Kilimanjaro 7 Days Machame Route

The 7-day Machame Route, or "Whiskey route," is a tough climb with steep trails and stunning views, offering better acclimatization to boost your chances of reaching Kilimanjaro's summit.
ABOUT MACHAME ROUTE
The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is renowned for its challenging climb. Climbers on this route tackle steeper trails over longer distances while sleeping in tents. The route can be completed in a minimum of six days, but most opt for seven days for better acclimatization and higher success rates. The trek begins at Machame Gate in the lush rainforest, leading to the Shira Plateau, and then along the southern circuit, offering great views from all angles. The summit is approached from the east, with the descent following the Mweka Trail.

ITINERARY
Arrival
Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Nafika Tours representative will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. You'll have dinner with your group and a pre-trek briefing, including an equipment check.

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast, you'll be picked up and transferred to Machame Gate. The hike starts through a tropical rainforest to Machame Camp, with a picnic lunch on the way. Be on the lookout for blue monkeys.
Hiking time: 7 hours | Distance: 11 km | Habitat: Montane forest

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp
After an early start, you'll hike through the moorland zone to the Shira Plateau. You'll see the Western Breach with its stunning glacier before reaching Shira Camp.
Hiking time: 3 hours | Distance: 5 km | Habitat: Moorland

Day 3: Shira Cave Camp to Baranco Camp
This day involves a climb to Lava Tower (4600m) for acclimatization before descending to Baranco Camp. The descent offers beautiful views of the Western Breach and Baranco Wall.
Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: 10 km | Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
You'll climb the Barranco Wall, passing underneath Heim and Kersten glaciers to Karanga Valley. The afternoon is for rest and acclimatization.
Hiking time: 4 hours | Distance: 6 km | Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, you’ll hike to Barafu Camp, enjoying views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The afternoon is for rest, preparing for the midnight summit push.
Hiking time: 3 hours | Distance: 4 km | Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then down to Millennium Camp
At midnight, you’ll start the summit climb, reaching Uhuru Peak (5895m) after 4-5 hours. After celebrating, you'll descend to Millennium Camp.
Hiking time: 12-15 hours | Distance: 15 km | Habitat: Alpine desert, snowfields

Day 7: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
The final descent to Mweka Gate takes a few hours. After receiving your certificates, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi.
Hiking time: 5 hours | Distance: 14 km | Habitat: Montane forest

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.