7 Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Climb – Best Acclimatization & Epic Views

7 Days

A well-paced, scenic route ideal for a successful summit.
The 7 day Kilimanjaro Machame climb gives trekkers a gradual ascent through rainforest, moorland, and high alpine terrain — with an extra day for acclimatization. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” this version offers a perfect balance of challenge and comfort, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak safely and confidently.

Accomodation
Four Season Tents
Maximum Altitude
5,895 metres
Departure from
Moshi
Best season
Dry season (January to March, July to October)
Tour type
Hiking
Meals
All meals during the trek
Fitness level
Moderate
Group Size
1 or more
Guiding method
Guides included
Minimum Age
10
Maximum Age
100
Destinations
Machame Route, Mt Kilimanjaro
Activities
Hiking, Peak Climbing, Trekking

Optional Extras

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Optional Extras

FAQs

Overview

The Machame Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular and scenic trails, offering trekkers a diverse landscape and a high success rate for summit attempts. Known as the “Whiskey Route” due to its more challenging nature compared to the Marangu Route, it’s perfect for adventurous travelers looking for a true mountain experience without technical climbing.

This 7-day itinerary takes you through lush rainforest, moorland, and high alpine desert, with stunning views along the Shira Plateau and Barranco Wall. The route allows for good acclimatization, improving your chances of a successful summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa.

With professional guides, full porter support, and carefully planned campsites, this trek balances adventure and safety for an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.

Highlights

Sleep comfortably in spacious 4-season tents, with a cozy dining tent for meals
Ideal for first-time climbers — a steady, well-maintained trail with gradual elevation
Professional guides & porters — experienced team ensuring safety, support, and comfort
All meals & water included — stay energized with freshly prepared mountain meals
All logistics handled — from park permits to transfers, we've got it covered

Day 0 :

Arrival and climb briefing

Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide.

Day 1 :

Machame Gate (1,490m) to Machame camp (2,980m)

Distance: About 18 km’s | Habitat: Montane forest

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a 45-minute drive from Moshi (910m) to the Machame village (1490m). The guides and porters prepare and pack the supplies and your equipment in the village. Depending on the condition of the road, it is possible to drive from the village to the Machame gate, but if not, the muddy 3 km walk will take about 1 hour to complete. There is a strong possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy and slippery experience. You will have a welcome lunch stop about half way and will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon.

Day 2 :

Machame camp (2,980m) to Shira camp (3,840m)

Distance: About 9 km’s | Habitat: Moorland

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You rise early at Machame camp and after breakfast you climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. By now you will be able to see in an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. You are now due west of Kibo and after a short hike you will reach the Shira campsite at 3840m.

Day 3 :

Shira Camp (3,840m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco camp (3,950m)

Distance: About 15 km’s | Habitat: Semi desert

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4630m after about a 5 hours walk. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4630m). After lunch you descent again by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, this is to be able to acclimatize to the mountain. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall.

Day 4 :

Barranco camp (3,960m) to Karanga camp (4,035m)

Distance: About 6 km’s | Habitat: Semi desert

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day with a climb up the famous Barranco Wall — a fun and scenic scramble — then follow a rolling trail through valleys to Karanga Camp.

Day 5 :

Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu camp (4,550m)

Distance: About 13 km’s | Habitat: Alpine desert

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After spending a night at Karanga Camp, you make your way up. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. After another hour or so, you reach Barafu Hut. The summit is now a further 1345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night.

Day 6 :

Summit Attempt - Barafu camp (4,550m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Distance: About 7 km’s ascent - 23 km’s descent | Habitat: Stone scree and
ice-capped summit

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Head back to Mweka hut (3100m). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest.

Day 7 :

Mweka camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,980m)

Distance: About 15 km’s | Habitat: Forest

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch

A short 3-hour and scenic hike back to the Park gate. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km hike. After lunch, drive back to your hotel for an overnight stay.

FAQs

Expand all

How much training do I need?

For mountain climbing some basic training is needed although you don’t need to be super fit. You may choose to integrate some training in your day-to-day activities as well as trek a few smaller hikes at an elevation which will help you build stamina and mental strength. If you’re not used to walking for long distances, it may also be useful to try at least one proper ‘practice’ hike to break in all your equipment. Trekking practice prior to your departure is the best method of preparation as it will help develop the muscles required for your challenge. Using the correct equipment goes hand in hand with fitness levels on these challenges. Good properly worn in walking boots are an absolute essential.

How long do we walk every day when trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

Does Upepo customise trips?

Yes, we can fully customise your trip for you, your friends or your organisation of any size. Just give us a call and let us know what you’re interested in, and we’ll do our best to make it your dream adventure a reality.

I’d like to travel with my children, is there a minimum age requirement while climbing?

We will accept participants 12 years or older on our trips, if they are accompanied by a legal guardian. You must be 18 years or older to attend a Upepo Adventures trip on your own.

What are the types of lodging I can expect?

While on the mountain we accommodate you in either bandas or tents depending on your preference and availability. Bandas usually have bunk beds with mattresses and pillows. You will be required to bring your own sleeping bag.

Do I need any vaccinations before I enter the country of my trek?

You will be required to have proof of a yellow fever certification on port entry. If you do not have one you will be asked to get one administered at the entry port usually at a fee

Do you provide air evacuation covers and travel insurance?

Some of our packages include air evacuation covers. You shall be informed depending on the package you choose. Travel insurance is NOT included.

How is drinking water treated on the mountain?

Water is boiled or purified using chemical treatment. You may choose to bring your own treatment tablets if you wish.

What if I get sick while climbing?

We carry a first aid kit for basic medical help. If the condition is serious, you shall be escorted down the mountain and onward to a hospital or clinic if necessary. Transport to a hospital may be an added cost. If life threatening, you shall be evacuated by air if you have an air evacuation cover. If not, you shall be responsible for the fee. It’s always advisable to have a cover.

What if I get altitude sickness?

The most immediate treatment for altitude sickness is a rapid descent. Your guide will judge your health before the final ascent to the peak, if your symptoms are serious you may be advised not to climb further on.

Is bottled oxygen available on the climb?

We do not carry bottled oxygen while trekking. At the altitude of Mt Kenya and Mt Kilimanjaro it is not usually needed.

What if I’m slower than the rest of my group?

There is a guide for every 3 – 4 trekkers and will advise you to move at your own pace. The moto for the climb is ‘Pole Pole’ meaning go slowly. A slow pace helps you acclimatise faster.

Will there be charging facilities for my electrical equipment on the mountain?

There are no charging points for electrical equipment. Solar power is only available for lighting the bandas. If you carry extra batteries, remember to keep them warm.

How much should I tip the guides, cooks and porters?

A recommended rate for tipping per day is as follows Guide: $20 per guide Assistant guide: $15 per guide Cook: $12 per cook Waiter: $10 per waiter Porter: $10 per porter Tips shall be pooled and distributed evenly. This is only a recommended guide although if you feel they deserve more you may add some extra as they shall be tasked with taking great care of you. Although do not be pressured into giving them a very high amount.

What will the weather be like during the climb?

Weather on a mountain may be unpredictable and it is always best to be prepared for all kinds of weather.

What will I have to carry?

Even though your main bags will be carried by a porter, you will be required to carry a small day pack with food, water and jackets while on the hike. Your bags will meet you at the next campsite and you may not have access to them during the hike. Please limit your main bags to 15 kilos or you may be asked to remove unwanted items.

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