🏔️ Machame Route – 7 Days to the Summit
Route Type: Camping Route (Tent Accommodation)
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights on Mountain
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Starting Point: Machame Gate (Southern Approach)
Ending Point: Mweka Gate
Kilimanjaro’s Most Scenic and Popular Trail
Known as the “Whiskey Route,” the Machame Route is Kilimanjaro’s most popular trail—and for good reason. It offers incredible scenery, a diverse range of ecosystems, and a high summit success rate thanks to its excellent acclimatization profile.
Starting on the lush southern slopes of the mountain, the route leads through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and finally up the rocky Barranco Wall toward the glaciers of Uhuru Peak. Each day introduces new terrain and panoramic views, with evenings spent camping under the stars.
If you’re looking for a well-paced, visually stunning, and rewarding ascent—this is the route.
🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) → Machame Camp (3,000m)
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate (~1 hour)
Begin trek through dense montane forest, spotting colobus monkeys and exotic birds
Steady ascent to Machame Camp
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp at Machame
Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira Camp (3,840m)
Climb above the forest line into heath and moorland
Spectacular views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak
Arrive at Shira Camp by afternoon
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp at Shira
Day 3: Shira Camp → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Ascend to high point at Lava Tower for acclimatization
Descend into Barranco Valley, known for giant lobelias and senecios
“Climb high, sleep low” principle helps your body adjust
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp at Barranco
Day 4: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Early scramble up the famous Barranco Wall
Traverse glacial valleys and ridges to reach Karanga
Afternoon rest or optional acclimatization hike
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp at Karanga
Day 5: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Short, steep climb to Barafu Base Camp
Early dinner and rest before summit push
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp at Barafu
Day 6: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Midnight wake-up for summit attempt via Stella Point
Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise—Africa’s highest point
Descend to Mweka Camp after summit celebration
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours (longest day)
Accommodation: Tent camp at Mweka
Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi
Final descent through montane forest to Mweka Gate
Receive summit certificates and transfer back to hotel in Moshi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (not included unless pre-arranged)
Book Climbing
✅ What’s Included
All park entry, camping, and rescue fees
6 nights tent accommodation on the mountain
Certified English-speaking Kilimanjaro guide, cook, and porters
Private mess tent, sleeping tents, and camping gear
Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and boiled drinking water
Oxygen cylinder and first aid kit
Transfers to/from Machame Gate
❌ What’s Not Included
Flights to/from Tanzania
Hotel before/after trek in Moshi (available on request)
Personal hiking gear (boots, poles, headlamp, etc.)
Kilimanjaro tipping (guide, cook, porters)
Travel insurance (required)
Snacks, energy drinks, or personal medications