Highlight of this Tour
7 Days Machame Route – Kilimanjaro Climb (Full Guide & Itinerary)
The 7-Day Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic ways to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Famous for its beautiful landscapes and excellent acclimatization profile, this route gives climbers a strong chance of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
This complete guide covers everything you need: tour overview, highlights, detailed day-by-day itinerary, prices insight, FAQs, best time, what to pack, difficulty level, and expert tips.
Tour Overview
The Machame Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the south and offers diverse scenery—from rainforest and valleys to rocky ridges, alpine deserts, glaciers, and the final crater rim.
The 7-day version is recommended because it provides enough acclimatization time compared to the 6-day option.
Route Duration: 7 Days on the mountain
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Success Rate: 85–93% (depending on weather & fitness)
Start Point: Machame Gate
End Point: Mweka Gate
Tour Highlights
Stunning views throughout the trek, including panoramic southern ice fields
Excellent acclimatization on the 7-day route
One of the most popular and tested routes on Mt. Kilimanjaro
Impressive landscapes: rainforest, moorland, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Barafu Ridge
Famous Barranco Wall climb—fun, non-technical, and scenic
High summit success rate with the 7-day plan
Sunrise summit push from Barafu Camp
Ideal for both first-time climbers and experienced hikers
Why Choose the 7-Day Machame Route?
1. Best Acclimatization Compared to 6-Day
The 7-day version adds extra time to adjust to altitude, giving your body the ability to adapt safely.
2. Very Scenic & Photogenic
From lush rainforest to wide-open moorlands and snowy glaciers—Machame is visually unbeatable.
3. Popular & Well-Established Route
Over 40% of climbers choose Machame for its reliability and success rate.
4. Challenging but Achievable for Beginners
No technical skills are needed. Good fitness and mental strength are enough.
5. High Summit Success Rate
With proper acclimatization and expert guides, the summit success rate averages 85–93%.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,800m to 3,000m
Distance: 11 km
Time: 5–7 hours
After registration at Machame Gate, the trek begins through dense rainforest. The trail is humid and lush, with chances to see monkeys, birds, and vegetation like ferns and giant figs. You will arrive at Machame Camp in the late afternoon.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,000m to 3,840m
Distance: 5 km
Time: 4–6 hours
The trail climbs steadily out of the forest into the moorland zone. Wide views appear as the vegetation becomes sparse. You will pass volcanic formations before reaching the open Shira Plateau—a beautiful, high-altitude desert surrounded by mountain ridges.
Day 3: Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,840m to 4,600m to 3,960m
Distance: 10 km
Time: 6–7 hours
A key acclimatization day. You ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m), have lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp for overnight.
This climb-high sleep-low pattern improves oxygen adaptation and maximizes summit success.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m
Distance: 5 km
Time: 4–5 hours
The day begins with the iconic Barranco Wall—a stunning 300m climb that looks intimidating but is completely non-technical.
At the top, enjoy breathtaking glacier views before walking through several ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035m to 4,673m
Distance: 4 km
Time: 3–4 hours
A short but steep hike to Barafu Camp, the base for the summit attempt.
At camp, rest early, hydrate well, and prepare your gear for the night ascent.
Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation:
Barafu: 4,673m
Uhuru Peak: 5,895m
Mweka Camp: 3,100m
Distance: 16 km
Time: 12–16 hours
The toughest but most rewarding day.
You begin climbing around midnight, ascending slowly to Stella Point (5,739m) for a magical sunrise. From there, a gentle ridge walk leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating, descend to Barafu for rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Distance: 10 km
Time: 3–4 hours
Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate where you receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will transfer you to your hotel for a warm shower and relaxation.
Tour Inclusions & Exclusion
Price Includes
Price Excludes
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