7-Days Machame Route Trek – Kilimanjaro Climb

7 Days 5 Nights

Overview

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, known as the “Whiskey Route” for its challenging yet scenic ascent. This 7-day trek is one of the most popular routes due to its high summit success rate, gradual acclimatization, and spectacular views of rainforests, moorlands, and glaciers.
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Trek Type: Kilimanjaro Machame Route – Moderate to Challenging
Starting Point: Machame Gate, Kilimanjaro National Park
Ending Point: Mweka Gate / Moshi

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arrival in Moshi / Arusha

Arrive at Moshi or Arusha. Meet your trekking team, attend a briefing covering trek logistics, packing, and safety. Overnight at your hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi / Arusha

Day 02 :

Machame Gate to Machame Camp (1,800 m – 3,000 m)

Begin trekking from Machame Gate through lush rainforest with diverse flora and fauna. Reach Machame Camp, a picturesque campsite surrounded by the forest.
Trek Distance: ~11 km / 7 miles
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Terrain: Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tent / Camp at Machame Camp

Day 03 :

Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,000 m – 3,840 m)

Ascend gradually into the alpine moorland zone, enjoying views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro’s southern glaciers. Overnight at Shira Camp.
Trek Distance: ~10 km / 6 miles
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Terrain: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tent / Camp at Shira Camp

Day 04 :

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,840 m – 3,950 m)

Trek across the Shira Plateau, then descend slightly to Barranco Camp, located beneath the Barranco Wall. Enjoy spectacular sunset views and prepare for acclimatization.
Trek Distance: ~10 km / 6 miles
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Terrain: Moorland and rocky slopes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tent / Camp at Barranco Camp

Day 05 :

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,950 m – 4,035 m)

Climb the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable scramble, then descend slightly into the Karanga Valley. Rest and acclimatize in preparation for the summit night.
Trek Distance: ~5 km / 3 miles
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Terrain: Rocky and alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tent / Camp at Karanga Camp

Day 06 :

Karanga Camp to Uhuru Peak (4,035 m – 5,895 m) and Descent to Barafu Camp

Begin the summit attempt around midnight. Ascend the alpine desert and rocky terrain to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, just in time for sunrise. After celebrating, descend to Barafu Camp or continue to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.
Trek Distance: ~16 km / 10 miles (round-trip)
Trekking Time: 10–14 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert, scree, rocky summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tent / Camp at Barafu / Mweka Camp

Day 07 :

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate / Moshi

Descend through forested slopes to Mweka Gate, completing your trek. Celebrate your achievement and receive your summit certificate. Transfer to Moshi or onward travel.
Trek Distance: ~12 km / 7 miles
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Terrain: Forest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi / onward travel