7-Day Kilimanjaro Itinerary via Machame Route
Known as the “Whiskey Route”, the Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Offering stunning views, diverse landscapes, and a great acclimatization profile, the 7-day version of the Machame Route increases your chances of successfully reaching the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
At Mandari Travel, this is one of our most recommended itineraries for first-time climbers. Here’s what to expect day-by-day.
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,800m to 3,000m
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Montane rainforest
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. After registration and a briefing from your guide, you’ll trek through lush rainforest filled with birds and monkeys. You’ll arrive at Machame Camp by late afternoon.
Mandari Tip: Go slow, “pole pole” is key to successful acclimatization.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: 3,000m to 3,850m
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
The trail gets steeper as you leave the forest and enter the moorland zone, with expansive views and giant heathers. The terrain is rocky, and you’ll begin to feel the effects of higher altitude. Overnight at Shira Camp with a panoramic sunset view over the Shira Plateau.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower.
Elevation: 3,850m to 4,630m (Lava Tower), then down to 3,960m.
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
This is a crucial acclimatization day. You’ll hike to Lava Tower (4,630m) before descending to Barranco Camp. The climb-high, sleep-low approach helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Challenge: This is usually the day when climbers begin to feel the effects of thin air, listen to your guide and hydrate well.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Begin the day by tackling the iconic Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb with rewarding views. The rest of the hike follows undulating terrain before reaching Karanga Camp, where you rest and prepare for higher altitude.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Today’s hike is shorter but steeper, taking you to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit push. Eat early and rest, you’ll wake around midnight for the summit attempt.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then down to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100m
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Habitat: Arctic to rainforest
This is summit day! Begin trekking around midnight to reach Stella Point (5,756m) by sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Mandari Note: This is the toughest day, physically and mentally, but also the most rewarding.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Your final trek takes you through lush forest trails to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. From there, transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration!
hy Choose the 7-Day Machame Route?
- Great acclimatization for higher success rates
- Breathtaking views from every camp
- Varied scenery: rainforest, alpine desert, glaciers
- Challenging but achievable for most fit hikers
Email: info@mandaritravel.com
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +255 750 900 811
Ready to Climb the Machame Route?
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