7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Mount Kilimanjaro has six established routes: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. The Machame route, also known as the Whisky Route, is one of the most scenic and recommended routes, providing paths through magnificent forests, moorland zones, and beneath the Southern Ice fields. It offers a high success rate due to its manageable incline and longer duration options.

Duration: 6 or 7 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: High

MACHAME ROUTE ELEVATIONS

Arrival in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at Karibu Heritage House B&B. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check, and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Distance: 10.75 km / 7 mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Altitude Gained: 1210m

Depart from Arusha (1h45 drive) through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna. The trail can be muddy and slippery; gaiters and trekking poles are recommended.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Distance: 5.3 km / 3 mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
Altitude Gained: 818m

After breakfast, continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge, turning west onto a river gorge until reaching Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Distance: 10.75 km / 6 mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude Gained: 147m

This day is crucial for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau, continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo peak, then south-east towards the Lava Tower (4650m/15,250ft). After the tower, descend to Barranco Camp.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Distance: 5.2 km / 3 mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Altitude Gained: 48m

After breakfast, climb the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction with the Mweka Trail. This day offers impressive views and showcases the strength of your crew. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Distance: 3.3 km / 2 mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude Gained: 628m

Continue up towards Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit with breathtaking summit views from many angles. Early dinner and rest in preparation for the summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Distance: 4.86 km / 3 mi (up) | 11.5 km / 7.2 mi (down)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours (up) | 5-6 hours (down)
Habitat: Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft (summit) | Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude Gained: 1233m | Altitude Lost: 2789m

Start early between midnight and 2 a.m., heading to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Ascend to Stella Point (crater rim) for a magnificent sunrise. Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, descend to Mweka Camp via Barafu Camp for lunch. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi

Distance: 9.1 km / 6 mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude Lost: 1473m

After breakfast, descend to the Mweka Park Gate for your summit certificates. The terrain is wet, muddy, and steep; gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. A vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Arusha for a hot shower, dinner, and celebrations. Overnight at Karibu Heritage House B&B before your journey home, safari, or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.