7-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route on 2026, There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north near Kenya. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via Mweka.
The Machame route, also known as the Whisky Route is one of the most scenic and recommended routes on Kilimanjaro. This popular route with paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. Because it can be done over longer periods and the incline is more manageable it has a much higher success rate of summit.
Duration: 7 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: High
Day by day Itinerary
Day 1: 7-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route on 2026
Your journey begins with a morning transfer to Machame Gate at 1,640 m, where registration is completed before entering the lush rainforest zone. You trek on a beautiful, shaded trail filled with moss-covered trees and occasional sightings of colobus monkeys. The distance to Machame Camp is 10–11 km, taking around 5–7 hours. You arrive at Machame Camp at 2,835 m for dinner and overnight as temperatures begin to drop.
Day 2: 7-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route on 2026
After breakfast, you continue the ascent through the heather and moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper as you gain elevation, eventually reaching the expansive Shira Plateau. This day covers approximately 5 km with a trekking duration of 4–6 hours. You reach Shira Camp at 3,750 m, where panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding volcanic formations highlight the landscape. You enjoy a warm dinner and rest for the night.
Day 3: 7-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route on 2026
This acclimatization-focused day begins with a gradual ascent across the high desert terrain toward Lava Tower at 4,630 m. The hike to the tower spans 7 km and takes 4–5 hours. After lunch near the base of the tower, the trail descends into the scenic Barranco Valley. You complete a total of 10 km over 6–8 hours of trekking. You arrive at Barranco Camp at 3,960 m, where the dramatic view of the Barranco Wall dominates the horizon.
Day 4: 7-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route on 2026
Your morning begins with the famous climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but safe ascent that rewards you with incredible views from the top. You continue trekking across a series of ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga Camp at 4,035 m. The distance for the day is 5–6 km, with a total hiking time of 4–5 hours. This shorter day supports better acclimatization and gives you time to recharge before the higher altitudes ahead.
Day 5: 7-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route on 2026
You leave Karanga Camp and begin a steady upward climb toward Barafu Camp at 4,640 m, your base for the summit attempt. The terrain becomes rocky and exposed as you enter the high alpine desert. This trek covers 4 km and usually takes 3–4 hours. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, an early dinner is served and you rest in preparation for the midnight summit departure.
Day 6: 7-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route on 2026
Unlike the 6-day itinerary, today is dedicated entirely to rest and preparation for the summit push, giving your body maximum acclimatization. After a late breakfast, you take a relaxed acclimatization walk around Barafu or Kosovo area, reaching approximately 4,750–4,800 m before returning to camp. You hydrate, rest, and mentally prepare for the summit attempt. No major distance is covered, and total hiking time is 1–2 hours. After an early dinner, you sleep early to be ready for the summit climb starting around midnight.
Day 7: 7-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route on 2026
Your summit attempt begins at midnight, climbing slowly and steadily up the steep slopes of Kibo. After 5–7 hours of trekking, you reach Stella Point at 5,756 m, just as the sun rises over the African horizon. From here, the final walk to the summit covers about 1 km and takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, bringing you to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, you begin your descent back to Barafu Camp, covering 4 km in 3 hours.
After a short rest, you continue descending to Mweka Camp at 3,080 m, covering 7–8 km in 4–5 hours. The long but incredible day ends with dinner and a well-earned sleep. The final descent the following morning leads you through the rainforest to Mweka Gate at 1,640 m, covering 10 km in 3–4 hours, where certificates are awarded before your transfer back to Moshi or Arusha.
Inclusions: 7-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route on 2026
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Quality Mess tents Day 1
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Clean, purified drinking water
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Sleeping Mattress
All meals while on the Mountain
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Exclusions: 7-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route on 2026
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Tanzania Visa
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages