Overview: 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. This 7-day itinerary offers excellent acclimatization and diverse landscapes—from lush rainforest to alpine desert to icy summit. It’s ideal for trekkers seeking a slightly more challenging and rewarding experience with varied terrain and stunning views.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha or Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Meet your guide for a pre-climb briefing and equipment check. Overnight at a midrange hotel or lodge.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
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Elevation: 1,800 m to 3,000 m
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Distance: ~11 km / 7 miles
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Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Drive to Machame Gate and begin your trek through lush rainforest. Arrive at Machame Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
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Elevation: 3,000 m to 3,840 m
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Distance: ~5 km / 3 miles
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Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Trek through moorland with expansive views. Reach Shira Camp on the plateau. Acclimatization starts here.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
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Elevation: 3,840 m to 4,600 m (Lava Tower), then down to 3,950 m
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Distance: ~10 km / 6 miles
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Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Hike to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach helps with altitude adjustment.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
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Elevation: 3,950 m to 4,035 m
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Distance: ~5 km / 3 miles
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Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Climb the famous Barranco Wall, then hike through valleys and ridges to Karanga Camp. A shorter day to rest and acclimatize.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
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Elevation: 4,035 m to 4,640 m
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Distance: ~4 km / 2.5 miles
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Ascend steadily to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. Eat and rest early before your midnight ascent.
Day 7: Summit Attempt (Uhuru Peak) & Descend to Mweka Camp
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Elevation: 4,640 m to 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100 m
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Distance: ~17 km / 11 miles
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Hiking Time: 12–16 hours
Begin your summit push around midnight. Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, celebrate at Africa’s highest point, then descend to Mweka Camp for overnight.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi/Arusha
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Elevation: 3,100 m to 1,640 m
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Distance: ~10 km / 6 miles
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Complete your descent through the forest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to your hotel.
