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7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek
Kilimanjaro

7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek

The 7 Days Machame Route offers 7 full days of trekking up Kilimanjaro's famous 'Whiskey Route'. Starting at Machame Gate (1,800 m), you ascend through lush rainforest before emerging onto the vast Sh...

Duration7 Days
DifficultyChallenging
Group size1 – 12
Summit5,895 m
USD 2,390 per person
At a glance

Trip Overview

Duration 7 Days
Difficulty Challenging
Group size 1 – 12
Summit 5,895 m
Trip overview

What to Expect

The 7 Days Machame Route offers 7 full days of trekking up Kilimanjaro's famous 'Whiskey Route'. Starting at Machame Gate (1,800 m), you ascend through lush rainforest before emerging onto the vast Shira Plateau. The route takes you past the iconic Lava Tower (4,640 m) for a 'climb high, sleep low' acclimatisation day, down into the spectacular Barranco Valley where you'll conquer the Barranco Wall, through the scenic Karanga Valley with an extra acclimatisation night at Karanga Camp, and finally to Barafu Camp for the summit push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m.

Why this journey

Trip Highlights

The iconic 'Whiskey Route' with an extra acclimatisation day
Full rainforest trek from Machame Gate (1,800 m)
Lava Tower 'climb high, sleep low' day (4,640 m)
Karanga Camp overnight for superior altitude adaptation
Conquer the Barranco Wall scramble
~85% summit success rate with expert guides
8 trekking days

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1 Day

Welcome to Tanzania – Arrival in Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing and gear check before your trek begins.

Altitude890 m / 2,920 ft
HikingNone
StayLa Mama Hotels, Moshi (or similar)
MealsD
  • Airport welcome service Kilimanjaro trip briefing Professional gear check Moshi town atmosphere Relax before trekking
What you'll do: Meet your mountain team for a complete trek briefing, review your equipment, ask questions, and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.
What's included today: Airport transfer, hotel accommodation, dinner, pre-climb briefing, professional guide consultation, and equipment inspection.
Good to know: This is a rest day — not counted in your 7 trekking days. Ensure all hiking gear is ready and get plenty of rest. Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins tomorrow.
2 Day

Machame Gate → Machame Camp

Begin your Kilimanjaro adventure through lush rainforest trails filled with giant trees, colourful birds, and possible sightings of black-and-white colobus monkeys. The trail starts at Machame Gate (1,800 m) and winds gently uphill through the dense forest zone to Machame Camp, your first mountain camp nestled among the giant camphorwood trees.

Altitude1,800 m → 3,010 m
Distance11 km / 6.8 mi
Hiking5 – 7 h
StayMachame Camp (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Rainforest trek from Machame Gate Colobus monkey sightings Dense canopy trail Rich birdlife First mountain camp
What you'll do: Hike through the beautiful rainforest zone at a gentle pace while enjoying the fresh mountain air and observing Kilimanjaro's unique ecosystem.
What's included today: Park fees, mountain crew support, all meals, camping equipment, drinking water, professional guides, and porter services.
Good to know: The "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) pace starts today. Walking slowly improves acclimatization and increases summit success.
3 Day

Machame Camp → Shira Camp 2

Today you leave the rainforest behind and emerge onto the vast Shira Plateau — one of the highest plateaus in the world. The trail winds through grassy moorland and giant heather, with ever-expanding views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds ahead. The landscape becomes more open and dramatic with every step as you make your way to Shira Camp 2.

Altitude3,010 m → 3,850 m
Distance7 km / 4.3 mi
Hiking4 – 6 h
StayShira Camp 2 (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Shira Plateau panoramas First clear view of Kibo summit Alpine moorland with giant lobelias Mount Meru views on clear days
What you'll do: 4 – 6 h of trekking across the Shira Plateau, paced for acclimatisation with rest and snack stops.
What's included today: Stay at Shira Camp 2 (tents) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: The vegetation thins noticeably as you climb — enjoy the last of the giant heather trees today. Tomorrow the landscape opens up into high-altitude desert.
4 Day

Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp

The classic 'climb high, sleep low' acclimatisation day. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,640 m) for lunch with spectacular views of the Western Breach and the glaciers above, then descend into the giant senecio forest of the Barranco valley. This is the most important acclimatisation day of the trek, taking you to your highest point before summit night.

Altitude3,850 m → 4,640 m → 3,960 m
Distance10 km / 6.2 mi
Hiking6 – 8 h
StayBarranco Camp (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Lava Tower acclimatisation (4,640 m) Giant senecio forest View of Western Breach
What you'll do: 6 – 8 h of trekking with your lead guide, paced for acclimatisation with lunch at Lava Tower.
What's included today: Stay at Barranco Camp (tents) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: Lava Tower (4,640 m) is the highest point before summit night. The descent to Barranco afterwards helps your body adapt more than staying high — trust the process.
5 Day

Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp

After conquering the Barranco Wall early morning, traverse the upper Karanga Valley with a shorter distance than the combined Barranco→Barafu day. This extra day at Karanga Camp provides critical acclimatisation time, giving your body an additional night to adapt before the summit push.

Altitude3,960 m → 3,995 m
Distance5 km / 3.1 mi
Hiking4 – 5 h
StayKaranga Camp (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Barranco Wall morning scramble Shorter hiking day for acclimatisation Karanga Valley scenic traverse Extra rest before summit
What you'll do: 4 – 5 h of trekking — conquer the Barranco Wall, then a gentle traverse to Karanga Camp.
What's included today: Stay at Karanga Camp (tents) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: This is the key difference from the 6-day Machame — a shorter day with an extra night at altitude significantly improves summit success.
6 Day

Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp

A moderate ascent up the desolate scree slopes to Barafu Camp, your summit base camp at 4,673 m. The afternoon is spent resting, hydrating, and preparing gear for the midnight summit push. Your guide conducts a final summit briefing and oxygen check.

Altitude3,995 m → 4,673 m
Distance4 km / 2.5 mi
Hiking4 – 5 h
StayBarafu Camp (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Scree slope ascent to Barafu Summit base camp arrival Pre-summit briefing & gear prep Rest before midnight push
What you'll do: 4 – 5 h of trekking — a short ascent to Barafu Camp for rest and summit preparation.
What's included today: Stay at Barafu Camp (tents) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: The short hiking day is intentional — conserve energy for summit night. Eat well, hydrate, and try to sleep in the early evening.
7 Day

Summit Day — Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

Wake at 11 PM, hot tea, and step into the dark by midnight. Six hours of slow switchbacks to Stella Point (5,756 m) for sunrise, then one final hour along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa at 5,895 m. Celebrate with photos and a moment of silence on top of Africa before beginning the long descent to Mweka Camp.

Altitude4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Distance16 km / 10 mi
Hiking12 – 14 h
StayMweka Camp (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Midnight summit push by starlight Sunrise at Stella Point (5,756 m) Uhuru Peak — 5,895 m (Roof of Africa) Long descent to oxygen-rich forest camp
What you'll do: 12 – 14 h of trekking — summit push by starlight, celebrate at Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp.
What's included today: Stay at Mweka Camp (tents) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: Dress in all your warm layers — summit night temperatures fall to −20 °C with windchill. Carry your camera inside your jacket to keep batteries warm.
8 Day

Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi (Overnight)

A gentle descent through lush rainforest where the air is thick with oxygen and bird calls echo through the canopy. At Mweka Gate, you complete park formalities and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate — a proud moment to commemorate your achievement. Your vehicle meets you at the gate for the drive back to Moshi, where a hot shower and a comfortable bed await.

Altitude3,100 m → 1,640 m
Distance10 km / 6.2 mi
Hiking3 – 4 h
StayPark View Inn (or similar), Moshi
MealsB / L / D
  • Final rainforest descent Summit certificate ceremony Hot shower & celebration in Moshi Comfortable hotel overnight
What you'll do: 3 – 4 h of descent through the rainforest, certificate presentation, and transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
What's included today: Park fees, guide support, lunch, hotel accommodation in Moshi (B&B), and farewell dinner.
Good to know: Unlike some operators who schedule same-day departure, we include a hotel night after the trek so you can rest properly. Departure transfers can be arranged for the next morning or later the same evening on request.
What's covered

Included & Excluded

Everything you need for a seamless journey — and a clear view of what to arrange yourself.

What's included

  • 2 nights at Park View Inn (or similar) in Moshi on B&B (1 before + 1 after the trek)
  • Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure
  • Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro park gate
  • Kilimanjaro Park entrance, camping & rescue fees
  • High-quality 4-season tents, 10 cm foam mattresses, mess tent
  • Professional KINAPA-licensed lead guide, assistant guides, cooks & porters
  • Three freshly prepared meals daily + filtered drinking water
  • Hot water for washing
  • Fair wages for mountain crew per KINAPA & KIATO regulations
  • Portable oxygen cylinders & pulse oximeter for daily health checks
  • Private portable flush toilet with toilet tent (groups of 4+)
  • Official Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • Mountain communication radio & emergency protocols
  • All government taxes & VAT (18%)

Not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa (USD 50 on arrival)
  • Travel & evacuation insurance (mandatory — must cover trekking above 4,000 m)
  • Tips for the mountain crew (recommended USD 300–350 per climber)
  • Personal climbing gear (rentable in Moshi)
  • Meals and drinks at the hotel (before and after the trek)
  • Single tent supplement (USD 20 per day)
  • Laundry services at the hotel

Prices for this route

Route name 1 Person 2-4 People 5-7 People 8-10 People 810+ & Above
7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek 2,790/Person 2,500/Person 2,450/Person 2,390/Person Contact us
For 810+ guests, contact us for a custom group quote with special discounts.
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Pack smart

Packing list

A category-by-category checklist tailored to this journey. Items marked essential should not be skipped — rentals are available in Moshi and Arusha.

Clothing & Layers

  • 3× moisture-wicking base layer tops
  • 2× thermal base layer bottoms
  • Fleece or soft-shell mid layer
  • Insulated down jacket (summit night)
  • Waterproof + windproof hard-shell jacket and trousers
  • Trekking trousers (2 pairs) + shorts
  • Warm hat, sun hat, buff/neck gaiter
  • Liner gloves + insulated waterproof gloves
  • 4× hiking socks, 1× thermal socks for summit

Daypack & Summit Kit

  • 20–30 L daypack with rain cover
  • 2–3 L water bladder or two 1 L bottles
  • Sunscreen SPF 50, lip balm with SPF
  • Sunglasses (UV 400)
  • Personal first aid kit: blister kit, paracetamol, rehydration salts
  • Quick-dry towel, hand sanitiser, wet wipes
  • Camera + spare batteries, power bank
  • Headlamp + spare batteries (essential for summit)
  • Trekking poles (collapsible)
  • Thermos for hot drinks on summit night
  • Hand and toe warmers

Footwear & Sleeping

  • Waterproof hiking boots, broken in
  • Camp shoes / trainers
  • Gaiters (recommended)
  • 4-season sleeping bag (-15 °C comfort rating)
  • Inflatable pillow

Documents & Money

  • Passport (6+ months validity) and visa
  • Travel insurance documents (printed + digital)
  • Vaccination certificate if applicable
  • Credit card + USD cash in small notes (post-2009, no rips)
  • Emergency contacts and trip voucher
Before you book

Important information

Practical details every traveller should read before confirming. We'll cover everything again in your pre-departure pack.

Visa & Entry

Most nationalities need a Tanzanian tourist visa (USD 50, or USD 100 for US passports). You can apply online or get a visa on arrival at JRO. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is mandatory. For Kilimanjaro and high-altitude treks the policy must explicitly cover trekking above 4,000 m and helicopter rescue.

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a yellow fever country. Anti-malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Consult a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.

Payment & Deposits

A 30% deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due 45 days before arrival. We accept bank transfer and card (3% fee). Free rescheduling up to 30 days before departure.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and an important part of crew income. Guidelines are shared in your pre-trip pack — typically USD 300–350 total per climber for a Kilimanjaro crew.

Group Size & Privacy

This trip runs in groups of 1 – 12. Private departures with your own guide and vehicle are available year-round on request — ask us for a custom quote.

Altitude & Fitness

You'll sleep above 4,000 m and summit at 5,895 m. No technical climbing skills are needed, but you should be able to walk 5–7 hours per day on consecutive days. We do daily pulse-oximeter checks and carry emergency oxygen.

KPAP-Registered Operator

We follow Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) standards: fair wages, three meals a day for porters, proper gear, and a 20 kg load limit. Your booking directly supports ethical mountain employment.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your climb. Can't find your answer? Get in touch.

You should be able to walk 5–7 hours per day on consecutive days. No technical climbing skills are required, but good cardiovascular fitness and mental determination are essential. We recommend starting a fitness programme at least 8 weeks before your trek.
Success rates vary by route and duration. Longer itineraries (7–9 days) have higher success rates (85–95%) because they allow better acclimatisation. Our expert guides use proven strategies to maximise your chances.
Our guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. They monitor your health daily. If symptoms become severe, immediate descent is arranged. Helicopter evacuation is available for emergencies (covered by your mandatory travel insurance).
Accommodation depends on the route. Marangu Route uses mountain huts (dormitory beds). All other routes use high-quality 4-season tents with 10 cm foam mattresses. Mess tents with tables and chairs are provided for meals.
The best months are January–March and June–October. These are the driest periods with the clearest views. The wettest months are April–May and November–December, though climbing is still possible.
No. Our porters carry your main luggage (up to 15 kg) between camps. You only carry a small daypack with water, snacks, camera, rain gear, and personal items.
Our cooks prepare three fresh meals daily: breakfast (porridge, eggs, toast, fruit), lunch (soup, main course, snacks), and dinner (main course, vegetables, dessert). Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) are accommodated with advance notice.
Limited. Signal is available at some lower camps but disappears above 4,000 m. Our guides carry satellite communication radios for emergencies. We recommend downloading offline maps and informing family of limited contact.
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+255 783 884 129
+255 783 884 129
info@bushliontours.com

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7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek

7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek

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Price per person $2,390
Number of travelers × 1
Total Price $2,390
Deposit to confirm (20%) $478

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