7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide
Overview
Day by Day
Included
Getting There
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Overview
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and popular trekking trails. It offers breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and an excellent acclimatization profile, greatly increasing summit success rates. Starting through lush rainforest and rising to alpine desert and icy peaks, this route provides an adventurous and rewarding experience for climbers seeking both challenge and natural beauty on their way to Uhuru Peak.
Tour Features
Budget camping
This is a budget camping tour.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 6 people per group.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour.
Minimum age of 15 years
The minimum age for this tour is 15 years.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: minivan & hiking/walking
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
✅ Kilimanjaro park fees & camping fees
✅ Professional mountain guides, porters & cooks
✅ All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
✅ Drinking water & hot beverages
✅ Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
✅ Transport from Moshi/Arusha to Londorossi Gate & back
✅ Oxygen tank & emergency first aid kit
Excluded
❌ Flights & visas
❌ Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, poles)
❌ Tips for guides & porters ($250–$350 per hiker recommended)
❌ Travel insurance & medical evacuation
❌ Additional accommodations before/after the trek
7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Itinerary - Day by Day Breakdown
This 7-day Lemosho Route itinerary is meticulously crafted to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek, maximizing your chances of reaching the Roof of Africa.
Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania & Pre-Climb Briefing (Moshi/Arusha)
Activities: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, pre-climb briefing with your Kilimanjaro outfitter.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi/Arusha e.g., Weru Weru River Lodge, Sal Salinero Hotel).
Highlight of the Day: Arriving in Tanzania and feeling the excitement build for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Tip for the Day: Relax, hydrate, and ensure you have all necessary gear ready for the trek.
Day 1: Arusha to Machame Camp
After breakfast in Arusha, drive for about 2 hours to Machame Gate (1,800m). Begin a 10km trek through lush rainforest to Machame Camp (3,000m), taking approximately 5–6 hours. Enjoy sightings of monkeys and rich vegetation along the way. Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Campsite.
After breakfast, leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone with stunning views of Shira Plateau. The trail climbs steadily, offering panoramas of Mount Meru and Kibo Peak. Arrive at Shira Camp (3,840m) in the afternoon to rest and enjoy the sunset over the plateau. Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Campsite.
After breakfast, continue trekking east toward the Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m). The route offers dramatic scenery, including views of the Western Breach and Kibo glaciers. The descent helps your body adjust to altitude. Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Campsite.
Distance: 10km
Elevation Gain: 790m up / 670m down
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Barranco to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,950 m (Barranco Camp) → 4,200 m (Karanga Camp)
Distance: 5 km / 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Camping
Your day begins with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, one of the most memorable sections of the Lemosho Route. Though it looks challenging, the non-technical ascent is safe and fun, offering spectacular views of the Kilimanjaro glaciers and the Heim and Kersten Glaciers as you climb. After reaching the top of the wall, the trail undulates through valleys and ridges before descending into the Karanga Valley, where you’ll cross a small stream and make a short ascent to Karanga Camp. This shorter day allows for rest and acclimatization, preparing you for the higher altitudes ahead. Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.
Day 5: Karanga to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,200 m (Karanga Camp) → 4,673 m (Barafu Camp)
Distance: 4 km / 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Camping
After breakfast, the trek continues on a steady uphill climb across a rocky and wind-exposed terrain with sparse vegetation. The path gradually merges with the Mweka Route, which you will later use for your descent. As you approach Barafu Camp, the surrounding landscape transforms into a dramatic alpine desert with sweeping views of Mawenzi Peak and the summit ridge of Kibo. Upon arrival, you’ll rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. It’s essential to stay hydrated and keep warm as temperatures drop sharply at this altitude. Overnight at Barafu Camp before your final ascent to the summit.
Day 6: Barafu to Uhuru Peak then Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,673 m (Barafu Camp) → 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak) → 3,100 m (Mweka Camp)
Distance: 8 km ascent / 15 km descent / 12–16 hours total
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Camping
The day begins around midnight with a torch-lit trek to the summit. The ascent is steep, cold, and challenging, but the “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization strategy helps you reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) by sunrise. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Meru, the Great Rift Valley, and the snow-capped glaciers of Kibo. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you’ll descend past Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp, crossing moorlands and forest on the way. Overnight at Mweka Camp offers a well-earned rest after the summit push.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate then Arusha
Elevation: 3,100 m (Mweka Camp) → 1,640 m (Mweka Gate) → 1,400 m (Arusha)
Distance: 10 km descent / 3–4 hours trekking + 4–5 hours drive
Accommodation: N/A (return to hotel or lodge in Arusha)
After breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll descend through the lush rainforest, enjoying the final views of Kilimanjaro’s slopes. The trail is mostly downhill, passing streams, giant ferns, and wildlife such as colobus monkeys and exotic birds. At Mweka Gate, you’ll complete the official park exit formalities and receive your summit certificate. From here, a private vehicle will drive you back to Arusha, where you can relax, celebrate your achievement, and enjoy a well-deserved rest after the week-long adventure.
First-time Kilimanjaro climbers: Its gradual ascent and manageable daily distances make it an excellent choice for those new to high-altitude trekking.
Trekkers prioritizing acclimatization: If you are concerned about altitude sickness or have had issues at altitude before, the 7-day Rongai is highly recommended.
Those seeking a quieter, less crowded experience: If you prefer a more secluded trek away from the busier routes, Rongai offers a more tranquil adventure.
Nature lovers and photographers: The diverse landscapes and unique flora and fauna along the Rongai Route make it a visually rewarding climb.
Best Time to Climb the Rongai Route
The best time to climb the Rongai Route is during the dry seasons:
January to March: Warmest and driest conditions, excellent for summit attempts.
June to October: Another dry season, slightly cooler than January-March, also ideal for climbing.
Avoid the rainy seasons (April-May and November-December) for the best trekking conditions. However, Rongai is generally drier than the southern routes even during shoulder seasons.
