7 Days Machame Route – Kilimanjaro Climb

7 Days & 6 Nights

Short itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Machame Gate – Trek to Machame Camp
Day 2: Trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Day 3: Trek from Shira Camp to Lava Tower & Descend to Barranco Camp
Day 4: Climb Barranco Wall & Trek to Karanga Camp
Day 5: Trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 6: Midnight Ascent to Uhuru Peak & Descend to Mweka Camp
Day 7: Trek to Mweka Gate & Return to Arusha

Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Machame Gate – Machame Camp

After breakfast, depart from Arusha and drive to Machame Gate, where registration and final preparations take place. The trek begins through a dense rainforest with towering trees, beautiful ferns, and a humid atmosphere. The trail can be muddy and slippery, but the surrounding nature makes for a stunning introduction to Kilimanjaro. Arrive at Machame Camp by late afternoon, where you’ll settle in for the night.

Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

Leave the rainforest behind as the trail climbs into moorland. The scenery changes dramatically, revealing open landscapes and distant mountain views. The path becomes steeper, and as you gain altitude, the air becomes cooler. Shira Camp is located on a high plateau, offering spectacular sunset views over the valley below.

Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Today’s trek is crucial for acclimatization. The route ascends gradually towards Lava Tower, a striking volcanic rock formation, before descending into the scenic Barranco Valley. The changing altitude helps the body adjust, improving the chances of success on summit night. Barranco Camp is set against the impressive Barranco Wall, which will be tackled the following day.

Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

The day begins with a climb up the Barranco Wall, a thrilling but manageable scramble. Once at the top, enjoy breathtaking views before continuing across rolling terrain to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter hiking day, allowing for more rest and acclimatization before heading to higher altitudes.

Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

The final base camp before the summit push, Barafu Camp, is reached after a steady ascent. The landscape is stark and rugged, with little vegetation. Arrive by early afternoon to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. An early dinner is followed by a few hours of sleep before the challenging climb to Uhuru Peak begins.

Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Around midnight, the trek to the summit begins. The trail is steep and slow, passing through a freezing but surreal arctic landscape. After hours of determination, reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, just in time for sunrise. The sense of accomplishment and the views from the summit are unforgettable. After celebrating, begin the descent back to Mweka Camp for much-needed rest.

Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha

The final descent takes you back through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. From here, transfer back to Arusha, where you can relax and celebrate your achievement.

Summary

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Night

The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is one of the most scenic and popular trails to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This seven-day trek provides excellent acclimatization opportunities, increasing the chances of a successful climb while allowing trekkers to experience Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes—from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and glaciers.