Kilimanjaro Climb - 7-Days Machame Route
Machame 7 Days Trek Overview
The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro because it is incredibly scenic and has a good acclimatization profile. It descends via Mweka Route to give climbers the chance to experience more of the mountain.
Machame Route passes through all climate zones: rain forest, moorland, high-altitude desert, and an arctic zone at the summit.
Check out all the Kilimanjaro climbs we offer:
7-day Lemosho Route
6-Day Umbwe Route
Climb Details
No. of Days to Peak: 6
Altitude Start: 1640 m
Overnight in: Tents
Number of days to Descend: 1.5
The Machame Route is also called the “Whiskey Route” and is favoured because of it’s scenery and good acclimatization profile.
Day by Day Itinerary
Pre-Trip Briefing
Before the official start of your trek, we will meet for a quick briefing and to ensure you have all the equipment needed for your trek. This briefing day could be a few days before your trek, if you are going on a safari or game drive, or the day before you start.
Please provide accommodation information so we can meet you at your hotel, or reach out and we can assist in planning your Moshi or Arusha accommodations.
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (1640 m - 2835 m)
Start off with a hearty breakfast, then transfer from your Arusha or Moshi hotel to the Machame Gate (1640m). After registration, begin the 11 km trek (approximately 6 hrs of hiking).
Enjoy trekking through the rainforest, but be prepared for sudden tropical showers. You will climb out of the rainforest climate zone as your head toward Machame Camp.
Dinner and overnight at Machame Camp
Lunch and Dinner Provided.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (2835 m - 3840 m)
Trek through beautiful moorland as you cross the beautiful Shira Plateau.
This is one of the highest plateaus in the world and offers incredible views.
You’ll likely notice the temperature cool down as you reach higher elevations, especially at night.
Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp. All meals provided.
**Many climbers begin to feel the rise in elevation here. Consider taking Diamox to help relieve these symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable climb.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3840 m - 3960)
This trekking day is an excellent example of ‘climb high, sleep low’; because during the course of the day you will climb to the top of Lava Tower, which stands at 4650 m, and is a fun challenge, then descent back to a lower altitude for overnight.
This is optimal for your body to begin adjusting to the higher altitude. The overall trek covers just under 11 km and usually takes 6 or 7 hours to complete.
Stay at Barranco Camp. All Meals provided.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3950 m to 3995 m)
After breakfast, begin another exciting challenge; tackling Barranco Wall.
From a distance, the Wall appears intimidating, but as you get closer, you’ll see the massive rocks and wide natural steps to manage as you ascend.
The hike covers 5 km and crosses over the Alpine Desert climate zone. This hiking day is shorter, usually 4-5 hours only, with the option to take acclimatization treks upon reaching Karanga Camp.
Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (3995 m - 4660 m)
This day is is an acclimatization day, and where the 7-day trek differs from the 6-day Machame option.
Instead of climbing straight from Barranco to Barafu Camp, your team overnights at Karanga Camp. This means your body has more time to adjust to the high altitude.
You’ll trek just 3 or 4 hours, covering a distance of 6 km. Another benefit to this additional acclimatization day is the option to rest up early for the summit.
Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Mweka Camp. (4660 m - 5895 m - 3106m )
This is the Summit Day, and it begins just after midnight. Your group will meet for a hot drink and a light snack before setting for the final ascent. With the aid of headlamps, you will trek in the dark toward the highest point in Africa: Uhuru Peak.
The 5 km trek takes a grueling 6 hrs to reach the summit, due to the intense elevation. This is the highest mountain in Africa, after all!
Enjoy a sunrise on top of the world, cheer with the other successful climbers, then descend back to Barafu Camp. Enjoy a hot breakfast and a much deserved rest, before continuing to descend down to Mweka Camp.
Overall, expect 12 – 13 hours of trekking this day, covering a distance of 18 km.
One of the appeals of the Machame Route is that it has a different trail up and down, meaning you will get to see more of the mountain.
Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
This is the final trekking day. After breakfast as Mweka Camp, continue down to Mweka Gate.
Upon reaching the end of your climb, you will be awarded official park certificates, have another chance to celebrate with the entire climbing crew, including the cooks or porters who accompanied your trek. Then, you will transfer to your Moshi or Arusha-area hotel for overnight.
Breakfast and Lunch provided.
Please reach out if you would like us to arrange your accommodations before or after the trek.
