The 7-day Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It offers a great balance of beautiful landscapes, a good acclimatization profile, and a high success rate for reaching the summit.
The Machame route on Mount Kilimanjaro is typically a 7-day trek, known for its scenic beauty and good acclimatization profile. It’s often referred to as the “Whiskey route” and is a popular choice for climbers, with approximately 35% of all climbers using it. The route starts at Machame Gate, ascends through rainforest, and traverses diverse landscapes before reaching the summit. The Machame route on Mount Kilimanjaro is typically a 7-day trek, known for its scenic beauty and good acclimatization profile. It’s often referred to as the “Whiskey route” and is a popular choice for climbers, with approximately 35% of all climbers using it. The route starts at Machame Gate, ascends through rainforest, and traverses diverse landscapes before reaching the summit.
Here’s a detailed 7-day Machame Route itinerary:
🏞️ Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800 m) to Machame Camp (3,000 m)
- Distance: ~11 km
- Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Description: Begin in lush rainforest, ascending steadily. Trails can be muddy and slippery. Overnight at Machame Camp.
⛰️ Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,850 m)
- Distance: ~5 km
- Time: 4–6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Description: Steeper climb with views opening up. Enter the moorland zone. Shorter day to help acclimatization.
🏔️ Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,960 m) via Lava Tower (4,630 m)
- Distance: ~10 km
- Time: 6–8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Description: Acclimatization day. Climb high to Lava Tower, then descend to sleep lower. This “climb high, sleep low” technique improves acclimatization.
🌄 Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
- Distance: ~5 km
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Description: Begin with the Barranco Wall climb (a fun scramble, not technical). Continue through valleys and ridges. Relatively short day.
🏞️ Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
- Distance: ~4 km
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Description: Ascend steadily to Barafu Camp. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit push starting at midnight.
🏔️ Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), then down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
- Distance: ~17 km
- Time: 12–16 hours
- Habitat: Arctic to rainforest
- Description: Start around midnight. Reach Stella Point (5,739 m) at sunrise, then push to Uhuru Peak. After photos and celebration, descend all the way to Mweka Camp.
🌿 Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
- Distance: ~10 km
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Description: Final descent through lush forest. Receive summit certificates at the gate. Transfer to hotel.
✅ Key Tips for Success
- Acclimatize well: Hydrate, go slowly (“pole pole”), and eat even when not hungry.
- Proper gear: Layered clothing, good boots, rain gear, and a quality sleeping bag are essential.
- Mental strength: Summit night is tough – cold, high altitude, and long hours. Push through slowly.
- Choose a reputable guide: Certified guides and support staff make a huge difference in safety and experience.