Machame Route – 7 Days (Classic “Whiskey” route)
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations: Machame Gate → Machame Camp → Shira Camp → Lava Tower (acclimatization) → Barranco → Karanga → Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Trek Types: Private • Small-Group on request • Photographic
Starting Point/End: Moshi or Arusha (hotel pickup/drop-off)
Overview
The Machame is Kilimanjaro’s classic, varied trail—lush rainforest, moorland, and dramatic valleys—with a strong acclimatization profile. A key “walk high, sleep low” day via Lava Tower boosts summit success, and the scramble up the Barranco Wall is a scenic highlight. You’ll make a steady night ascent from Barafu to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), then descend via Mweka.
Itinerary (Day by Day)
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha → Machame Gate → Machame Camp (Rainforest)
Registration at the southern gate, then a gentle, humid climb beneath tall trees to Machame Camp. Watch for colobus and blue monkeys.
Hike: ~5–7 hrs
Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira Camp (Moorland & Plateau Views)
Emerge from forest to heather and giant groundsels; traverse lava ridges with expanding views of Kibo and Shira Plateau. Camp at Shira.
Hike: ~4–6 hrs
Day 3: Shira → Lava Tower (4,630 m) → Barranco (3,960 m)
Steady climb to Lava Tower for an important acclimatization stop, then descend into the fertile Barranco Valley. Textbook walk high, sleep low day.
Hike: ~6–7 hrs
Day 4: Barranco Wall → Karanga Valley
Fun, non-technical scramble up the Barranco Wall, then rolling terrain to Karanga Camp. Afternoon rest, hydration, and optional short acclimatization walk.
Hike: ~4–5 hrs
Day 5: Karanga → Barafu (Summit Camp)
Short but steady push to Barafu on alpine gravel. Early dinner, gear check, and rest before the night summit.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs
Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Midnight start via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) for sunrise and photos. Descend to Barafu for a hot drink, then continue down to Mweka Camp for recovery.
Hike: 12–15 hrs total (ascent + descent)
Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi/Arusha
Final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate for summit certificates. Private transfer to your hotel for a well-earned shower and celebration.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs
Safari Booking
Professional mountain team: lead guide(s), assistant guides, cook, and porter crew
Kilimanjaro park/conservation fees and mountain camping fees
Quality mountain tents (sleeping tent, dining tent with tables/chairs), sleeping mats
All meals on the mountain (hearty breakfasts, packed or hot lunches, hot dinners) + hot drinks
Treated drinking water throughout the trek
Basic medical kit on the mountain (pulse oximeter; supplemental oxygen for emergencies)
Pre-trek briefing and gear check in Moshi/Arusha
Private transfers: hotel ↔ park gates (start and finish)
Summit certificates
International flights and Tanzania visa
Pre/post-trek hotels in Moshi/Arusha (available on request)
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, poles, down jacket; rentals available)
Travel insurance (recommended for high-altitude trekking)
Optional upgrades (private toilet tent, single tent use)
Snacks/energy gels, bottled drinks, and personal expenses
Tips/gratuities for mountain crew
Any services not mentioned as included