🏔️ 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route

Route: Machame (Whiskey Route)

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Start/End: Moshi, Tanzania
Total Distance: 62 km / 38 miles
Highest Point: Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft)
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Time to Climb: June–October and December–February

🧭 Overview

The 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to reach Africa’s highest peak — Uhuru Peak.

Unlike the shorter routes, Machame allows better altitude acclimatization, giving you a higher success rate.
The journey takes you from lush rainforest through moorland, alpine desert, and finally to the arctic summit zone.

This trail is perfect for hikers seeking a blend of challenge, beauty, and adventure — from dramatic landscapes like the Barranco Wall to the breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak.

📅 Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi – Pre-Climb Briefing

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
Your guide will brief you on what to expect during the Kilimanjaro Machame Route climb, review your equipment, and answer all your questions.

If time allows, explore Moshi town — visit local markets or enjoy a coffee tasting at a nearby plantation.

Meals: Dinner (D)
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Distance: 40 km / 1 hour transfer

Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800m) – Machame Camp (2,835m)

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to Machame Gate, located at the edge of Kilimanjaro National Park. After registration, you’ll meet your porter team and start trekking through dense montane rainforest, where you may spot blue monkeys or listen to tropical bird calls echoing through the canopy.

The trail climbs steadily, occasionally slippery underfoot due to moss and humidity. You’ll stop for lunch halfway up before arriving at Machame Camp as the forest opens to giant heathers.

Distance: 11 km / 5–6 hours
Elevation Gain: +1,035m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Machame Camp

Day 3: Machame Camp (2,835m) – Shira Camp (3,750m)

The trail leaves the forest and enters the heath and moorland zone, where Kilimanjaro’s grandeur unfolds. The day begins with a steep ridge climb offering panoramic views of Mount Meru in the distance.

Lunch is served en route before reaching Shira Plateau, a broad volcanic plain that offers one of the most scenic campsites on the mountain. You’ll arrive early enough to rest and enjoy a spectacular sunset over the western glaciers of Kilimanjaro.

Distance: 9 km / 5–6 hours
Elevation Gain: +915m
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Shira Camp

Day 4: Shira Camp – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Today’s trek follows the rule of “climb high, sleep low” — an essential part of Kilimanjaro acclimatization strategy.
You’ll hike towards Lava Tower, a volcanic rock pinnacle standing at 4,630m, where you’ll stop for lunch and rest to help your body adapt to higher altitude.

Afterward, you’ll descend gradually to Barranco Camp, passing through the stunning Senecio Forest, filled with giant groundsels and lobelias unique to Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude ecosystem.

Distance: 10 km / 6–7 hours
Elevation Gain: +880m / -670m
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (3,995m)

Begin your day with the thrilling Barranco Wall climb — a steep but rewarding scramble that requires no technical skills. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of the Kibo Glacier and Heim Glacier.

The path then undulates through valleys carved by ancient lava flows before arriving at Karanga Camp, known for its stunning views and calm atmosphere.
This is one of the best spots to photograph Kibo Peak during sunset.

Distance: 6 km / 4–5 hours
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Today’s trek is short but steep. You’ll climb over rocky terrain to reach Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt.
“Barafu” means ice in Swahili, and temperatures drop quickly after sunset.

After an early dinner, rest and prepare your gear for the midnight climb.
Your guide will conduct a safety and pace briefing to help ensure a successful summit.

Distance: 4 km / 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: +678m
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 7: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)

The summit push begins at midnight under the glow of the stars.
You’ll ascend slowly along switchbacks toward Stella Point (5,739m), reaching it at sunrise.
The golden light over Mawenzi Peak and the southern glaciers is unforgettable.

From Stella Point, continue for another hour to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and a lifelong achievement for every trekker.
After celebrating and taking photos, begin the long descent to Mweka Camp via Barafu Ridge.

Distance: 16 km / 10–12 hours
Elevation Gain: +1,222m / -2,795m
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Moshi

Descend through lush forest, where you might spot colobus monkeys and tropical birds.
At Mweka Gate, receive your Kilimanjaro Climb Certificate — a symbol of your endurance and determination.

After lunch, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower and farewell dinner.

Distance: 10 km / 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (B/L)
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

💰 Pricing & Inclusions

From USD 1,950 per person
(based on 2 trekkers sharing; discounts for 4+ participants)

✅ Included

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Licensed porters and mountain crew

• National Park entry & rescue fees

• All meals on the mountain (B/L/D)

• Camping equipment (tents, tables, mattresses)

• Airport transfers (JRO – Moshi – JRO)

• Pre/post-climb hotel accommodation

❌ Excluded

• International airfare

• Travel insurance (mandatory)

• Sleeping bags and personal gear

• Tips for staff ($10–$15/day recommended)

• Optional single-room supplement

⚖️ Cancellation & Privacy Policy

• 30+ days before departure: 90% refund

• 15–29 days: 50% refund

• 14 days or less: No refund (credit option available)

• Force majeure: Free rescheduling or credit

Wild Springs Adventures adheres to Kenyan Data Protection Laws and GDPR.
Personal information is used solely for booking and logistics.
You may request data access or deletion anytime via [email protected].

🩺 Health & Safety

• Recommended for trekkers aged 12+ with good fitness

• Daily health checks by guides (oxygen level and pulse)

• Oxygen cylinders and first-aid are available

• Evacuation procedures coordinated with park authorities

• Vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free meals available on request

🏕️ Equipment & Gear

Pack warm clothing, waterproof layers, sturdy boots, trekking poles, and a refillable water bottle.
Gear can be rented or purchased at our Outdoor Equipment Store in Parklands, Nairobi, before departure.

💬 Guest Reviews

“An unforgettable journey! The Machame Route offered incredible views every day. The guides were professional, the food great, and reaching Uhuru Peak was life-changing.”
— John Mwangi, February 2025

🔗 Related Treks in East Africa

• 4 Days Mount Kenya – Chogoria Route

• 7 Days Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Route