7 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE

The 7-day Machame route, often called the "Whiskey Route," is renowned among mountaineers as one of the most scenic and strategically designed paths to Kilimanjaro's summit. This carefully crafted itinerary offers climbers a perfect balance of acclimatization, physical challenge, and breathtaking landscape diversity.

Day 1: Moshi to Machame Camp
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. We then begin our trek through the rainforest, following a winding trail up a ridge. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. We continue a short distance before reaching Machame Camp for the night.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast, we leave the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing a small valley and climbing a steep rocky ridge covered with heather. The route turns west along a river gorge, and we reach Shira Camp for rest, dinner, and overnight.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Hut
From Shira Plateau, we head east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo Peak. The route then turns southeast toward Lava Tower, also known as "Shark’s Tooth." After passing the tower, we continue down to Barranco Hut at 13,000ft. This day is important for acclimatization, helping your body prepare for the summit.

Day 4: Barranco Hut to Karanga Valley
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and climb the steep Barranco Wall. We then continue on a ridge to Karanga Valley Camp. This is a short day for acclimatization and rest.

Day 5: Karanga Valley to Barafu Hut
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and continue to the junction with the Mweka Trail, then ascend to Barafu Hut. From here, we’ll have views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. We rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit the next day.

Day 6: Summit Day
In the early hours (midnight to 2 am), we start the summit push. We ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), we stop for a short break and enjoy a beautiful sunrise. From here, we continue to the summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After reaching the summit, we descend to Mweka Hut, stopping at Barafu for lunch.

Day 7: Mweka Hut to Mweka Village
After breakfast, we descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive our summit certificates. The lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. After reaching the gate, we continue to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will meet us and drive us back to Moshi.

ITINERARY