
Portable oxygen cylinder.
Two nights’ accommodation before and after the climb.

Gratuities.
Soda and alcohol.
Health/evacuation insurance.
Visa fees.
International airfare.
Laundry.
Ascents via Crater Camp incur an additional USD 350 per person.

Important
Information

Prices are per person and do not include international flights to and from your home country.
This tour welcomes children aged 10 and above.
In case of fully booked accommodations, we will offer a suitable alternative of similar quality.