7 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame route

7 Days 6 Nights

Overview

The Machame Route offers a thrilling and scenic 7-day adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Starting at Machame Gate, this popular route leads trekkers through a striking range of landscapes—from lush rainforest and moorlands to the stark beauty of the alpine desert. A key highlight is the acclimatization day at Barranco Camp, where climbers face the iconic Barranco Wall before continuing down into the Karanga Valley. The journey then ascends to Barafu Camp, the base for the challenging midnight summit push. As you hike through the darkness, anticipation builds until you reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise—a breathtaking reward at the Roof of Africa. The descent takes you through Mweka Camp and finally to Mweka Gate, marking the end of an unforgettable trek filled with achievement, resilience, and stunning natural beauty.

Transportation

transportation from/to Hotel before and after climbing
Accomodation

camping
Maximum Altitude

5,895 meters
Departure from

Kilimanjaro International Airport
Tour type

Hiking
Meals

All meals during the trek
Language

English,
Fitness level

Easy to Moderate
Group Size

1-100
Minimum Age

12
Maximum Age

80

Highlights

Scenic Diversity
Shira Plateau, Cross the expansive Shira Plateau, an ancient volcanic crater, with sweeping views of Kibo Peak and surrounding valleys.
Barranco Wall ("Breakfast Wall"), Climb the dramatic Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that adds a fun and challenging scramble to your trek.
Sunrises and Sunsets, Enjoy incredible sunrises over the cloud line and golden sunsets that light up the mountain’s glaciers and rugged terrain
Rich Flora and Fauna

Day 1 :

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation at the start: Machame Gate (1,640 meters/5,380 feet)

Elevation at the end: Machame Camp (2,835 meters/9,301 feet)

Trekking time: Approximately 5-7 hours

The journey begins at the Machame Gate, where you will register with the park authorities and start the hike through the lush rainforest. The day's trek is moderate and ends at Machame Camp, where you will spend the night.

Day 2 :

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation at the end: Shira Camp (3,840 meters/12,598 feet)

Trekking time: Approximately 4-6 hours

The trail leads you through lush rainforest before emerging into the open moorland zone. As you gain altitude, the landscape transforms dramatically, and you'll settle in for the night at Shira Camp, surrounded by stunning high-altitude scenery.

Day 3 :

Shira Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp (Acclimatization Day)

Elevation at Lava Tower: 4,630 meters/15,190 feet (High Point for Acclimatization)

Elevation at Barranco Camp: 3,950 meters/12,959 feet

Trekking time: Approximately 6-8 hours

Today’s trek includes a demanding ascent to Lava Tower, an important acclimatization point, followed by a descent to Barranco Camp for the night. The significant elevation gain and subsequent drop are designed to help your body adjust more effectively to the altitude.

Day 4 :

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation at the end: Karanga Camp (3,995 meters/13,107 feet)

Trekking time: Approximately 4-5 hours

You’ll tackle the renowned Barranco Wall, a steep ascent that involves light scrambling and careful footing. After conquering the wall, the trail winds through the scenic Karanga Valley before reaching Karanga Camp.

Day 5 :

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation at the end: Barafu Camp (4,673 meters/15,331 feet)

Trekking time: Approximately 3-4 hours

The trail leads you through the stark beauty of the alpine desert as you climb toward Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit push.

Day 6 :

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and descend to Mweka Camp

Elevation at the summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet)
Elevation at the end: Mweka Camp (3,110 meters / 10,204 feet)
Trekking time:

Summit attempt: 6–8 hours
Descent to Mweka Camp: 4–6 hours

Your summit push begins around midnight, navigating the steep and challenging terrain under the stars. After reaching the roof of Africa at Uhuru Peak and celebrating your achievement, you'll descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest. From there, the journey continues down to Mweka Camp, where you'll spend your final night on the mountain.

Day 7 :

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation at the end: Mweka Gate (1,640 meters / 5,380 feet)
Trekking time: Approximately 3–4 hours

On your final day, you’ll descend through the lush rainforest from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, you'll be awarded your well-earned summit certificates and take a moment to celebrate the incredible accomplishment of reaching the Roof of Africa.

The Cost Includes

Park fees: This includes the entrance fees to Kilimanjaro National Park, camping or hut fees, and conservation fees.
Professional guides and porters: The package typically includes experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the mountain and its routes. Porters are also provided to carry the bulk of your gear and camping equipment.
Meals: Most packages include all meals during the climb, from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to snacks. The food is often prepared by the trekking company and is designed to provide the necessary energy for the ascent.
Camping equipment or huts: Depending on the route you choose, the package may include camping equipment like tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats. For the Marangu Route, accommodation is in huts with basic amenities.
Safety equipment: Safety gear such as first aid kits, oxygen cylinders, and communication equipment may be included for emergencies.
Transfers: Some packages include airport transfers and transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro starting point (e.g., Machame Gate or Marangu Gate).

The Cost Excludes

International flights: The package usually does not include international airfare to Tanzania.
Visa fees: You’ll need to obtain a Tanzanian visa, and this cost is typically not included in the package.
Personal gear: Climbers are responsible for bringing their personal gear, such as clothing, hiking boots, daypacks, and other essentials.
Travel insurance: It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations. This is usually not included in the package.
Tips: While not mandatory, it’s customary to tip the guides, porters, and other staff for their hard work and support.
Additional accommodation: Accommodation before and after the climb is often not included in the package. You’ll need to arrange and pay for these separately.
Personal expenses: Any expenses for souvenirs, extra snacks or drinks, and other personal items are not included.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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What is the Machame Route?

The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular trails to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers diverse landscapes and a good acclimatization profile with a "climb high, sleep low" strategy.

How many days does the Machame Route take?

The Machame Route typically takes 6 or 7 days, with the 7-day itinerary offering a better chance of acclimatization and summit success.

Is the Machame Route difficult?

The Machame Route is considered moderately difficult. While it doesn’t require technical climbing skills, it does involve steep sections and high-altitude trekking, so good physical fitness and mental preparation are essential.

What is the success rate for the Machame Route?

The summit success rate is higher on the 7-day itinerary—around 85-90%—thanks to better acclimatization compared to shorter routes.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

Unlike the Marangu Route, the Machame Route is a camping route. Climbers sleep in high-quality mountain tents provided and set up by the support team at designated campsites.

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro via Machame Route?

The best times are during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October, when weather conditions are more favorable for trekking and visibility.

Do I need to carry my own gear?

No, porters carry your main luggage (up to 15 kg). You only need to carry a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, a camera, and extra layers.

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