7-Day Machame Route Trek
trip overview
Africa's highest peak, by the scenic Whiskey route.
The Machame Route, nicknamed the Whiskey route, is one of the most popular and scenic ways up Mount Kilimanjaro. This 7-day trek climbs through rainforest to the Shira Plateau, then up to Lava Tower and over the Barranco Wall before a pre-dawn push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. The climb-high, sleep-low profile and extra days help your body adjust, and you'll be supported by experienced guides, porters and a cook throughout, descending to Mweka Gate.
Trip Highlights
day-by-day itinerary
Where you walk, how high you climb, and where you sleep each night.
You'll camp at Machame on Night 1, Shira 2 on Night 2, Barranco on Night 3, Karanga on Night 4, Barafu on Night 5 and Mweka on Night 6. Hours and distances are approximate and depend on your pace and the conditions.
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast, your guide collects you from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and drives you to Machame Gate, where you register with the park and meet your crew. You'll begin walking through lush montane rainforest on a muddy, winding trail, with a chance of spotting colobus monkeys and birdlife.
You'll arrive at Machame Camp in the late afternoon, where your tent is set up and dinner is served.
Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
You'll leave the rainforest behind as the trail climbs steeply through heather and into open moorland. The pace is slow and steady to help your body adjust to the altitude, with Kibo rising ahead and Mount Meru visible in the distance.
You'll reach Shira 2 Camp on the Shira Plateau in the afternoon, with time to rest and enjoy the sunset.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp
You'll walk east towards Lava Tower at 4,600 m, where you stop for lunch before descending to Barranco Camp. Climbing high and sleeping low is one of the best ways to prepare your body for summit night.
Barranco Camp sits in a valley dotted with giant groundsels, beneath the great Barranco Wall.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast you'll scramble up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical section that is one of the most memorable parts of the climb. From the top, the trail crosses valleys and ridges with wide views of Kibo.
You'll arrive at Karanga Camp in the early afternoon for lunch and a long rest before the final approach.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Today's walk is short, climbing up into the stark alpine desert to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit push. The air is thin and vegetation is almost gone.
You'll have an early dinner and a few hours of rest, with your guide briefing you on the night ahead.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp
You'll be woken around 11 pm for tea and a light snack, then set off in the dark for the summit. The climb up the steep scree to Stella Point is the hardest part of the trek, and you'll reach the crater rim around sunrise.
From there you'll continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After time at the summit, you'll descend to Barafu for a rest and meal, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your last night on the mountain.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate — Trek Ends
After breakfast, you'll walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate if you reached Stella Point or Uhuru Peak, and say goodbye to your crew.
You'll have lunch at the gate before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your trek.
what's included
Exactly what's covered — and what isn't.
- Licensed English-speaking mountain guide and assistant guides
- Porters and a mountain cook
- 6 nights camping on the mountain, with sleeping tents and a mess tent
- All meals on the mountain, as listed above
- Drinking water on the mountain
- Kilimanjaro National Park, camping & rescue fees
- Transfers between your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and the park gates
- International flights
- Travel & medical insurance (required)
- Tips for your mountain crew — we'll share a guideline before the climb
- Personal climbing gear — ask us about rental options
- Hotel nights before or after the trek
- Meals in town and drinks not listed above
- Souvenirs & personal expenses
Important to know before booking
- Additional hotel accommodation before and after the trek can be arranged for an extra cost — ask us when booking if you need a night either side.
- You'll sleep in tents at designated camps, with a foam mattress provided by us. Facilities on the mountain are basic, so bring your own warm sleeping bag.
- The 7-day Machame schedule climbs high and sleeps low via Lava Tower, which helps acclimatisation and gives you a strong chance of reaching the summit compared with shorter routes.
- Summit night is long and cold, with temperatures well below freezing — warm layers, a headlamp and good boots are essential.
- Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 m is required for all climbers.
- A Tanzania e-Visa is required for most nationalities — apply at immigration.go.tz at least 3 weeks before travel.
- A yellow fever certificate may be required depending on your transit country. Reaching the summit depends on weather, altitude and fitness and cannot be guaranteed.
what to bring
Your packing list for the climb.
The trek passes from warm rainforest to freezing summit conditions, so layers are the key. Here's what to pack for the 7 days.
- Moisture-wicking base layers, top and bottom
- 2–3 quick-dry t-shirts and hiking trousers
- Fleece or insulated mid layer
- Warm down or synthetic jacket for summit night
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm hat and a sun hat or cap
- Neck gaiter or buff and UV sunglasses
- Thin liner gloves and warm waterproof gloves
- Waterproof hiking boots, already broken in
- Wool or synthetic hiking socks, plus warm socks for camp
- Headlamp with spare batteries — essential for summit night
- Trekking poles
- Daypack (25–35 L) with rain cover
- Soft duffel bag for the porters to carry
- Warm sleeping bag for freezing temperatures
- 2–3 litres of water bottles or a hydration bladder
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Personal first aid kit, blister plasters and any prescription medication
- Hand sanitiser, wet wipes and toilet paper
- Energy bars and snacks you enjoy
- Power bank and camera
- Quick-dry towel and toiletries
- Passport and Tanzania e-Visa
- Travel insurance details covering trekking to 6,000 m
- Yellow fever certificate, if required
- Small US dollar notes for crew tips
- Printed or saved copies of your documents
- Camp shoes or light sandals for the campsites
- Warm layers for evenings, which get cold from Shira upwards
- Earplugs for windy nights in camp
- A book, journal or cards for the evenings
- Zip-lock or dry bags to keep gear dry
Packing tips
- Your main bag is carried by the porters, while you carry only your daypack. Pack the main bag in a soft duffel, and we'll confirm the weight limit when you book.
- Dress in layers: the trek moves from warm rainforest to freezing summit conditions, so being able to add and remove layers matters more than any one item.
- Ask us if you'd rather rent some of the heavier items, such as a sleeping bag, jacket or trekking poles, than bring them.
pricing
What you'll pay — no hidden extras.
| Option | Price per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7-day Machame Route trek 6 nights camping, all meals on the mountain, park fees included | $2,320 | Per person |
Payment & extras
A deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due before departure. Full terms are on our booking policy page.
Additional hotel accommodation before or after the trek can be arranged for an extra cost.
Ready to climb Kilimanjaro?
Reach out and we'll confirm availability for your dates and send you a full quote.
frequently asked questions
Questions we get asked most often.
The trek starts at Machame Gate on Day 1, with a pick-up from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, and ends at Mweka Gate on Day 7 before you are driven back to your hotel.
You'll sleep in tents at mountain camps: Machame, Shira 2, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu and Mweka. Our crew sets up and takes down camp each day.
The route is steady, with a climb-high, sleep-low day at Lava Tower to help your body adjust, until summit night, which is steep, cold and long. A good level of fitness and some hiking experience helps. No technical climbing is needed.
Yes. Additional hotel accommodation before and after the trek can be arranged for an extra cost — just let us know when booking.
Most nationalities need a Tanzania e-Visa, available at immigration.go.tz. A yellow fever certificate may also be required depending on your transit country — check with your doctor or travel clinic before departure.
We recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you confirm your booking. Full cancellation and payment terms are on our booking policy page.
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