Machame Route
7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Machame Route
Valid
Year Through
Duration
7 Days | 6 Nights
Destinations
Machame Gate, Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Lava Tower, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp and Mweka Gate
Pick Up
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Drop Off
Kilimanjaro International Airport
“Tackle the ‘Whiskey Route’ for Spectacular Views and a Thrilling Summit Experience”
Best Time to Trek:
The best time to trek Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. These months offer clear skies, better trail conditions, and a higher chance of a successful summit.
Trek Highlights
Conquer Africa’s highest peak on the famed Machame Route, known as the “Whiskey Route” for its challenging terrain and spectacular scenery.
This 7-day trek leads you through lush rainforests, dramatic ridges, and alpine deserts, providing excellent acclimatization and stunning views. Guided by experienced experts, this route offers a balanced blend of adventure and comfort with high chances of summit success. Celebrate the ultimate achievement as you stand on Uhuru Peak, Africa’s rooftop.
Full Itinerary
Arrival Day – Welcome to Tanzania!
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your Social Adventure Safari guide will warmly welcome you. Look for our signboard with the company logo at arrivals.
You will be transferred to House of West Kili for a comfortable overnight stay with breakfast. Enjoy dinner and a detailed briefing with your climbing manager and guide, including an equipment check to prepare you for the trek.
Accommodation: House of West Kili (Bed, Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)
Elevation Gain: 1,200m | Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Machame Gate, where you register and officially start your climb. The trail winds through lush rainforest, Kilimanjaro’s wettest zone, so be ready for potential afternoon showers.
After hiking for most of the day, you reach Machame Camp at the forest’s edge, your first night’s rest surrounded by stunning scenery.
Overnight: Machame Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,840m)
Elevation Gain: 840m | Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Climb a steep ridge to Picnic Rock for spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the Shira Plateau. Cross the plateau, an ancient volcanic remnant, and arrive at Shira Camp where panoramic views await. This day balances moderate hiking with stunning vistas.
Overnight: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,850m) via Lava Tower (4,550m)
Elevation Gain: 710m | Elevation Loss: 700m | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Trek to the Lava Tower volcanic plug and enjoy panoramic views after a possible short scramble to its summit. Then, descend sharply into the Barranco Valley, famous for giant senecio plants and striking scenery. This challenging but vital acclimatization day ends at Barranco Camp.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,950m) via Barranco Wall (4,200m)
Elevation Gain: 350m | Elevation Loss: 250m | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Tackle the famous Barranco Wall scramble, rewarded with stunning views over the valley. Traverse mountainsides with vistas of Kibo and Mount Meru, then descend into Karanga Valley. A shorter day allows you to rest and acclimatize well at Karanga Camp.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600m)
Elevation Gain: 650m | Hiking Time: 3 hours
Ascend to Barafu Camp, positioned beneath Kilimanjaro’s summit cone and aptly named “ice” in Swahili. Enjoy spectacular summit views while resting before your final ascent. Early dinner sets the tone for the big climb.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,110m)
Elevation Gain: 1,295m | Elevation Loss: 2,785m | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
Begin your summit attempt just before midnight, trekking in the cold night towards Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Celebrate your achievement at dawn with breathtaking sunrise views before descending to Mweka Camp for rest and recovery.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Arusha
Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, sign out, and receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to House of West Kili and enjoy a restful night, reflecting on your epic journey.
Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departure Day – Farewell Tanzania
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of your Kilimanjaro adventure with Social Adventure Safari.
If you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, you have the option to extend your trip—choose a thrilling wildlife safari in Serengeti or Ngorongoro, or unwind with a beach relaxation escape in Zanzibar. Let us know your preference, and we’ll be happy to arrange the perfect extension for you!
