7 Days Machame Route
Kilimanjaro’s Most Scenic and Rewarding Climb
INTRODUCTION
The 7 Days Machame Route, famously known as the “Whiskey Route”, is the most popular and most scenic route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers dramatic landscapes, varied terrain, and excellent acclimatization, making it a top choice for trekkers seeking a challenging yet highly rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.
Approaching the mountain from the south, the route passes beneath the Southern Ice Fields, crosses iconic landmarks such as the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and Barranco Wall, and makes its summit attempt from Barafu Camp.
While more physically demanding than the Marangu Route, the extra acclimatization days significantly improve summit success rates. For many climbers, Machame represents the classic Kilimanjaro adventure.
7 Days Machame Route Itinerary
ARRIVAL DAY: Kilimanjaro International Airport → Moshi Meet our professional team and transfer to your hotel in Moshi. In the afternoon, enjoy a detailed briefing, medical check, and equipment inspection with your climbing manager and lead guide. Accommodation: Leopard Hotel, Moshi Meals: Breakfast Altitude: 2,950 ft / 900 m
Day 1: Machame Gate → Machame Camp Altitude: 5,380 ft (1,640 m) → 9,350 ft (2,850 m) Distance: 7 miles / 11 km Hiking Time: 5–7 hours Habitat: Montane Rainforest After park registration, begin trekking through lush rainforest with towering trees, moss-covered trunks, and abundant birdlife. The trail steadily climbs to Machame Camp, your first night on the mountain. Accommodation: Machame Camp (Camping) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira Camp Altitude: 9,350 ft (2,850 m) → 12,500 ft (3,810 m) Distance: 5 miles / 8 km Hiking Time: 4–6 hours Habitat: Heath & Moorland Leaving the rainforest, the landscape opens into moorland with expansive views. Weather permitting, enjoy your first close-up views of Kibo Peak. Accommodation: Shira Camp (Camping) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Shira Camp → Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower) Altitude: 12,500 ft → 15,190 ft (Lava Tower) → 13,044 ft Distance: 7 miles / 11 km Hiking Time: 6–8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert A key acclimatization day. Trek high to Lava Tower, where lunch is taken, then descend to Barranco Valley. The route passes through the surreal Garden of the Senecios, filled with giant groundsels and lobelias. Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Camping) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp Altitude: 13,044 ft (3,976 m) → 13,106 ft (3,995 m) Distance: 3 miles / 5 km Hiking Time:4–5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Start the day climbing the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble that rewards you with stunning panoramic views. Continue across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, positioned for optimal acclimatization. Accommodation: Karanga Camp (Camping) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp Altitude:13,106 ft (3,995 m) → 15,331 ft (4,675 m) Distance: 3 miles / 5 km Hiking Time:3–4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert A steady ascent leads to Barafu Camp, your final camp before the summit. After an early dinner, rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Camping) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp Altitude: 15,331 ft → 19,341 ft → 10,500 ft Distance: 6 miles / 10 km Hiking Time:Ascent: 6–7 hours | Descent: 6–9 hours Depart just after midnight. Climb steadily to Stella Point, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa. After photos and celebration, descend carefully to Mweka Camp. Accommodation: Mweka Camp (Camping) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi Altitude:10,500 ft (3,200 m) → 5,000 ft (1,524 m) Distance: 6 miles / 10 km Hiking Time: 3–5 hours Habitat: Montane Rainforest Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your official summit certificates. After tipping and farewells, transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebratory dinner. Accommodation: Leopard Hotel, Moshi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DEPARTURE DAY Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or onward to a safari or Zanzibar beach extension arranged by Kiliski Trekking & Safari.
Moments Along the Machame Route
Voices from the Machame Route
Essential Questions About the Machame Route
Is the Machame Route harder than Marangu?
Yes. Machame is more physically demanding, but it offers better acclimatization and higher success rates.
Why is Machame called the “Whiskey Route”?
Because it is tougher and more adventurous compared to the easier Marangu (“Coca-Cola”) Route.
Is the 7-day Machame Route better than 6 days?
Absolutely. The extra day significantly improves acclimatization and summit success.
