7-Day Climbing Kilimanjaro Through The Machame Route High Success Rate
7 Days • Start and end in Arusha
$ 1,980 pp (USD)
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🌄 Kilimanjaro Machame Route Highlights
1: Good Success Rate (90%+)
High summit success rate due to great acclimatization profile and gradual altitude ascent, ensuring better climber adaptation.
3: Most Scenic Trail
Offers breathtaking views of Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and glaciers, making it Kilimanjaro’s most picturesque climbing route.
2: Excellent Acclimatization
Designed with a gradual altitude gain and “climb high, sleep low” profile, maximizing summit success and minimizing altitude sickness.
4: Varied Landscapes
Trek through lush rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and icy summit zones, experiencing Kilimanjaro’s incredible ecological diversity.
🧭 The Itinerery Map
Machame Route Overview
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and popular trekking trails. It offers breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and an excellent acclimatization profile, greatly increasing summit success rates. Starting through lush rainforest and rising to alpine desert and icy peaks, this route provides an adventurous and rewarding experience for climbers seeking both challenge and natural beauty on their way to Uhuru Peak.
🗓️ Itinerary
Lush rain forest day
After breakfast in Arusha, drive for about 2 hours to Machame Gate (1,800m). Begin a 10km trek through lush rainforest to Machame Camp (3,000m), taking approximately 5–6 hours. Enjoy sightings of monkeys and rich vegetation along the way. Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Campsite.
Distance: 10km
Elevation Gain: 1,200m
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enter the Mooralnd Zone
After breakfast, leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone with stunning views of Shira Plateau. The trail climbs steadily, offering panoramas of Mount Meru and Kibo Peak. Arrive at Shira Camp (3,840m) in the afternoon to rest and enjoy the sunset over the plateau. Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Campsite.
Distance: 5km
Elevation Gain: 840m
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Acclimatization Day
After breakfast, continue trekking east toward the Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m). The route offers dramatic scenery, including views of the Western Breach and Kibo glaciers. The descent helps your body adjust to altitude. Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Campsite.
Distance: 10km
Elevation Gain: 790m up / 670m down
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Dinner & Overnight at Karanga
Elevation: 3,950 m (Barranco Camp) → 4,200 m (Karanga Camp)
Distance: 5 km / 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Camping
Your day begins with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, one of the most memorable sections of the Lemosho Route. Though it looks challenging, the non-technical ascent is safe and fun, offering spectacular views of the Kilimanjaro glaciers and the Heim and Kersten Glaciers as you climb. After reaching the top of the wall, the trail undulates through valleys and ridges before descending into the Karanga Valley, where you’ll cross a small stream and make a short ascent to Karanga Camp. This shorter day allows for rest and acclimatization, preparing you for the higher altitudes ahead. Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.
Explore the ice walls of the Kili
Elevation: 4,200 m (Karanga Camp) → 4,673 m (Barafu Camp)
Distance: 4 km / 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Camping
After breakfast, the trek continues on a steady uphill climb across a rocky and wind-exposed terrain with sparse vegetation. The path gradually merges with the Mweka Route, which you will later use for your descent. As you approach Barafu Camp, the surrounding landscape transforms into a dramatic alpine desert with sweeping views of Mawenzi Peak and the summit ridge of Kibo. Upon arrival, you’ll rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. It’s essential to stay hydrated and keep warm as temperatures drop sharply at this altitude. Overnight at Barafu Camp before your final ascent to the summit.
Summit Day
Elevation: 4,673 m (Barafu Camp) → 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak) → 3,100 m (Mweka Camp)
Distance: 8 km ascent / 15 km descent / 12–16 hours total
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Camping
The day begins around midnight with a torch-lit trek to the summit. The ascent is steep, cold, and challenging, but the “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization strategy helps you reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) by sunrise. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Meru, the Great Rift Valley, and the snow-capped glaciers of Kibo. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you’ll descend past Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp, crossing moorlands and forest on the way. Overnight at Mweka Camp offers a well-earned rest after the summit push.
Certification Day
Elevation: 3,100 m (Mweka Camp) → 1,640 m (Mweka Gate) → 1,400 m (Arusha)
Distance: 10 km descent / 3–4 hours trekking + 4–5 hours drive
Accommodation: N/A (return to hotel or lodge in Arusha)
After breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll descend through the lush rainforest, enjoying the final views of Kilimanjaro’s slopes. The trail is mostly downhill, passing streams, giant ferns, and wildlife such as colobus monkeys and exotic birds. At Mweka Gate, you’ll complete the official park exit formalities and receive your summit certificate. From here, a private vehicle will drive you back to Arusha, where you can relax, celebrate your achievement, and enjoy a well-deserved rest after the week-long adventure.
✅ Inclusions in The Package
Included
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Park fees
(For non-residents)
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All activities
(Unless labeled as optional)
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All accommodation
(Unless listed as an upgrade)
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A professional Mountain Guide
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Guides, Porters, cook salaries, and park fees
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Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
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Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
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Clean, purified drinking water
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Oximeter
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Medical Kit
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Emergency oxygen
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Crisis management and safety procedures
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Fair and ethical treatment of porters
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All transportation
(Unless labeled as optional)
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All Taxes/VAT
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Round-trip flight
Excluded
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International flights
(From/to home)
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Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
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Tips
(Tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
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The government imposed an increase in taxes and/or park fees
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Personal items
(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Our 5 Star Reviews on TripAdvisor
⭐ 150+ Reviews on TripAdvisor
Bakari, the best Guide
3-Day-Safari, Serengeti and Ngorongoro: We had a lot of fun with our guide Bakari. He knew anything about the animals, found the best spots and showed us the beautiful sunrise and also sunset in the serengeti...
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Holger B / Aug 2025
An Amazing Experience
From the first moment I contacted Gadiel the truth that super attentive and very resolute at all times. In each accommodation we made things much easier and the safari spectacular!...
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Vacation 61974955803 / Dec 2024
Top notch
Two 18yr olds had a superb trip to climb Kilimanjaro and then go on safari. Gadiel was superb organising everything. We felt very confident entrusting our boys with him and his team...
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Thundercatgo / Oct 2024
Innocent Alfey
"Inno’s vision for sustainability ensures that every adventure not only uplifts the spirit but also honors and preserves the soul of Tanzania."
Answered by
ℹ️ 5 Questions About 7 Day Machame Route Climbing Kilimanjaro
Answered by
Innocent Alfey
1
What is the Machame Route?
The Machame Route, also called the “Whiskey Route,” is a popular 7-day Kilimanjaro trek. It is known for its scenic landscapes, including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers. With gradual altitude gain and excellent acclimatization, it offers climbers an adventurous, rewarding experience and a high summit success rate while camping along the way.
2
How difficult is Machame Route
The Machame Route is moderately to highly challenging due to steep climbs and varying terrain. It requires good fitness and stamina, but the gradual ascent helps with acclimatization. Trekkers experience rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert zones, including the Barranco Wall scramble.
3
What is the best time to climb?
The best time to climb Machame Route is during the dry seasons: January–March and June–October. Weather is generally stable, trails are less slippery, and wildlife and scenery are more visible. These months offer better summit chances, clearer views of glaciers, and safer trekking conditions compared to the rainy seasons.
4
What is included in a 7-day climb?
A 7-day Machame Route climb typically includes transfers, professional guides and porters, park fees, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), camping accommodations, and trekking equipment. The itinerary covers Machame, Shira, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu, and Mweka Camps. It ensures gradual acclimatization, safety, and a higher chance of reaching Uhuru Peak while enjoying Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes.
5
How high is the summit and success rate?
The Machame Route leads to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. With a 7-day itinerary, the summit success rate is around 85–90%, thanks to good acclimatization and slower ascent. Trekkers experience spectacular views of glaciers, Kibo Crater, and the surrounding plateau, making the challenging climb extremely rewarding both physically and visually.
Tips about the Machame Route
Training is key for your Kilimanjaro Success
1: Train Beforehand
Before attempting the Machame Route, prepare your body with at least 6–8 weeks of physical training. Focus on hiking, stair climbing, running, and strength exercises to build endurance, leg muscles, and cardiovascular fitness. The climb is physically demanding, and pre-training reduces fatigue, improves performance, and increases your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak safely while fully enjoying the diverse landscapes along the route.
2: Acclimatize Properly
Proper acclimatization is crucial on the Machame Route to avoid altitude sickness. Follow the “climb high, sleep low” approach, ascending slowly and allowing your body to adjust to higher elevations. Drink plenty of water, eat regularly, and take rest breaks when needed. The 7-day itinerary helps with gradual altitude gain, giving your body time to adapt, increasing summit success rates, and making the climb more comfortable and safer.
Acclimatization is important to avoid altitude sickness
Pack smart for your Kilimanjaro Expedition
3: Pack Smart
Packing the right gear is essential for a safe and comfortable Machame Route climb. Bring layered clothing for variable temperatures, a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, gloves, hat, sunglasses, and trekking poles. Don’t forget essentials like a headlamp, water bottles, sunscreen, and personal hygiene items. Proper gear ensures warmth, safety, and protection against the elements while allowing you to fully enjoy the trek from rainforest to summit.
4: Stay Hydrated & Eat Well
Hydration and nutrition are critical for endurance on Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route. Drink at least 3–4 liters of water daily, and include electrolyte drinks to maintain balance. Eat energy-rich meals provided at campsites, focusing on carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Proper hydration and nutrition help maintain energy levels, reduce altitude sickness risk, support recovery, and ensure climbers are strong enough for challenging sections like Barranco Wall and the final ascent.
Hydration is Crucial for your endurance
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