7 Day Machame Route
OVERVIEW
The 7-Day Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route”, is one of the most popular and scenic trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers diverse landscapes, including rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit terrain. The route is physically demanding, yet it provides excellent acclimatization with the “climb high, sleep low” strategy.
This route is ideal for adventurous trekkers who want a more challenging experience with stunning views and a higher chance of summit success due to its longer approach and gradual altitude gain.
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,800m to 3,000m
Distance: ~11 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Begin your journey through dense rainforest as you ascend gradually to Machame Camp. This lush zone is home to a variety of plant and animal life.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp
Elevation: 3,000m to 3,850m
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
The trail steepens as you leave the rainforest and enter moorland, with views of Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance.
Day 3: Shira Cave to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,850m to 4,600m to 3,960m
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
A key acclimatization day, you’ll ascend to Lava Tower and descend to Barranco Camp. This climb high, sleep low pattern helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m
Distance: ~6 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Start the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall, then continue along a scenic trail to Karanga Camp, a great place for rest and acclimatization.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
Distance: ~4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is a short but tough hike. Barafu Camp is your base for the summit attempt, so you’ll rest early in preparation for a midnight departure.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) then down to 3,100m
Distance: ~17 km
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
The summit day begins just after midnight. Reach the top of Africa at sunrise, then descend all the way to Mweka Camp for your final overnight on the mountain.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Make your final descent through the rainforest, where you’ll receive your summit certificates at the gate and return to your hotel to celebrate.
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SAFARI INCLUDES
✔️ Park fees (entry, camping, and rescue fees)
✔️ Professional, English-speaking mountain guides
✔️ Assistant guides, porters, and cook
✔️ Salary and fair treatment for the mountain crew
✔️ All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
✔️ Clean and purified drinking water throughout the climb
✔️ Accommodation in mountain tents (double occupancy)
✔️ 2 nights’ hotel accommodation in Moshi/Arusha (before and after climb)
✔️ Transportation to and from the trailhead
✔️ Portable toilet (private for your group)
✔️ Oxygen cylinder and oximeter for daily health checks
✔️ Emergency evacuation if needed
✔️ Government taxes and VAT
SAFARI EXCLUDES
❌ International & domestic flights
❌ Tanzania Visa
❌ Personal travel insurance
❌ Tips for guides, porters, and cook (recommended)
❌ Mountain climbing gear (can be rented)
❌ Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
❌ Additional hotel stays beyond the itinerary
❌ Meals not included at the hotel (before/after trek)
❌ Optional activities (day trips, excursions)