Machame Route 7 Days Itinerary, Prices & Hiking Dates

The Machame route, sometimes called the Whiskey Route, is a classic Kilimanjaro route and one of the most popular ways to climb the mountain. Kilimanjaro Trekking Services Company organizes hundreds of expeditions a year along this route, which begins in a lovely tropical forest. There are two versions of the Machame route, one that starts in 6 days and another that is 7 days. The second version has a much better acclimatization profile and summit success rate. The Machame Route 7 Days Itinerary is a fantastic route with amazing views, suitable even for beginners. You will enjoy hiking through all five climatic zones of Kilimanjaro, scale the picturesque Barranco Wall, and marvel at the alien-looking Dendrosenecio kilimanjari, which are truly unique and found nowhere else in the world.

Our Expert recommendation

Itineraries for the 6- and 7-day Machame routes are different, so pick wisely. Only experienced trekkers or those who have acclimatized before embarking on the 6-day version should attempt it, as its summit success percentages are significantly lower. This is because it becomes far more difficult to adjust to the high altitude and have a decent chance of summiting on the shorter itinerary, which omits the intermediate stop at the Karanga Camp. Although “budget” travel providers sometimes tout this option, we advise against it for first-timers.

Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7-Day. Everything you need to know!

Detailed Machame Route 7 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Kilimanjaro Trekking Services Company representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will give all the elements for a nice stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite personnel, a swimming pool, and Internet connection. In the evening there will be a briefing with our management, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the ascent.

Private trip packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges will apply for additional individual transfers. To minimize extra fees, coordinate your group’s arrival and departure times.

Day 2: Trekking From Machame Gate To Machame Camp

A mountain support team and a guide will meet you at your accommodation in the morning for a briefing. The next stop is at Machame Gate, the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, where you can enter the park by vehicle. Once the climbing permits and search and rescue service registrations are taken care of, the group will begin the ascent to Machame Camp. We advise packing an extra set of clothes in case of tropical showers on the first day of the Machame Route’s rainforest traversal. Don’t forget your raincoat, however.

PLEASE NOTE: You should pay close attention to the following instructions from now on because this is your first day at this altitude:

Throughout the day, slowly yet steadily consume more than four liters of bottled water;

You might want to think about taking a high-altitude assistance medication as a preventative step in case you have symptoms of altitude sickness. Before setting out on their climb, many mountaineers take these medications to alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness. Along with your vacation plans, our managers will give you additional particular information. We advise that you address any possible allergies or health issues with your doctor before the trip.

Because your breathing pattern slows down at night, your body receives less oxygen than during the day, which might lead to pain as you acclimate to the high altitude. Because of the high altitude, you can feel nauseous and have a headache. If you experience any signs of altitude sickness, it is important to listen to your body and inform your guide immediately.

Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 5 km

Day 3: Trekking from Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Shira Camp, the second high-altitude camp, is the destination of your hike after breakfast. As you break free of the jungle on this day, you’ll get your first glimpse of the breathtaking Shira Plateau. While trekking isn’t particularly challenging from a technical standpoint, you need pay attention to your body and remember that picking the right pace is crucial for excellent hiking because you might feel the shift in altitude. After a short break for lunch and relaxation at camp, the whole party will set out on an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower Camp, covering a distance of 400 meters (1,312 feet) in elevation gain. You will be provided with a nice supper when you return to Shira Camp.

Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation:
Shira Camp (3,750 m /12,303 f)
Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,120 m /13,517 f)
Hiking distance: 2 km Hiking time
Hiking time: 1-2 hours

Day 4: Shira to Barranco Camp via an Ascent to the Lava Tower

Leaving Shira Camp and making your way to Lava Tower is what your party will do after breakfast. This hike could be challenging due to its uneven terrain. We recommend that our groups have lunch atop the Lava Tower because getting to the 4,600 m /15,088 f altitude is essential for acclimatization. The next overnight stop on this route is Barranco Camp, so this gives you a little more time at a high altitude before you descend about 700 m /2,297 f.

Witness the renowned Barranco Wall, awe-inspiring in its sheer magnitude and steepness! It has a pretty easy hiking path and is very manageable, so there’s no need to be nervous about trekking it the next day.

Trekking time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 11 km

Day 5: Trekking From Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

To beat the crowds on this particular day and climb Barranco Wall, get an early start. The ascent is actually rather easy and takes no more than an hour or two to finish, despite the Wall’s intimidating appearance. With Kibo Peak in the background, taking a picture from the top of the wall is a terrific idea.

Depending on each trekker’s needs, your guides will choose the optimal speed for the day’s many ascents and descents. The acclimatization climb to Barafu Camp begins after lunch at Karanga Camp and culminates at an elevation of 3,995 m (13,104 f). After that, it’s a nighttime hike back to Karanga Camp.

Acclimatization hike:
Change in ElevationChange in Elevation:
Karanga Camp (3,995 m /13,106 f)
Highest point reached: 4,270 m /14,009 f
Hiking distance: 2.5 km
Hiking time: 1-2 hours
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km

Day 6: Trekking From Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

It is your intention to reach Barafu Summit Camp after breakfast. So that you can unwind when you get there, our crew will prepare a camp for you in advance, complete with sleeping bags and tents. Once you’ve recovered enough, it’s time to start the ascent to the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp, which has an elevation of 4,870 m (15,974 f). After you reach the summit, you’ll have to make your way down to Barafu Camp for a nice dinner. Prior to the night summit, it is recommended to spend the rest of the day sleeping and relaxing.

Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation:
Barafu Camp (4,673 m /15,331 f)
Kosovo Camp (4,870 m /15,748 f)
Hiking distance: 2 km
Hiking time: 1-2 hours
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6 km

Day 7: Summiting on Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

Ascending begins around approximately midnight. Uhuru Peak is at an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), and your ascent will start at 4,870 meters (15,974 feet). Even moderate physical activity will feel taxing at this high altitude, even if the hike is actually rather easy. As a result, climbers will be paired up with a personal guide who will keep tabs on their progress the whole way to the peak. At the peak, you can take a leisurely stroll to the closest glacier. Before continuing your descent to Millennium Camp, you will have the opportunity to relax for two hours at Barafu Camp.

PLEASE NOTE: Despite the bad footing in some spots, the descent is surprisingly easy. Ascent accounts for 90% of accidents. Pay close attention to your feet to prevent injuring your toenails and falling.

Trekking time: 7-12 hours
Distance: 15,5 km

Day 8: Descent From Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

After a restful night’s sleep at lower altitude, you’ll be ready to conquer the summit with a renewed sense of purpose. After breakfast, you will continue your descent until you reach Mweka Gate, which is located at an elevation of 1,640 m (5,379 f). You will be returned to your hotel after a brief celebration with the entire climbing staff, during which you will be presented with your climb certificates.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 12 km

Day 9: Departure

Have a night’s sleep before your transfer to the airport.

PLEASE NOTE: Time to check out of the hotel is 11:00 AM. You can choose to prolong your hotel stay for an additional cost if you require a late check-out due to an evening flight.

End of the Machame Route 7 Days Itinerary

Machame Route – Summit Success Rate

The percentage of hikers that reach the peak of Kilimanjaro via various routes is an important question for many tourists. Kilimanjaro Trekking Services Company has been collecting accurate statistics from hundreds of Kilimanjaro climbs since 2014. Our Machame route expedition success rates are as follows:

• Machame 6 – Crater Rim: 92.0%, Uhuru Peak: 87.3%
• Machame 7 – Crater Rim: 96.1%, Uhuru Peak: 93.1%

You can see that the summit success rate is much greater for the 7-day Machame route itinerary compared to the 6-day version. According to this measure, Machame 7 is indeed one of the top itineraries. The third day sees its merging with the Umbwe and Lemosho routes, which then proceed together to the peak. Anyone from novices to seasoned hikers will love it.

Although many operators claim to have high success rates, it is difficult to determine the veracity of these claims. We at Kilimanjaro Trekking Services Company have a number of important factors for our high summit success rates. We take great pride in staffing our company with the most qualified locals, including top-tier Kilimanjaro guides, porters, and more. We are able to attract and retain great workers because we provide competitive pay and benefits. In addition, we spare no effort in providing our clients with all the resources they need for acclimation. For instance, in comparison to other Kilimanjaro trip operators, we have an abundance of oxygen tanks and extensive medicine kits stocked with a wide range of pharmaceuticals. In addition, our guides are well-versed in the signs of mountain sickness and can assist you in the event that you experience any difficulties. In order to ensure the safety of our trips and provide you with the best possibility of reaching the summit, we conduct two mandatory medical checks on customers and mountain crew members daily.