7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking – Machame Route

Safari Cost Includes

Park fees and camping/hut fees
Rescue fees
All meals on the mountain
Professional, experienced mountain guides and porters
Tents and camping equipment
Transfers to/from park gates
Certificate of achievement

Safari Cost Excludes

Flights
Accommodation before/after trek (can be added)
Personal trekking gear
Tips for guides, porters, cook
Travel insurance
Medical evacuation (highly recommended to have coverage)

7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking – Machame Route Overview

Known as the “Whiskey Route,” the Machame Route is a favorite for its stunning scenery, varied landscapes, and a good success rate due to its excellent acclimatization profile. Over 7 days, you’ll hike through lush rainforest, dramatic moorlands, alpine desert, and glaciers before reaching Uhuru Peak – the Roof of Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 ft).

itinerary plan

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation: 1,800m to 3,000m
Distance: ~11 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Montane forest

After breakfast, drive from Moshi/Arusha to Machame Gate (about 1.5–2 hours). Begin the trek through dense rainforest with moss-covered trees and vibrant birdlife. Reach Machame Camp by late afternoon.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Machame Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation: 3,000m to 3,840m
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Leave the rainforest behind and ascend into heather and open moorland. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru in the distance. Arrive at Shira Camp, situated on a plateau.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shira Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp (Acclimatization Day)

Elevation: 3,840m to 4,630m (Lava Tower) down to 3,960m
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

Ascend steadily to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp through the beautiful Senecio Forest. This climb-high, sleep-low strategy aids in acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

Begin the day with a climb up the iconic Barranco Wall, then hike through ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp. A shorter day to aid acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
Distance: ~4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

Ascend to Barafu Camp, the base camp for summit night. Rest and prepare for your midnight ascent to the summit. Early dinner and early sleep.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (Summit Day)

Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,080m
Distance: ~17 km
Hiking Time: 11–14 hours total
Habitat: Arctic to rainforest

Wake around midnight and begin the challenging trek to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro. After sunrise at the top, descend to Barafu for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Transfer to Moshi/Arusha

Elevation: 3,080m to 1,640m
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Final descent through lush forest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha for a hot shower and well-deserved rest.
Meals: Breakfast