7-Day Machame Route – Kilimanjaro Trekking

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route with Alvin African Safaris. This 7-day trek offers a quieter, scenic ascent on Kilimanjaro’s north-eastern side, combining beautiful wilderness and a rewarding summit experience.

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights (mountain), plus extra hotel nights

Machame Gate, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Gate

Trekking Overview

Kilimanjaro’s Iconic “Whiskey Route”

The Machame Route is Kilimanjaro’s most popular and scenic trail, often called the “Whiskey Route” due to its adventurous nature. It begins near Machame village, a Chagga community bordering the national park. The trek takes you through lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and icy glaciers, offering incredible views and diverse terrain.

Compared to the Marangu Route, Machame is more challenging but boasts a higher success rate of around 88%. The route offers tent accommodation and is ideal for climbers seeking a true wilderness experience. The trek can be completed in 7 days (recommended) or as fast as 6 days for experienced trekkers.

Full Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival – Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Hotel

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, an Alvin African Safaris representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After time to relax and freshen up, meet your mountain guide for a detailed trek briefing, gear check, and Q&A session.

Meals: Dinner on your own
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha or Moshi

Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (2,835m)

After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate to begin your trek. The day’s hike leads through a lush rainforest alive with monkeys and exotic birdlife, ascending to Machame Camp by late afternoon.

  • Habitat: Forest Zone

  • Distance: 11 km

  • Time: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Machame Camp

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Cave (3,750m)

Climb steadily through the heather and moorland zone, passing fascinating flora like giant lobelias and senecios. After reaching Shira Cave, you’ll have lunch and an optional acclimatization walk before dinner.

  • Habitat: Heather & Moorland

  • Distance: 5 km

  • Time: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shira Cave Camp

Day 4: Shira Cave to Lava Tower (4,600m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m)

A key acclimatization day. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) before descending to Barranco Camp for the night. This hike-high, sleep-low approach boosts your chances of summit success.

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert & Moorland

  • Distance: 10 km

  • Time: 6-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,995m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Summit day! Start your trek around midnight, reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise for spectacular views. After celebrating, descend to Barafu Camp for rest, then continue to Mweka Camp for your overnight.

  • Habitat: Arctic Zone (Summit), Moorland (Descent)

  • Distance: 5 km up, 12 km down

  • Time: 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Summit day! Start your trek around midnight, reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise for spectacular views. After celebrating, descend to Barafu Camp for rest, then continue to Mweka Camp for your overnight.

  • Habitat: Arctic Zone (Summit), Moorland (Descent)

  • Distance: 5 km up, 12 km down

  • Time: 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,650m) and Transfer to Hotel

After breakfast, descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Enjoy a farewell ceremony with your crew before returning to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

  • Distance: 10 km

  • Time: 3-4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha or Moshi

Day 8: Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) / Arusha Airport

At your scheduled time, we’ll transfer you to the airport, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure—until next time!

Meals: Breakfast

Why Choose Alvin African Safaris?

  • Personalized itineraries built around your interests and travel style

  • Expert local guides who bring Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife to life

  • Handpicked lodges and camps for comfort and authenticity

  • Private vehicle and flexible schedules for a more personal experience

  • Trusted, family-run company with deep local knowledge and care for your journey

What’s Included

  • Accommodation as per itinerary

  • Meal plan: Bed & Breakfast at town hotels; Full Board during the Kilimanjaro climb

  • Porters to carry your luggage

  • Salaries and park fees for guides, porters, and cooks

  • Trekking poles and sleeping bag

  • Professional English-speaking mountain guide

  • Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to your hotel in Arusha

  • Drop-off at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) after the trek

  • Transfers to/from Marangu Gate for the climb

  • Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees and rescue fees

  • 18% VAT for park fees

What’s Included

  • Tanzania entry visa

  • Medical insurance

  • International and domestic flights

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Non-alcoholic drinks not listed in the itinerary

  • Personal items (e.g., laundry, phone calls)

  • Tips for guides, porters, and camp staff

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