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7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking

Machame Route:

Embark on a 7-day adventure to the Roof of Africa via the scenic Machame Route, known for its diverse landscapes and high success rate. This challenging yet rewarding trek takes you through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges to reach the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—Africa’s highest point. With excellent acclimatization, experienced guides, and breathtaking scenery, this route offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventurous hikers.

The 7-day Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Offering a diverse range of ecosystems—from rainforest to alpine desert—this route provides excellent acclimatization and higher summit success rates.

This trek is for those with a spirit for adventure and a good level of fitness. With gradual elevation gain and an extra acclimatization day, you’ll enjoy one of the most breathtaking trekking experiences in Africa.

Itinerary summary

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

    • Trek time: 5–7 hrs

    • Distance: ~11 km

    • Habitat: Rainforest

  • Day 2: Machame Camp (2,835 m) → Shira Camp (3,850 m)

    • Trek time: 4–6 hrs

    • Distance: ~5 km

    • Habitat: Moorland, views of Shira Plateau & Kibo Peak

  • Day 3: Shira Camp (3,850 m) → Lava Tower (4,640 m) → Barranco Camp (3,950 m)

    • Trek time: 6–8 hrs

    • Distance: ~10 km

    • “Climb high, sleep low” for acclimatization

  • Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950 m) → Karanga Camp (4,035 m)

    • Trek time: 4–5 hrs

    • Distance: ~5 km

    • Includes scramble up the Barranco Wall

  • Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) → Barafu Camp (4,640 m)

    • Trek time: 3–4 hrs

    • Distance: ~4 km

    • Prepares for summit attempt; barren, windswept terrain

  • Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

    • Trek time: 12–15 hrs (summit push + descent)

    • Distance: ~17 km

    • Midnight start → sunrise at summit → descend to rainforest

  • Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) → Mweka Gate (1,640 m) → Transfer

    • Trek time: 3–4 hrs

    • Distance: ~10 km

    • Certificate ceremony at gate → return to Arusha/Moshi

DAY to Day Program

Early morning, Drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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

Trek Time: 5–7 hours
Distance: ~11 km

Start from Machame Gate after registration and a briefing with your mountain crew. Trek through the lush rainforest where you’ll encounter giant ferns, moss-covered trees, and colorful birdlife.

Overnight:

Machame Camp

Unique Features:

Lunch & Dinner

Trek Time: 4–6 hours
Distance: ~5 km

Leave the forest behind and enter moorland, where you’ll see dramatic views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. The vegetation becomes more sparse, and the air cooler.

Overnight:

Shira Camp

Unique Features:

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek Time: 6–8 hours
Distance: ~10 km

Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” day greatly improves altitude adaptation.

Overnight:

Barranco Camp

Unique Features:

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~5 km

Begin with a steep scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, then traverse valleys and ridges to Karanga Camp. Enjoy scenic views of the southern icefields.

Overnight:

Karanga Camp

Unique Features:

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: ~4 km

Hike to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. The landscape becomes barren and windswept. After early dinner and rest, prepare for the midnight summit push.

Overnight:

Barafu Camp

Unique Features:

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek Time: 12–15 hours
Distance: ~17 km

Wake at midnight for the toughest but most rewarding part of the trek. Hike through darkness to Stella Point and onward to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. After photos and celebration, descend all the way to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

Overnight:

Mweka Camp

Unique Features:

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: ~10 km

Descend through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your certificate of achievement. Transfer back to Arusha or Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.

Overnight:

Mweka Camp

Unique Features:

Breakfast.

Inclusive

  • Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook

  • All park fees and camping equipment

  • Accommodation in tents and meals on the mountain

  • Transfer to/from trailhead

  • Safety equipment (oxygen, pulse oximeter)

Optional Add-Ons

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Here are optional add-ons you can list alongside your 7-day Mount Kilimanjaro trekking package:

  1. Arusha City Tour – Visit local markets, museums, and cultural centers.

  2. Coffee Farm Tour – Experience a working plantation with tasting sessions.

  3. Materuni Waterfalls & Chagga Village Visit – Short hike, traditional food, and banana beer.

  4. Hot Springs Day Trip (Kikuletwa/Chemka) – Relax in natural warm waters near Moshi.

  5. Wildlife Safari Extension – 2–5 days in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire.

  6. Zanzibar Beach Holiday – Fly to Zanzibar for white-sand beaches and spice tours.

  7. Massage & Spa Treatment – Post-trek recovery at a luxury spa in Arusha or Moshi.

  8. Moshi Market & Cultural Tour – Explore local crafts, cuisine, and city life.

  9. Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary Day Trip – See endangered black rhinos in a protected reserve.

  10. Night at Simba Farm Lodge (Pre- or Post-Trek) – Rest and enjoy panoramic Kilimanjaro views.