7 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route

Itinerary Summary

The Machame route, also known as the Whisky Route is a six or seven-day camping route and, is the second most popular route to the top of Africa, well-known for its incredible scenery. The Machame route 7-day itinerary is considered to be the best option while attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro because you get an extra precious acclimatization day. The ascent will start on the southern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will pass through five climatic zones of Kilimanjaro, from the magnificent rainforest at the very base to the arctic glaciers at the summit. It’s like a trip from the equator to snow-covered Antarctica in just a week.

We recommend the seven-day Machame itinerary for both beginners and experienced mountain hikers. The ascent is technically quite simple, meaning that you don’t need any special equipment or climbing skills. Also, it has excellent statistics – more than 95% of the participants successfully reach the top. It is one of our favorite routes.

Detailed Itinerary by day

Day 1: Arrive in Arusha from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO

Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a private transfer waiting at the airport to pick you to Arusha Safari Lodge. We stay at Arusha Safari Lodge, which is a beautiful Hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Meru and is a perfect place to prepare you for adventure.
We will gather in the evening at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance. Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: Half board.

Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame

The climb starts from Machame gate (1830m), and we walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rain forest, you will arrive at the first Machame Hut, situated at 3000m above sea level
If is a clear day we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. Machame Gate to Machame  Hut (3,000 m): 6-7 hours of walking.

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

A shorter day climbs up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as a Picnic site and continues up a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo Peak can be seen from Shira Camp.
Machame Hut to Shira Camp (3,840m): 4-6 hours of walking.

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Valley

Today we walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views.  We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach after hot lunch at the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,900 m.).
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,900 m.): 5-7 hours of walking.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, and finally, we have a steep climb up to Karanga Camp
Barranco Camp to Karanga camp (4,000 m): 4-5 hours walking.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

A steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp. The two peaks Kibo and Mawenzi can be seen from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at the Camp, The remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m.); 3-4 hours walking.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree that has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735mAt Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit.

At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. After a few minutes of appreciating your accomplishment. From the summit, we will start our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to  Mweka Gate to Arusha

After breakfast, we continue the descent down through the rainforest to the Mweka Park Gate.

It can be wet and muddy.  The successful climb will receive their summit certificates at a lower elevation. After lunch, we drive back to Arusha Safari Lodge.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours of walking.

Day 9: Departure

After saying bye-bye to our operation team, we will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to catch your flight UNLESS you have a different departure option which will be discussed.