7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek
Overview
(9 Days Total: Arrival + 7 Days Trekking + Departure)
Start Point: Machame Gate (1,800m)
End Point: Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Route Type: Camping Route – scenic & popular
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Best Time to Climb: January–March & June–October
The Machame Route, known as the “Whiskey Route”, is one of the most scenic and popular routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers diverse landscapes—rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers—with a gradual ascent profile, making it an excellent choice for trekkers seeking high summit success rates. The 7-day itinerary allows for better acclimatization than the 6-day option, increasing the chance of safely reaching the summit.
Included/Exclude
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro/Arusha)
- 2 nights hotel in Moshi or Arusha (pre/post trek)
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees and camping fees
- Professional English-speaking mountain guides, porters, and cook
- All meals on the mountain (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Quality camping gear: tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, table, and chairs
- Drinking water, tea/coffee
- Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- Summit certificate
- International & domestic flights
- Tanzania visa ($50)
- Tips to guides, cook, and porters (recommended $250–$350 per trekker)
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear (available for rent)
- Alcohol, snacks, and personal expenses
- Additional hotel nights or tours
Tour Plan
Pick-up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Pre-climb briefing, equipment check, and overnight stay.
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Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
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Distance: 11 km
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Zone: Rainforest
Start your trek through lush rainforest. Trails may be muddy but rich in flora and fauna. Overnight at Machame Camp.
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Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
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Distance: 5 km
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Zone: Moorland
A steep hike brings you to the Shira Plateau, with excellent views of Kibo Peak. Overnight at Shira Camp.
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Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
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Distance: 10 km
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Zone: Alpine Desert
Climb to the high-altitude Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp for rest. “Climb high, sleep low” helps with altitude adjustment.
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Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
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Distance: 6 km
Climb the stunning Barranco Wall and hike through valleys to reach Karanga Camp. Short and steady day helps you rest for summit night.
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Distance: 4 km
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Zone: Alpine Desert
Final climb to Barafu Camp, your base for summit. Eat early, hydrate, and rest. Summit attempt begins just after midnight.
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Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
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Distance: ~15 km
Begin summit push at midnight. Reach Stella Point for sunrise and continue to Uhuru Peak. Celebrate, take photos, and descend to Mweka Camp for overnight.
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Distance: 10 km
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate, collect your summit certificate, and return to your hotel for a hot shower and celebration dinner.