Machame Route Kilimanjaro

8 days—The 7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb

$3032-3800 USD

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Safari summary

The 7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb is one of the most popular and scenic routes to Africa’s highest peak. Nicknamed the Whiskey Route for its adventurous character, Machame offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecological zones, and excellent acclimatization for summit success.

This trek is designed for adventurers seeking both challenge and reward. Over seven days, you’ll hike through lush rainforests, traverse moorlands, cross alpine deserts, and ascend to the dramatic summit zone. Along the way, you’ll enjoy incredible views of glaciers, volcanic formations, and sweeping African plains.

Guided by experienced professionals, you’ll be well-supported with nutritious meals, comfortable camps, and expert knowledge of Kilimanjaro’s flora, fauna, and geology. The final sunrise summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) is an unforgettable highlight—standing on the roof of Africa.

Tour Details
Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Route: Machame Route (7 Days)

Group Size: Max 100 | Group & Private Climbs Available

Minimum Age: 10+

Departure Location: Moshi, Tanzania (Airport pickup included)

Languages: English, French, German, Chinese

Accommodation: Mountain campsites (Machame, Shira, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu, Mweka)

Best For: Adventure trekkers, photographers, and those seeking a challenging but rewarding climb

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
International flights
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Visas

Itinerary

Pre-Trek Briefing in Moshi

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. Here, you’ll meet your lead guide and climbing team, who will give you a full orientation of the Machame Route. They’ll explain safety procedures, daily schedules, and what to expect on the mountain. You’ll also have your gear inspected to ensure you’re fully prepared—missing items can be rented on-site.

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Machame Gate, the starting point of your trek. Following registration, porters load the gear, and you begin walking through the lush montane rainforest. This first section is alive with bird calls, exotic flowers, and occasional sightings of colobus monkeys swinging through the trees.

Machame Camp To Shira Camp

Kilimanjaro

Leaving the rainforest behind, today’s trek enters the heath and moorland zone, where tall grasses, heathers, and unique plants like giant lobelias dominate the landscape. The air is thinner and drier, and Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped Kibo Peak becomes visible in the distance. The trail is steeper but shorter than Day 1, with rocky paths and open views.

Shira To Barraco Camp

Kilimanjaro

This is an important acclimatization day. The trail begins with a gradual ascent across the plateau before climbing toward Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation at 4,600 meters. After lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters, following the principle of “climb high, sleep low.” The camp sits beneath the towering Barranco Wall and is surrounded by giant senecio plants—alien-like flora unique to Kilimanjaro.

Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro

The day begins with an exciting scramble up the Barranco Wall—a steep but non-technical climb that rewards you with spectacular views once you reach the top. From here, the trail undulates through valleys and ridges, offering stunning vistas of glaciers and the southern face of Kibo. Today’s trek is relatively short, designed to allow more rest and acclimatization. You’ll reach Karanga Camp by mid-afternoon, where you can relax, refuel, and enjoy the high-altitude scenery.

Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro

The trek continues upward across rocky and barren terrain, with fewer plants as you enter the high alpine desert zone. The air is noticeably thinner, and each step feels slower, but the views of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo’s summit ridge keep motivation high. By early afternoon, you’ll arrive at Barafu Camp, perched on a ridge. This is the final staging point before your summit attempt. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and eating a carb-rich meal.

Barafu Camp To Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro

Summit day! Around midnight, you’ll begin the toughest part of your climb by torchlight. The trail is steep, with switchbacks across loose volcanic scree. Your guide will keep a steady pace, ensuring safety and endurance. By sunrise, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim. From here, it’s a relatively gentle walk to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Standing at the summit as the sun rises over the vast plains is an unforgettable moment.

Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro

The final day is an easier descent through the rainforest, where you’ll enjoy fresh air, birdsong, and lush greenery. At Mweka Gate, climbers receive their official summit certificates, marking the successful completion of the Kilimanjaro journey. From here, a vehicle transfers you back to Moshi, where a hot shower, comfortable bed, and celebration dinner await.

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