Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Climb to Uhuru Peak

7 Days Round trip from Barangata Easy pace

Trek in the terrains of Mount Kilimanjaro

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek the Machame "Whiskey Route," a tougher alternative to the Marangu route
02 Camp in tents on the mountain for a more immersive wilderness experience
03 Cross diverse landscapes from fertile rainforest to the glaciers near the summit
04 Follow the scenic Shira Plateau and southern circuit with panoramic mountain views
05 Reach Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point, via an east-side summit approach
06 Use a 7-day itinerary for better acclimatization before the Mweka descent

Take on a 7-day climb on Kilimanjaro's Machame Route, trekking through lush rainforest, moorland, semi-desert, alpine desert, and glacier terrain on the way to Uhuru Peak. This tougher camping route offers steeper trails, longer distances, and panoramic views across the mountain, including the Shira Plateau, Mawenzi Peak, and the plains below. With a seven-day itinerary designed for better acclimatization, the trek follows the southern circuit before summiting from the east and descending via the Mweka trail.

You should reach the crater rim at Stella Point (5750 m) as the first rays of the sun emerge.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Machame Gate to Machame Camp through Rainforest

Trekking Time: 4-6 hours | Distance: 9 km | Altitude Gain: 1210 m.
A one-hour drive from Moshi brings you to the gate of the Machame Route, where park formalities are completed, you meet the crew of porters, and the climb begins.
The first section of the route climbs steadily and involves real jungle-bashing through magnificent forest.
This path is less well trodden and is often wet and muddy underfoot. Overnight is at Machame Camp (3100 m).

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp across Moorland

Trekking Time: 4-6 hours | Distance: 9 km | Altitude Gain: 740 m.
The route continues up through the forest until reaching the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain.
Looking back, you will be able to see Mt. Meru rising high above Arusha town. Overnight is at Shira Caves (3840 m).

Day 03

Shira Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 15 km | Altitude Gain: 60 m.
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek.
You traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, before finally reaching Barranco Camp (3900 m).
The day is spent at altitude, reaching up to 4600 m, but follows the mountaineering code of walk high, sleep low to help avoid altitude sickness and aid acclimatization.

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp via Breakfast Wall

Trekking Time: 5-7 hours | Distance: 5 km | Altitude Gain: 100 m.
The day starts by descending into the beginning of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine.
You then climb steeply up what has been termed the Breakfast Wall, which divides you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It is a climb over rocks - not technical, but long and tiring.
Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, you continue towards the Karanga Valley (4000 m) for the overnight stay.

Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp across Alpine Desert

Trekking Time: 2-4 hours | Distance: 4 km | Altitude Gain: 600 m.
The day is characterized by a short hike on terrain formed by scree. You walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu Camp (4600 m).

Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Millennium Camp

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours | Distance: 7 km | Altitude Gain: 1296 m.
To avoid walking too long in the heat of the sun, the ascent begins around midnight, climbing steeply upwards towards the summit glaciers.
You will be climbing scree for 5 to 6 hours, gaining incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular.
You should reach the crater rim at Stella Point (5750 m) as the first rays of the sun emerge.
Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround you, and the views to Mawenzi Peak and beyond are breathtaking.
Another hour's walk takes you to your goal, the summit of Uhuru (5896 m), the highest point.
Uhuru means freedom in Swahili. The descent begins by returning to Stella Point and then descending the scree slope back to Barafu Camp for breakfast and a rest before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3000 m) for a well-earned rest.
On the descent, there are fabulous views of the plains and Mawenzi Peak.
Trekking Time: 6-8 hours | Distance: 12 km | Altitude Loss: 2896 m.

Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours | Distance: 10 km | Altitude Loss: 1360 m.
A gentle trek takes you down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1640 m), where park formalities are completed, vehicles meet the group, and you receive your certificate of ascent courtesy of the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority before driving back to your hotel in Moshi.

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak, Mawenzi Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Barangata 4 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Kilimanjaro International Airport transfers to and from your accommodation in Moshi
2 nights of accommodation before and after the climb
Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
Park entry fees, camping fees, and Kilimanjaro rescue fees
4-season mountain tents
Double-layered sleeping mats
Professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
Enough treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trek
Hot water for washing
Fair treatment and payment of our crew
Portable oxygen tanks and ox meter
Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent
Emergency first-aid kit and portable oxygen tanks and ox meter

What's Not Included

Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel before and after the climb
Travel insurance
Flights
Laundry (available at the hotel)
Personal items and toiletries
Tips for guides, porters, and cook

What to bring

Clothing

Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms.
Insulating Layer: Fleece or down jacket for warmth.
Outer Layer: Waterproof and breathable jacket and pants.
Hiking Pants: Lightweight, quick-drying fabric; consider zip-offs for versatility.
Warm Hat and Gloves: For colder temperatures at higher altitudes.
Buff or Neck Gaiter: For warmth and sun protection.

Footwear

Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots with good ankle support.
Camp Shoes: Lightweight sandals or sneakers for relaxing at camp.

Sleeping Gear

Sleeping Bag: Rated for low temperatures, ideally -10°C to -15°C.
Sleeping Pad: Insulated pad for comfort and warmth.

Backpack

Daypack: 30-40 litres for daily essentials, snacks, and water.

Hydration

Water Bottles: At least 2 litres capacity; consider a hydration reservoir.
Water Purification: Tablets or a filter, especially if refilling from streams.

Trekking Gear

Trekking Poles: Useful for stability on steep trails.
Headlamp/Flashlight: With extra batteries for night-time use.

Personal Items

Sunscreen: High SPF for UV protection.
Lip Balm: With SPF to protect against sun and wind.
Insect Repellent: Especially for lower altitudes.
Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and toilet paper.

Extras

Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or trail mix for quick energy boosts.
Camera: For capturing the stunning views.
First Aid Kit: Include personal medications, pain relievers, and blister treatments.
Guidebook or Map: For reference and navigation.

Optional

Gaiters: For extra protection against mud and dust.
Sunglasses: With UV protection for high-altitude glare.
Portable Battery Charger: For charging devices on the go.

Know before you go

The Machame Route is also known as the Whiskey Route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu Route, which is known as the Coca Cola Route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accommodations found on the Marangu Route, climbers on Machame hike steeper trails for longer distances while sleeping in tents. The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days on the mountain.

However, it is most often tackled over seven days for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located on the southern base of the mountain within its lush, fertile rainforest. The route heads toward the Shira Plateau before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing climbers to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka Trail.

Logistics