Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

7 Days Round trip from Moshi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa
02 Enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro's rainforest zone
03 See the most spectacular views of Kibo Peak from Shira Camp
04 Discover breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro from below the Heim Glacier
05 Admire the incredible peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi from Barafu Camp

Sign up for a 7-day trek to Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route from Moshi. Sometimes known as the "Whiskey Route," Machame is the most popular way to reach Africa's highest point, Uhuru Peak. This beautiful and marvellous route provides climbers with incredible views of natural and unique features and landscapes, from rainforest flora and fauna to high-altitude camps beneath Kibo. Hikers can also enjoy the spectacular sight of Kibo Peak from Shira Camp.

We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree, and some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Machame Gate to Machame Camp Through the Rainforest

Full board at Machame Camp. The climb starts from Machame Gate (1830m). We walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rainforest, before arriving at the first Machame Camp at 3000m above sea level. If it is a clear day, we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo, if the evening clouds permit.

Rise (ft): 1,800m to 2835m

Stretch: 11 km

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Climatic Habitat: Montane Forest/Rainforest

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp Across Moorland

Full board at Shira Cave Camp. This is a shorter day as we climb up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as a picnic site, then continue on a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, known for its beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular view of Kibo Peak can be seen from Shira Camp.

Rise (ft): 2835m to 3,750m

Stretch: 5 km

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Climatic Habitat: Moorland

Day 03

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

On day three, hikers walk on a gentle ascent with panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach. After a hot lunch at the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600m), we descend to the Great Barranco Valley (3,950m).

Rise (ft): Shira Cave Camp 3,750m to Barranco Camp 3,900m

Stretch: 10 km

Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours

Climatic Habitat: Moorland

Shelter: Barranco Camp

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp Below Heim Glacier

A steep climb up the eastern wall leads hikers just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. The trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley. Finally, we have a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.

Rise (ft): Barranco Camp 3,900m to Karanga Camp 3995m

Stretch: 6 km

Hiking time: 3.5 to 4 hours

Climatic Habitat: Moorland

Shelter: Karanga Camp

Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp with Views of Kibo and Mawenzi

A steep climb out of Karanga and an easy path on compacted scree lead through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp, with expansive views along the way. The two incredible peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi can be seen from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at the camp, the remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.

Rise (ft): Karanga Camp 3995m to Barafu Camp 4,673m

Stretch: 4 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Climatic Habitat: Alpine Desert

Shelter: Barafu Hut Camp

Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Down to Mweka Camp

Hikers wake up before midnight under the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree, and some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m. Hikers will rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to the main peak, 5,895m, the highest point in Africa.

After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, hikers descend to Barafu amazingly fast. We stop at Barafu Camp for refreshments and continue descending to Mweka Camp.

Rise (ft): Barafu Camp 4,673m to Uhuru Peak 5,895m (Via Stella Point 5756m)

Stretch: 4.3 km ascent to Stella Point

Stretch: 5km Barafu to Uhuru Peak Ascent

Hiking time: 6-7hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent

Climatic Habitat: Alpine Desert

Shelter: Mweka Camp

Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

Half board. A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch, hikers drive back to Moshi to their hotel, marking the end of the 7-day Kilimanjaro hike via the Machame Route.

Rise (ft): Mweka Camp 3,100m to Mweka Gate 1,640m

Stretch: 10 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Climatic Habitat: Montane Forest

Where this trip takes you

Uhuru Peak, crater rim at Stella Point, Lava Tower, Heim Glacier views

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi 2 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Guide
Park fees
Tax
Gate transfer
Crew wages
Environment fees
Kilimanjaro mountain accommodation: during the climb, you will be staying in special camps and huts
6 breakfasts
7 lunches
6 dinners
Drinking water
Cook
Porters

What's Not Included

Flights
Tipping the crew
Visas

Know before you go

The Machame route is the most popular route on Mount Kilimanjaro and the uniquely recommended route on Kilimanjaro Mountain. According to statistics from Kilimanjaro National Park, approximately 50% of climbers use the Machame route to ascend Kilimanjaro. This lovely and marvellous route provides climbers with incredible views of natural and unique features and landscapes.
The Machame route is approximately 31.6 km from Moshi to Machame Gate. It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking or climbing experience, but plenty of first-time trekkers also use the Machame route and do just fine. The route is unique and striking, and you can view natural features such as lakes, flora and fauna, including tree hyrax, bush monkeys, and different species of birds such as the white-necked raven.
Many trekkers recommend it as a better choice than other routes. The Machame route is nicknamed the "Whiskey Route" as it is considered more complex than the "Coca Cola Route," the nickname for the Marangu route. In reality, it is not more technically tricky, but it is longer and, in places, steeper. The longer distance and the opportunity to walk high and steep terrain offer much better acclimatization and, as a result, a very high success rate.
The Machame route is an excellent 7-day hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes, with an effective extra day's acclimatization giving a better success rate. Experienced and already acclimatized mountaineers may opt for the more difficult 7-day ascent along the Machame route. The Machame route is nicknamed the "Whiskey Route" because it is more technically challenging. Still, it is steeper and beautifully scenic, and the Machame Route offers better acclimatization and has a high success rate.

Logistics