Kilimanjaro Trek in 7-days Machame route , 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 best Kilimanjaro Trek in 7-days Machame route
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.
Day by day itinerary, Kilimanjaro Trek in 7-days Machame route
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (2,835m), Kilimanjaro Trek in 7-days Machame route
Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
Elevation Gain: +1,035m
Time: 5-7 hours
Route: Begin your trek at the Machame Gate, trekking through lush rainforest. The trail is well-defined, with occasional steep sections.
Highlights: Spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys, and enjoy the vibrant rainforest environment.
Accommodation: Machame Camp (tents).
Meals: Lunch, dinner.
Day 2: Machame Camp (2,835m) to Shira Camp (3,750m), Kilimanjaro Trek in 7-days Machame route
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Elevation Gain: +915m
Time: 4-6 hours
Route: Leave the rainforest behind and ascend into the moorland zone, with stunning views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau.
Highlights: Expansive views of Shira Plateau and the changing vegetation.
Accommodation: Shira Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Shira Camp (3,750m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m) via Lava Tower (4,630m), Kilimanjaro Trek in 7-days Machame route
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +880m/-670m
Time: 6-8 hours
Route: A key acclimatization day. Trek to Lava Tower, gaining significant altitude before descending to Barranco Camp.
Highlights: Lava Tower, a striking volcanic formation, and the principle of “climb high, sleep low” for acclimatization.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m), Kilimanjaro Trek in 7-days Machame route
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Elevation Gain: +75m
Time: 4-5 hours
Route: Begin with a steep climb up the Barranco Wall, a non-technical but thrilling scramble. Cross ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp.
Highlights: Stunning views of glaciers and Mawenzi Peak, and a shorter trekking day to enhance acclimatization.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m), Kilimanjaro Trek in 7-days Machame route
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Elevation Gain: +605m
Time: 4-5 hours
Route: A gradual ascent through alpine desert to Barafu Camp, the base for your summit attempt.
Highlights: Spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the summit path. Spend the afternoon resting and hydrating.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,080m), Kilimanjaro Trek in 7-days Machame route
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,255m/-2,815m
Time: 12-16 hours
Route:
Start your summit attempt around midnight. Ascend steep switchbacks to Stella Point (5,730m) on the crater rim, then proceed to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
After enjoying the breathtaking views and sunrise, descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp.
Highlights: Summit at Uhuru Peak and the sense of accomplishment after reaching the Roof of Africa.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,080m) to Mweka Gate (1,650m), Kilimanjaro Trek in 7-days Machame route
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Elevation Loss: -1,430m
Time: 3-4 hours
Route: A straightforward descent through the rainforest to the gate.
Highlights: Celebrate your achievement at Mweka Gate with your summit certificate.
Transfer: Drive back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Why Choose the 7-Day Machame Route?, Kilimanjaro Trek in 7-days Machame route
Better Acclimatization: The additional day at Karanga Camp increases your chances of summit success.
Diverse Landscapes: Pass through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers.
High Success Rate: About 85% for 7-day itineraries due to the acclimatization benefits.
Best Times to Climb
Dry Seasons:
January to mid-March: Cooler and less crowded, with clear skies.
June to October: Warmer and busier, with lush landscapes.
Additional Tips
Physical Preparation: Focus on cardio, strength training, and endurance hikes.
Gear Essentials: Layered clothing, a good sleeping bag (rated for -10°C or lower), trekking poles, and hydration systems.
Inclusions, Kilimanjaro Trek in 7-days Machame route
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Clean, purified drinking water
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
All meals while on the Mountain
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Exclusions, Kilimanjaro Trek in 7-days Machame route
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tanzania Visa
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Tips and gratuities
International and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)