Tour Overview
The 7-Day Machame Route, known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m).
Approaching from the southern side, the route passes through diverse landscapes including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the high-altitude summit zone. The 7-day itinerary provides a well-paced ascent with valuable time for acclimatization before the final push to Uhuru Peak.
Route Highlights
- Spectacular and diverse mountain scenery
- Excellent acclimatization opportunities
- Trek through multiple ecological zones
- Experience the famous Barranco Wall
- Professional local mountain crew
- Dedicated support throughout the climb
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where your Kilimark Adventures representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Relax after your journey and prepare for your upcoming adventure. Your guide will meet you for a climb briefing and equipment check.
Distance: Airport transfer, approximately 40 km
Altitude: Moshi, approximately 890 m
Activity Time: Approximately 1 hour transfer
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate for registration before beginning your trek through the lush rainforest. Follow the forest trail uphill, enjoying the rich vegetation and possibility of spotting wildlife before reaching Machame Camp.
Distance: Approximately 11 km
Starting Altitude: 1,800 m
Camp Altitude: 2,835 m
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Leave the rainforest behind as you climb through heath and moorland. The trail becomes steeper, offering increasingly impressive views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape. Continue across the Shira Plateau to Shira Cave Camp.
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Starting Altitude: 2,835 m
Camp Altitude: Approximately 3,750 m
Trekking Time: 4–6 hours
Continue across the alpine desert towards Lava Tower, where you will reach approximately 4,600 m. After lunch, descend towards Barranco Camp through spectacular high-altitude scenery. This climb-high, sleep-low day supports acclimatization.
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Starting Altitude: 3,750 m
Highest Point: 4,600 m
Camp Altitude: 3,960 m
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
Begin the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall, a rewarding section with impressive views. Continue across ridges and valleys through the alpine desert before descending into Karanga Valley and ascending to Karanga Camp.
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Starting Altitude: 3,960 m
Camp Altitude: 4,035 m
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Continue towards Barafu Camp across rocky alpine terrain. As you approach base camp, enjoy views of the summit ridges and surrounding glaciers. After an early dinner, rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Distance: Approximately 4 km
Starting Altitude: 4,035 m
Camp Altitude: 4,640 m
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Begin your summit attempt around midnight, climbing slowly through the darkness towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at 5,895 m. Celebrate your achievement before descending to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.
Distance: Approximately 12–17 km
Starting Altitude: 4,640 m
Summit Altitude: 5,895 m
Camp Altitude: Approximately 3,080 m
Trekking Time: Approximately 12–16 hours
Descend through the beautiful rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will complete park formalities and receive your summit certificate. Your vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-deserved shower and celebrate your achievement.
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Starting Altitude: 3,080 m
Exit Gate Altitude: Approximately 1,640 m
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your scheduled transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. Alternatively, continue your Tanzanian adventure with a wildlife safari or a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Distance: Approximately 40 km to JRO
Altitude: Moshi, approximately 890 m
Transfer Time: Approximately 1 hour
Prices by Group Size
All prices are shown in USD per person. Choose your group size or contact us for a tailored quote.
| Climbers / Travellers | Price per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,500 |
| 2 people | $2,100 |
| 3 people | $1,950 |
| 4 people | $1,850 |
| 5 people | $1,850 |
What's Included & Excluded
Included
Enjoy two hotel nights, one before and one after your climb. Choose from our selected Moshi hotels or request an alternative within the same budget.
All required park fees for your selected route are included, covering applicable conservation, camping or hut, and rescue fees.
Our experienced guides monitor your wellbeing throughout the climb. Safety equipment includes first aid, emergency oxygen, pulse oximeters, and communication devices.
We support fair wages, responsible porter loads, proper meals, quality tents, suitable equipment, and safe working conditions for our mountain crew.
Enjoy four-season tents, comfortable sleeping mats, a dining tent, a private portable toilet, and a warm camping shower.
Enjoy three freshly prepared meals daily, purified drinking water, and hot drinks to keep you energised throughout your climb. Special diets can be arranged in advance.
Transfers specified in your package, including transport between your hotel and the mountain gate, are arranged for a smooth trekking experience.
Our team supports you throughout your summit attempt. Your package includes applicable VAT and a climbing certificate for eligible climbers.
Not Included
International flights to and from Tanzania are not included.
Visa fees and other applicable immigration charges are not included.
Travel insurance is not included. Comprehensive insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.
Crew tips are not included and are appreciated in recognition of their hard work and support.
Personal gear, including hiking boots, warm clothing, waterproofs, sleeping bags, gloves, and trekking poles, is not included unless specified.
Laundry, telephone calls, snacks, alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, and other personal purchases are excluded.
Extra hotel nights and transfers outside your confirmed itinerary are not included unless agreed upon.
Equipment rental, upgrades, and optional services are excluded unless confirmed. Additional costs arising from itinerary changes or unforeseen circumstances will be discussed with you where applicable.
