The Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” it is challenging but rewarding, offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and an excellent acclimatization profile. Below is a detailed 7-day/6-night Machame Route itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi (Optional Pre-Trek Day)

• Description: Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing, gear check, and acclimatization tips. Spend the night preparing for the climb.
• Altitude: 890 m / 2,920 ft
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
• Meals: Dinner (if included in tour package)

Day 2: Moshi to Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Hiking Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Starting Elevation: 1,640 m / 5,380 ft (Machame Gate)
• Ending Elevation: 2,835 m / 9,300 ft (Machame Camp)

Description:
After breakfast, drive from Moshi to Machame Gate (about 1.5 hours). Complete registration and begin your trek through the lush, green rainforest. Keep an eye out for Colobus monkeys and unique flora like orchids and giant ferns. The trail is often muddy and slippery, so trekking poles are helpful. Reach Machame Camp by late afternoon.

• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
• Accommodation: Tents
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• Hiking Distance: 5.4 km (3.4 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
• Starting Elevation: 2,835 m / 9,300 ft
• Ending Elevation: 3,750 m / 12,300 ft

Description:
Today’s trek starts with a steep ascent out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone. Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Meru, Kibo Peak, and the Shira Plateau. The trail is rocky but scenic, with unique plant species like giant groundsel and lobelia. Arrive at Shira Camp by early afternoon, allowing time to relax and acclimatize.

• Vegetation Zone: Moorland
• Accommodation: Tents
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
• Starting Elevation: 3,750 m / 12,300 ft
• Lava Tower Elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
• Ending Elevation: 3,960 m / 13,000 ft

Description:
This is a critical acclimatization day. Hike steadily to Lava Tower, a massive volcanic formation, and stop for lunch. This point represents the trek’s highest altitude so far, helping your body adjust to thinner air. Descend to Barranco Camp, set in a dramatic valley below the towering Barranco Wall.

• Highlights: Stunning views of the Western Breach and Kibo Peak.
• Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert to Moorland
• Accommodation: Tents
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Hiking Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Starting Elevation: 3,960 m / 13,000 ft
• Ending Elevation: 4,035 m / 13,235 ft

Description:
Start the day by tackling the iconic Barranco Wall, a challenging but non-technical climb requiring some scrambling. From the top, enjoy spectacular views of the glacier-draped summit. The trail then winds through rolling hills and valleys before arriving at Karanga Camp, your base for further acclimatization.

• Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Tents
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Hiking Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Starting Elevation: 4,035 m / 13,235 ft
• Ending Elevation: 4,673 m / 15,330 ft

Description:
A short but steep trek to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit push. Arrive by early afternoon, have an early dinner, and rest. Guides will provide a briefing and gear check for the summit attempt. Try to sleep early, as you’ll wake up around midnight for the final ascent.

• Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Tents
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

• Hiking Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
  • Barafu to Uhuru: 5 km (3.1 miles)
  • Uhuru to Mweka: 12 km (7.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 10–15 hours
  • Ascent: 7–8 hours
  • Descent: 4–7 hours
• Starting Elevation: 4,673 m / 15,330 ft
• Uhuru Peak Elevation: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
• Ending Elevation: 3,068 m / 10,065 ft

Description:
Begin your summit attempt around midnight, trekking under the stars with headlamps. Climb steadily to Stella Point (5,739 m), then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the glaciers. After celebratory photos, descend to Barafu for a brief rest before continuing to Mweka Camp for the night.

• Vegetation Zone: Arctic (Summit) to Moorland (Descent)
• Accommodation: Tents
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi

• Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Starting Elevation: 3,068 m / 10,065 ft
• Ending Elevation: 1,640 m / 5,380 ft

Description:
Enjoy a final descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Collect your summit certificates before transferring back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest or onward travel.

• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (optional, depending on package)