7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route

The Machame Route, also known as the Whisky Route, is one of the most scenic and recommended routes on Kilimanjaro. This popular route passes through magnificent forests and reaches a ridge that leads through swampy terrain to the Shira Plateau. It then passes under the glacial cliffs of the southern icefields to join the Barafu route and reach the summit. Because this route can be walked longer and the gradient is more gentle, the success rate of reaching the summit is much higher.

Duration: 6 or 7 days
Difficulty: medium
Landscape: Excellent
Traffic: High

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the 4-star Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel B&B for your overnight stay. Your main guide will meet you for briefing, checking your gear and arranging rental of necessary equipment.

DAY 1: MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP: 10.75 KM /7 MILES | 5-6 HOURS | RAINFOREST
Altitude: 1811 m/5942 ft – 3021 m/9911 ft
Gained altitude: 1210 m

Departing from Moshi, it takes 45 minutes to drive through the village of Machame to the gates of Kilimanjaro National Park. We wait patiently for permits to be issued, watching the hustle and bustle as numerous crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails as your guide talks you through the local flora and fauna. At such low altitudes, the trails can be muddy and quite slippery. It is recommended to wear gaiters and trekking poles.

DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP: 5.3 KM/3 MILES | 4-5 HOURS | SWAMPY TERRAIN
Altitude: 3,021 m/9911 ft – 3,839 m/12,595 ft
Gained altitude: 818 m

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we leave the rainforest and continue on the trail up the slope, crossing the valley on a steep rocky ridge. The trail now turns west, into the river gorge, until we reach the Shira campsite. The temperature begins to drop.

DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 10.75 KM/6 MILES | 5-6 HOURS | SEMI-DESERT
Altitude: 3,839 m/12,595 ft – 3,986 m/13,077 ft
Gained altitude: 147 meters

Although the day ends at about the same altitude as it began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From the Shira Plateau, continue east along the ridge, passing the junction leading to Mt. Kibo, and continue southeast to the Lava Tower known as “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4,650 m/15,250 ft). Shortly after the tower you will encounter a second fork leading to Arrow Glacier. Continue downhill to spend the night at Barranco Camp.

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP – CARANGA CAMP: 5.2 KM/3 MILES | 3-4 HOURS | HIGH ALTITUDE DESERT
Altitude: 3,986 m/13,077 ft – 4,034 m/13,235 ft
Elevation gain: 48 m

After breakfast, climb the steep ridge on the Barranco Adventure Wall to reach the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting to the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the strength, agility and power of your team traversing this wall with apparent ease. Overnight at Karanga camp.

DAY 5: KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP HIKE: 3.3 KM / 2 MILES | 3-4 HOURS | ALPINE DESERT
Altitude: 4,034 m/13,235 ft – 4,662 m/15,295 ft
Gained altitude: 628 meters

We continue our ascent to Barafu Camp and upon reaching it, we complete the South Route, which offers a series of breathtaking views of the summit from different directions. Early dinner and rest to prepare for an overnight stay at the summit. Overnight stay at Barafu camp.

DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86 KM / 3 KM ASCENT | 5-7 HOURS | – MWEKA CAMP: 11.5 KM / 7.2 KM DESCENT | 5-6 HOURS | GLACIERS, SNOW-CAPPED SUMMIT
Altitude: 4662 m/15,295 ft – 5895 m/19,341 ft
Gained altitude: 1233 m
Descent to 3106 m/10,190 ft
Elevation loss: 2,789 meters

Excitement builds as the morning progresses and we face an early start between midnight and 2am. This is the mentally and physically toughest part of the trek.

We continue toward the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focus on the incredible sense of accomplishment that awaits us. We head in a northwesterly direction and ascend the heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. During a short stop you will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise. Faster hikers can admire the sunrise from the summit. From here, during the hour-long climb to Uhuru Peak, you’ll likely encounter snow along the way.

Congratulations, step by step you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent!

After photos, celebration, and perhaps a few tears of joy, we hit the road.

DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1KM/6MI |3-4HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.

From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!