Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route (7 Days)

Tour Overview

The Machame route - sometimes called the 'Whiskey Route' - is the most popular way up Kilimanjaro because of its varied scenery and reasonable acclimatisation profile, especially over 7 days rather than the faster 6 day version. You climb through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and finally arctic summit zone, using the 'climb high, sleep low' principle on days 3 and 4 to improve your chances at the top.

Safari Highlights

Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - the highest point on the African continent
Five distinct ecological zones from rainforest to arctic summit
Extra acclimatisation day built into the 7 day schedule
Barranco Wall scramble - a highlight for most climbers, not technical but exposed

Day-by-Day Itinerary

D1 Machame Gate to Machame Camp Machame Gate (1,800m) → Machame Camp (2,835m)

Trek through montane rainforest to Machame Camp, gaining just over 1,000m over the day.

D2 Machame Camp to Shira Camp Machame Camp (2,835m) → Shira Camp (3,750m)

Climb out of the forest onto the moorland zone, with views opening up over the Shira Plateau.

D3 Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower) Shira Camp (3,750m) → Lava Tower (4,600m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)

A "climb high, sleep low" acclimatisation day: ascend to Lava Tower for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp for the night, sleeping several hundred metres lower than the day's high point.

D4 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp Barranco Camp (3,960m) → Karanga Camp (3,995m)

A shorter day starting with the Barranco Wall scramble (non-technical but exposed in places), followed by undulating terrain to Karanga Camp.

D5 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp Karanga Camp (3,995m) → Barafu Camp (4,673m)

A relatively short trekking day to reach Barafu, the summit base camp, with the afternoon and evening set aside for rest before the night ascent.

D6 Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Barafu Camp (4,673m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)

A pre-midnight start for the summit push, reaching Uhuru Peak - the highest point in Africa - around sunrise. Descend to Barafu for a rest and late breakfast, then continue down to Mweka Camp the same day.

D7 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi/Arusha Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m) → Moshi/Arusha

Final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate, then transfer back to your hotel.

What's Included

-Transfers between Moshi/Arusha and the trailhead
-Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping fees and rescue fees
-Qualified mountain guides, cooks and porters
-All meals while on the mountain
-Camping equipment (tents, mess tent, portable toilet)

What's Excluded

-International flights
-Personal climbing gear and sleeping bag (available to hire locally)
-Tips for your guides, cooks and porters (a significant part of local income - we provide guidance on customary amounts)
-Travel and medical/evacuation insurance (essential for this altitude)
-Accommodation in Moshi/Arusha before and after the climb

Accommodation & Safari Vehicle

Accommodation: Mountain camping (tents, provided)
Vehicle: Transfer vehicle between Moshi/Arusha and the trailhead

Best Time to Visit

The two main dry windows are late June to October and December to mid-March, offering more stable weather. The long rains (April-May) are generally avoided for climbing.

Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route (7 Days)

Tour Overview

Safari Highlights

Day-by-Day Itinerary

What's Included

What's Excluded

Accommodation & Safari Vehicle

Best Time to Visit

Included In This Tour

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