7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb - Bush Lion Tours

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7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb

7 Days

Tour Overview

The 7 days Machame route is one of the best and most recommended ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is famous for its stunning scenery, good acclimatization profile, and high summit success rate. Often called the “Whiskey Route,” it is slightly more challenging than Marangu but very rewarding. The trail starts on the southern side of the mountain and passes through rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert, and glacial zones.

Choosing the 7 days Machame route gives climbers an extra day on the mountain, allowing the body to adapt better to high altitude. This makes the climb safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. With professional guides, strong support teams, and breathtaking views every day, this route is ideal for trekkers who want the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak while enjoying a true adventure on Africa’s highest mountain.

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy excellent acclimatization with an extra day, increasing comfort and summit success.
  • Walk through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to alpine desert and icy summit views.
  • Follow the “climb high, sleep low” method, which helps the body adjust to altitude naturally.
  • Experience iconic sections like the Barranco Wall with amazing panoramic views.
  • Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters and stand proudly on the roof of Africa.

Trip Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Later in the day, you will meet your professional mountain guide for a detailed trek briefing. Your guide will explain the full 7 Days Machame Route plan and conduct a thorough equipment check. Any missing or unsuitable mountain gear can be rented locally to ensure you are fully prepared for the climb.

Meals: Not Included

After breakfast, drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, where park registration is completed. You will meet your mountain crew and begin the trek. The trail climbs steadily through lush rainforest with tall trees, vines, and moss-covered ground. The path can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain, but the forest scenery is rich and alive with birds and wildlife.

  • Distance: 10.8 km / 6.7 miles
  • Hiking Time: About 6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The trail continues uphill as the forest gradually thins and opens into moorland. You will climb a steep ridge to reach the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. From here, you enjoy wide views of Kilimanjaro and, on clear days, Mount Meru in the distance. The air becomes cooler as altitude increases.

  • Distance: 5.4 km / 3.4 miles
  • Hiking Time: About 5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This is an important acclimatization day on the 7 Days Machame Route. You hike across high-altitude moorland toward Lava Tower (4,600m), where you stop for lunch. After spending time at higher altitude, you descend to Barranco Camp, following the principle of walk high, sleep low. The camp sits in a beautiful valley below the Barranco Wall, surrounded by glaciers.

  • Distance: 10.8 km / 6.7 miles
  • Hiking Time: About 8 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The day begins with a climb up the famous Barranco Wall. Although steep, it is not technical and offers exciting scrambling with stunning views. After reaching the top, the trail crosses valleys and ridges beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers. You then descend into Karanga Valley before making a final climb to Karanga Camp. An optional acclimatization walk may be done in the afternoon.

  • Distance: 5.5 km / 3.4 miles
  • Hiking Time: About 5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you trek through an alpine desert landscape toward Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt. The trail is steep and rocky, and the air is thin. Upon arrival, you rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit climb. An early dinner is served, followed by rest before the midnight summit push.

  • Distance: 3 km / 1.9 miles
  • Hiking Time: About 3 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Around midnight, you begin the most challenging and rewarding part of the 7 Days Machame Route. The climb to Stella Point is steep and demanding, but reaching the crater rim at sunrise is unforgettable. From there, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After photos and celebration, descend back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, then continue down to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest.

  • Distance: 13.4 km / 8.3 miles
  • Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

A gentle descent through rainforest takes you to Mweka Gate. Here, you complete park formalities and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificates. Afterward, transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and relaxation.

  • Distance: 12.1 km / 7.5 miles
  • Hiking Time: About 6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Optional extensions such as Tanzania safari, Zanzibar beach holiday, or cultural tours can be arranged upon request.

Meals: Breakfast

Trip Includes

  • 2 nights at Park View Inn (or similar) in Moshi on a bed-and-breakfast basis (1 night before and 1 night after the trek)
  • Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure
  • Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro park gate
  • Kilimanjaro Park entrance fees
  • Camping or hut accommodation fees
  • Crater fees (if applicable)
  • Kilimanjaro rescue team fees
  • High-quality 4-season tents
  • Double-thickness (10 cm) foam mattresses
  • Professional, experienced, and friendly guides, cooks, and porters
  • Three freshly prepared meals per day during the trek
  • Filtered and treated drinking water throughout the climb
  • Hot water for washing
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew according to KINAPA and KIATO regulations
  • All government taxes
  • Portable oxygen cylinders for emergency use
  • English- or French-speaking certified mountain guide
  • Oximeter, first aid supplies, and stethoscope
  • Private portable toilet with a tent (1 toilet for groups of 1–5 climbers, 2 toilets for groups of 6–10 climbers)
  • Mountain communication radio
  • Official Kilimanjaro summit certificate.
  • Flights to/from Tanzania
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
  • Travel Insurance (Medical, Evacuation, Trip Cancellation, Etc.)
  • Personal Gear (Such As Hiking Boots, Clothing, Backpacks, Etc.)
  • Tips For Guides, Porters, And Other Staff
  • Additional Accommodation And Meals Before Or After The Climb
  • Alcoholic Beverages And Other Personal Expenses
  • Laundry (Available at hotel).
Group Discount Available
From $1750
/ Adult
  • Unbeatable Value Assurance - ( Discover extraordinary adventures )
  • Effortless Reservation Process - ( No booking hassles )
  • Transparent Pricing, Zero Surprises - ( No hidden costs )
  • Expertise Beyond Measure - ( Team of seasoned experts )
  • Your Joy, Our Priority - ( Happiness Commitment )
7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb