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.
Fit hikers wanting the best acclimatisation oddsFirst-time high-altitude trekkersBucket-list climbers
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose 7 days over the 6 day Machame route?
The extra day (splitting what would otherwise be a longer summit-eve stage) gives your body more time to acclimatise, which most operators and past climbers agree meaningfully improves summit success rates and overall comfort.
How fit do I need to be?
You do not need technical climbing skills, but you should be comfortable walking 5-7 hours a day for multiple consecutive days, including one very long summit day. We recommend building up hiking fitness in the months before your climb.
What is the summit success rate?
Success rates vary by individual, route and prior preparation, and we won't quote a specific figure since we don't track verified statistics ourselves - but a slower, well-acclimatised route like the 7 day Machame is generally recognised as one of the better options for reaching the top.
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