Best Seven Days Machame Group

Safari summary

Embark on the Best Seven Days Machame Group trek, an expertly designed Kilimanjaro adventure crafted for groups seeking a perfect blend of challenge, comfort, and unforgettable experiences. The Machame Route, often called the “Whiskey Route” for its challenging yet rewarding nature, offers climbers a journey through some of Kilimanjaro’s most breathtaking landscapes, from lush rainforest to alpine desert and rocky lunar terrain. Over seven carefully planned days, this trek ensures proper acclimatization, maximizing your chances of reaching the summit safely while fully enjoying every stage of the climb.

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
• Overnight: Machame Camp
• Details: After breakfast and a short briefing, drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. Begin your trek through the dense montane rainforest, gradually ascending along a ridge. The trail can be muddy and slippery, especially if it rains, so trekking poles and gaiters are helpful. Reach Machame Camp by late afternoon, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.
• Elevation: 1830m / 6000ft → 3050m / 9950ft
• Distance: 11km / 7mi
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
• Overnight: Shira Camp
• Details: Trek from Machame Camp through the moorland zone, leaving the rainforest behind. Enjoy views of the Shira Plateau and giant lobelias along the way. The gradual ascent allows for proper acclimatization while taking in the dramatic scenery. Arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon and rest.
• Elevation: 3050m / 9950ft → 3840m / 12,600ft
• Distance: 10km / 6mi
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
• Overnight: Barranco Camp
• Details: Begin the day trekking to Lava Tower (4600m / 15,100ft), a key acclimatization point. After reaching Lava Tower, descend to Barranco Camp, passing through the alpine desert zone. Proper acclimatization is emphasized to prepare for the summit push. Enjoy spectacular views of volcanic rock formations.
• Elevation: 3840m / 12,600ft → 4600m / 15,100ft → 3950m / 12,950ft
• Distance: 10km / 6mi
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Overnight: Karanga Camp
• Details: Cross the famous Barranco Wall, a challenging but safe rock climb aided by guides. Continue through a scenic valley to Karanga Camp. The shorter hiking day allows for rest and acclimatization before heading higher the next day.
• Elevation: 3950m / 12,950ft → 4000m / 13,100ft
• Distance: 5km / 3mi
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
• Overnight: Barafu Camp
• Details: Trek through rocky alpine terrain to Barafu Camp, the base for the summit attempt. The ascent is gradual, giving climbers time to rest and prepare for the night climb. Guides ensure proper acclimatization and review summit strategies. Dinner is early, followed by rest before the late-night departure.
• Elevation: 4000m / 13,100ft → 4600m / 15,100ft
• Distance: 5km / 3mi
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
• Overnight: Mweka Camp
• Details: Begin the summit climb around midnight. Trek slowly under a starlit sky through scree and rocky terrain. Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise for breathtaking panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and beyond. Descend via Barafu and continue to Mweka Camp for rest. Proper pacing and support are provided throughout the climb.
• Elevation: 4600m / 15,100ft → 5895m / 19,341ft → 3100m / 10,170ft
• Distance: 16km / 10mi
• Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert → Arctic Zone → Montane Forest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Drive to Moshi
• Overnight: Moshi
• Details: Trek through the lush montane forest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. Transfer back to Moshi for rest, celebration, and departure. This final day is a gentle walk, allowing climbers to reflect on the incredible journey.
• Elevation: 3100m / 10,170ft → 1640m / 5,380ft
• Distance: 10km / 6mi
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	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

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• All drinks
• Hot air balloons
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Private vehicle and driver
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas