7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route
- Overview
- Tour Details
At 5,895 metres, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing peak in the world. The Machame Route – nicknamed the “Whiskey Route” – is the most popular ascent, prized for its dramatic scenery, varied vegetation zones, and superior acclimatisation profile thanks to its “climb high, sleep low” structure.
This seven-day trek takes you through five distinct climatic zones in one week: cultivated farmland, rainforest, heather and moorland, alpine desert, and finally the glaciated summit. The path skirts the dramatic Shira Plateau and the Barranco Wall before pushing for the summit via Stella Point. With an experienced lead guide, certified porters, and full camping support, this is a serious but achievable adventure for anyone with reasonable fitness and determination.
Summit success rates on Machame in 7 days run around 85% – significantly higher than the shorter Marangu route. The trek operates as a small group expedition with daily medical checks, three hot meals a day, and tents pitched at each campsite before you arrive. All you need to bring is your boots and your resolve.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to your hotel in Moshi. Briefing, gear check, equipment hire if needed.
Accommodation: Springlands Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Drive to Machame Gate (1,800m). Trek through rainforest 5-7 hours to Machame Camp (3,000m).
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Full board
Day 3: Machame to Shira Camp
Climb out of forest into moorland. 4-6 hours to Shira Camp (3,840m). Spectacular plateau views.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Full board
Day 4: Shira to Barranco via Lava Tower
Acclimatisation day. Trek up to Lava Tower (4,630m) for lunch, descend to Barranco Camp (3,950m). 6-8 hours.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Full board
Day 5: Barranco to Karanga to Barafu
Up the Barranco Wall, on to Karanga (lunch), then Barafu Camp (4,640m). Early dinner before summit night.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Full board
Day 6: Summit Night & Mweka Descent
Midnight start for summit attempt. Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise. Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m) - 12-15 hour day.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Full board
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Transfer back to Moshi for celebration meal and hotel shower.
Accommodation: Springlands Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
What's Included
- 6 nights mountain accommodation (camping)
- 1 night pre-climb hotel in Moshi
- All park entry, camping & rescue fees
- Lead guide, assistant guides, cook & porters
- Full board on the mountain (3 hot meals/day)
- Filtered drinking water on trek
- Tent, sleeping mat, dining tent & cutlery
- Kilimanjaro Airport transfers
- Summit certificate
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Trekking insurance with high-altitude evacuation cover
- Sleeping bag (rental available USD 60)
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide / porter team (USD 250-300 recommended)
- Drinks at hotel
Additional Notes
Acclimatisation Tips:
- Drink 3-4 litres of water daily
- Walk pole pole (slowly, slowly)
- Climb high, sleep low days are critical
Fitness Required:
- 6-8 hours hiking daily, plus a 12-15 hour summit day
- Prior trekking experience strongly recommended
- Pre-existing heart/lung issues: consult your doctor
Important Information
- This tour is organized by the tour operator.
- The exact itinerary sequence, details, and pricing of this tour depend on availability.
- If a selected accommodation is fully booked, the operator will recommend a comparable alternative.
- The operator reserves the right to adjust the rates advertised on this website.