7 Days Machame Route

6 Days Machame Route + 2 Nights in Hotel

The 7 Days Machame Route is one of the most scenic and well-established paths to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a gradual ascent and excellent acclimatization profile. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” this trail approaches Kilimanjaro from the southwest, passing through five diverse ecological zones—from lush rainforest to alpine desert—before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

Compared to the 6-day variation, the 7-day route includes an extra acclimatization day at Karanga Camp, significantly increasing summit success rates. Trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking scenery, including the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, and panoramic glacier views from the summit.

This itinerary is ideal for climbers seeking a high success rate without rushing the ascent, making it a great balance between challenge and acclimatization.

  • Trekking the Highest Mountain of Africa
  • Easy to Acclimatize and Better Chances of Successful Climb
  • Incredible Natural Beauty
Price For 7 Days Machame Route + 2 Nights in Hotel
People in Group 1-23-56-89+
Standard package$1,900$1,800$1,750$1,700

All trekkers need to organize their own flight to Kilimanjaro international Airport [JRO]. From JRO you will be met by our staff and transferred to Moshi in the peaceful surrounds of our comfortable pre and post trek accommodation from where there are great views of the mountain. You can relax by the pool before your briefing with the Guides, who will provide the essential information for your trek to the roof of Africa.

The Hotel we are using is between these

Parkview Inn Hotel

Panama Garden Resort

Weruweru River Lodge

The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

  • Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
  • Distance: 11 km
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest
  • Transport: Private
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.It will be colder tonight than the previous night with temperatures possibly falling below freezing.

  • Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

  • Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Habitat: Semi Desert
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner

A short but fun and meant for acclimatization, day starting with a scramble to the top of the Great Barranco wall. We then traverse over scree to the Karanga Valley [390M] beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. We will stay overnight at Karanga Campsite

  • Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. For many climbers, this 6-hour walk to Stella point is mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. At Stella Point (5685m) 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 will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.

The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your live. The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well-earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear. The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared.

  • Hiking time: 8h to reach Uhuru Peak, 7 – 8h to descend to Mweka

  • Distance: Approximately 7 kms ascent – 23 kms descent

  • Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

  • Accommodation: Camping

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

At 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.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. 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.

  • Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
  • Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
  • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
  • Habitat: Arctic
  • Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.

  • Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Depart Tanzania

This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.

Meals:Breakfast Included

Include

  • 7 Days 6 Nights Machame Route
  • Private transport from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
  • Private transport to Kilimanjaro International Airport after trek to catch your flight back home
  • Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
  • National Park entry fees, Camping fees, rescue fees
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services
  • 4 Season mountain tents with comfortable Sleeping Mattress
  • 2 nights of your Hotel stay before and after trek in Moshi.
  • Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters [average ratio of support staff to climber is 4:1 in a group]
  • 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
  • Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
  • Hot water for washing
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • Government taxes
  • Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
  • Emergency first-aid kit

Exclude

  • Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.

  • Travel insurance

  • Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 100 for the entire trek shared in a group.

  • Flights

  • Laundry (Available at hotel)

  • Personal items and toiletries

  • Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the

  • Mountain: http://www.kiliporters.org/tipping_recommendations.php

  • Guides: $20/day/guide

  • Cook: $15/day

  • Porter: $10/day/porter

Book This Tour

Tour Booking

Trekking Preparation

Altitude Sickness

Best Time To Climb

Climbing Gear For Hire

Kilimanjaro Climbing Checklist

Electronic Gadgets

Private Toilet Tents

Successful Climb Stories

Kilimanjaro Faq's

Climate Zones

Health Issues

Daypack on Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Equipment List

Kilimanjaro Foods

Kilimanjaro Visa