9 Days Tour – 7 Day Hike Machame Route
Machame Route Overview
The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its varied landscapes and excellent acclimatization profile, this route offers trekkers a rewarding journey through dense rainforest, open moorlands, dramatic alpine desert, and the glaciated summit zone.
Starting from the southern slopes of the mountain, the Machame Route follows a steady ascent that allows climbers to “climb high and sleep low,” improving summit success rates. The route features iconic sections such as the Barranco Wall and sweeping views of the Southern Ice Fields, making it especially appealing for adventurous trekkers and photographers.
Accommodation along the Machame Route is in mountain camps, with full support provided by professional guides, porters, and cooks. The final summit push begins from Barafu Camp, leading climbers to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. The descent follows the Mweka Route, offering a different perspective of the mountain.
The Machame Route is ideal for hikers seeking a challenging yet well-paced climb with outstanding scenery, strong acclimatization opportunities, and a truly memorable Kilimanjaro experience.
Day 1 – Arrival in Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport and meet your team for a warm welcome and transfer to Moshi. After a short briefing, the rest of the day is for settling in, relaxing, and preparing for the trek ahead.
Main Destination: Moshi
Accommodation: Chanya Lodge
Accommodation Type: Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate for registration and a full trek briefing. Begin your climb through the rainforest zone, where the trail winds under a thick canopy with chances to spot colobus monkeys and rich birdlife. You reach Machame Camp in the afternoon and enjoy your first night on the mountain.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Machame Camp
Accommodation Type: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp
Leave the forest behind as the landscape opens into moorland and volcanic ridges. The air becomes cooler and the views broaden across the Shira Plateau. Trek steadily to Shira Cave Camp, arriving with time to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the wide-open highland scenery.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Shira Cave Camp
Accommodation Type: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
Today’s trek continues across high alpine terrain with changing perspectives of Kibo’s glaciers and rocky outcrops. As you approach the Barranco Valley, the scenery becomes dramatic, with giant senecios and the famous Barranco Wall rising ahead. Settle at Barranco Camp for an important acclimatization night.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Accommodation Type: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Start the day with the climb up the Barranco Wall, a fun and memorable scramble with big views once you reach the top. Continue along ridges and valleys toward Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day designed to support acclimatization and help you feel stronger for the summit section.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Accommodation Type: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Trek upward into the alpine desert as the vegetation thins and the route becomes more rugged and open. Arrive at Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, organizing your gear, and getting an early dinner before the midnight ascent.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Accommodation Type: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Summit Day: Barafu to Uhuru Peak, then Millennium Camp
Around midnight, begin your summit push under the stars. The climb is slow and steady as you gain altitude toward the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa. After photos and a short celebration, descend carefully back down, continuing to the greener and more oxygen-rich Millennium Camp for overnight rest.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Millennium Camp
Accommodation Type: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Descent to Mweka Gate, then back to Moshi
After breakfast, continue descending through the forest zone to Mweka Gate. Here you sign out of the park and receive your achievement certificate. Meet your driver and transfer back to Moshi for a well-earned shower, celebration, and comfortable overnight at the lodge.
Main Destination: Moshi
Accommodation: Chanya Lodge
Accommodation Type: Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 – Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge, then transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport according to your flight schedule. Your Machame adventure ends with unforgettable memories of Kilimanjaro’s landscapes and your summit achievement.
Main Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport
Accommodation: Not Included
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price
- 1 Adult: USD 3,925 per person
- 2 Adults: USD 3,070 per person
- 3 Adults: USD 2,806 per person
- 4 Adults: USD 2,754 per person
- 5 Adults: USD 2,695 per person
- 6 Adults: USD 2,573 per person
- 7 Adults: USD 2,497 per person
- 8 Adults: USD 2,427 per person
Day 1 – Arrival in Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your luxury hotel in Moshi. The rest of the day is dedicated to relaxation, gear checks, and pre-trek briefing, allowing you to settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (Luxury Hotel)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Moshi to Machame Camp
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate for registration and trek briefing. The trail begins through dense rainforest filled with birds and colobus monkeys, gradually ascending toward Machame Camp. You arrive in the afternoon for acclimatization and your first night on the mountain.
Accommodation: Machame Camp (Mountain Camp)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp
Leaving the forest behind, the trail climbs into heath and moorland zones with expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks. You trek across the Shira Plateau before settling at Shira Cave Camp, surrounded by vast alpine scenery.
Accommodation: Shira Cave Camp (Mountain Camp)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
Today you trek high and sleep low, an excellent acclimatization strategy. After passing through semi-desert terrain and skirting Lava Tower, you descend into the scenic Barranco Valley beneath the famous Barranco Wall.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Mountain Camp)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
A thrilling day begins with climbing the Barranco Wall, offering stunning views and light scrambling. The route continues across ridges and valleys toward Karanga Camp, where you rest and continue acclimatization before the summit push.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (Mountain Camp)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
You ascend steadily into the alpine desert as vegetation disappears and the air thins. Arriving at Barafu Camp, you rest, hydrate, and prepare mentally and physically for the summit attempt beginning later that night.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Mountain Camp)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Around midnight, you begin your ascent under the stars toward Stella Point and onward to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. After celebrating and capturing unforgettable photos, you descend to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest.
Accommodation: Millennium Camp (Mountain Camp)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Millennium Camp to Moshi
After breakfast, descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate where you receive your summit certificate. You are then transferred back to Moshi for a hot shower, comfort, and relaxation after your successful climb.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (Luxury Hotel)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 – Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your premium Kilimanjaro adventure.
Accommodation: Not Included
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price
- Solo Trekker (1 Adult): USD 8,527 per person
- 2 Adults: USD 6,071 per person
- 3 Adults: USD 5,635 per person
- 4 Adults: USD 5,395 per person
- 5 Adults: USD 5,333 per person
- 6 Adults: USD 5,229 per person
- 7 Adults: USD 4,964 per person
- 8 Adults: USD 4,846 per person
BOOK THIS TREK
Price Inclusions
- Transfers to and from the mountain and your hotel in Moshi
- Professional and experienced mountain guides
- Salaries for guides, porters, and cooks, as well as park fees
- High-quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (shared)
- Sleeping mattress
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- All meals during your trek
- Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
- Generous portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (included in park fees)
- Camping or hut fees (included in park fees)
- Rescue fees (included in park fees)
- VAT (18% as mandated by the government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Price Inclusions
- Tanzania visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel accommodation (optional add-on)
- Transfers (optional add-on)
- Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing, etc. (available for rent)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages, including liquor, beer, and bottled drinks
- Online payment surcharge for advance and balance (3.5% per payment)