Machame Route 7 days climb

Safari Overview

The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is the most popular route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Its draw lies in its stunning scenic beauty, taking climbers through diverse landscapes from lush rainforest to alpine desert and glacial peaks. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep, and challenging, making it better suited for adventurous individuals with some high-altitude hiking or backpacking experience.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rainforest to the Shira Plateau, where many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. The route then turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka Route.

Usoke Explorers offers the Machame Route as a 7-day group climb or as a 6 to 8-day private climb. The 7-day Machame Route is the standard itinerary and is described in detail below.

Route Variations

7-Day Machame Route: The standard itinerary with a full day of acclimatization.
6-Day Machame Variation: Cuts one day off by combining days 4 and 5, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga.
8-Day Machame “Daytime Summit” Route: Shortens the summit day by beginning the summit bid during the daytime and returning to Barafu Camp instead of continuing to Mweka Camp. This variation eliminates the midnight summit attempt but uses an additional day to complete the descent.

Route Facts

Distance: Approximately 62 kilometres or 37 miles
Total Elevation Gain: Approximately 16,000 to 17,000 feet
Duration: 6 to 8 days, depending on the variation
Difficulty: Challenging due to distance, elevation gain, and the up-and-down nature of the trail

Success Rates

6-Day Machame: Approximately 50% (all operators combined); Usoke Explorers: 70–75%
7-Day Machame: Approximately 70% (all operators combined); Usoke Explorers: 85–90%

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Arusha

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a Usoke Explorers representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Spend the rest of the day at leisure you may relax at the lodge or explore Arusha City.

In the evening, you will attend a briefing in preparation for the upcoming trek.

Accommodation: Meru View Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha – Machame Gate (1,790m) – Machame Camp (3,010m)

Altitude Gain: 1,220 metres
Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. As your guides register you, you can watch the mountain team prepare for the climb. Once everything is ready, your Kilimanjaro adventure begins.

You will trek deep within the magnificent mountain rainforest, surrounded by ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana, lichen, and moss that carpets the ground and drapes from the trees. Along the way, you may hear or with a little luck, spot black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops.

After 5 to 6 hours of trekking, you will reach Machame Camp, situated just above the tree line.

Accommodation: Machame Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Machame Camp (3,010m) – New Shira Camp (3,845m)

Altitude Gain: 835 metres
Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours

After an early morning start, the path steepens. The landscape changes to heath and moorland, and the open terrain allows you to see the incredibly impressive mountain range. Today’s trek is shorter than the previous day, and you will arrive at New Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. The camp boasts a breathtaking view of the mountain during sunset, the evening sun lights the rock face and glaciers of Kibo.

Accommodation: New Shira Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: New Shira Camp (3,845m) – Lava Tower (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Altitude Gain: 795 metres | Altitude Loss: 680 metres
Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours

Today you will climb about 800 metres, but you will camp at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This allows your body to acclimatize, as a height of over 4,500 metres will be reached. The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau toward the Lava Tower.

The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to an Afro-alpine desert. This route passes through the sweeping Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours, you will arrive at Barranco Camp, considered the most beautiful camp on the mountain.

Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Altitude Gain: 680 metres
Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours

Today’s trek starts with the climb of the Barranco Wall. Safety is paramount, and your guides will assist you wherever necessary. Following the ridge as it traverses up and down, you can enjoy splendid views of the southern glacier of Kibo.

You will have lunch in the Karanga Valley, followed by a 2 to 3-hour climb to Barafu Camp. Once at the camp, you can relax, have an early dinner, and rest in preparation for the summit attempt.

Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)

Altitude Gain: 1,255 metres | Altitude Loss: 2,815 metres
Hiking Time: 10 to 14 hours

Today’s climb begins at midnight, after a cup of hot tea and a light snack. You will climb the screes of Kibo with the help of a torchlight. After 5 to 7 hours of ascending in the dark, you will arrive at Stella Point, the crater rim of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Another 1 to 2 hours of climbing along the crater ridge will lead you to Uhuru Peak. Here, you will see Kilimanjaro in all its glory, enjoying a 360-degree view over the landscape below as the sun rises. You are now standing on the Roof of Africa.

The descent runs almost along the same route, and shortly before midday, you should arrive at Barafu Camp, where the porters and cook will be waiting for you. After a warm meal and a well-deserved break of 1 to 2 hours, you will make your way down to Mweka Camp for supper and overnight.

Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,080m) – Mweka Gate (1,630m) – Arusha

Altitude Loss: 1,450 metres
Hiking Time: 2 to 3 hours

Today is the final leg of your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure. After breakfast, you will have a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then, a gentle 2 to 3-hour descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you.

You will be driven back to your hotel in Arusha. After a hot shower, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax at the pool, or celebrate your achievement.

Accommodation: Meru View Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home or to your next destination.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

What to Pack

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
Warm layers (temperatures drop below freezing at high altitude)
Rain jacket and waterproof trousers
Sun hat and warm hat
Sunscreen and sunglasses with UV protection
Headlamp with spare batteries
Water bottles or hydration system
Trekking poles
Snacks and energy bars
Personal first aid kit and medications

Safari Inclusions

Airport transfers in Arusha
Transportation to and from the trailhead
Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Park entry fees and conservation levies
All meals during the trek
Mountain hut or tent accommodation
Rescue fees
Comprehensive pre-trek briefing

Safari Exclusions

International flights and visas
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Personal hiking gear and equipment
Tips and gratuities for guides and porters
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs