Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak with Sunrise

7 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek the iconic Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, one of Kilimanjaro's most scenic and popular trails
02 Experience diverse landscapes including lush rainforest, dramatic moorlands, alpine desert, and glacial zones
03 Enjoy a strong acclimatization profile designed to enhance summit success
04 Cross the scenic Shira Plateau and see striking features such as Lava Tower
05 Climb the iconic Barranco Wall without the need for technical skills
06 Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters and witness sunrise from the Roof of Africa

Embark on a 7-day Kilimanjaro trekking adventure via the renowned Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route. This scenic and popular trail offers a strong acclimatization profile and takes you through diverse ecological zones, from lush rainforest and dramatic moorlands to stark alpine desert and icy glacial terrain. Along the way, pass highlights such as the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and Barranco Wall before reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa. Enjoy spectacular sunrise views from the Roof of Africa with expert guidance and full mountain support throughout the journey.

Enjoy spectacular sunrise views from the Roof of Africa with expert guidance and full mountain support throughout the journey.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Machame Gate to Machame Camp Through Rainforest

Begin the trek from Machame Gate after completing registration formalities.
Trek through lush tropical rainforest with possible wildlife sightings.
Enjoy a packed bush lunch along the trail.
Reach Machame Camp for an overnight stay, with a hot dinner provided.
Distance: 11 kilometers.
Trekking Time: 5 to 7 hours.
Zone: Tropical Rainforest.
Altitude Gain: 1,035 meters.

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 Across the Plateau

Depart after breakfast and leave the rainforest behind.
Enter the low alpine desert zone and cross the scenic Shira Plateau.
Enjoy the first clear views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru.
Arrive at Shira Camp 2 for an overnight stay.
Distance: 7 kilometers.
Trekking Time: 4 to 6 hours.
Zone: Tropical Rainforest transitioning to Low Alpine Desert.
Altitude Gain: 1,015 meters.

Day 03

Lava Tower Acclimatization and Descent to Barranco

Begin with a gradual ascent through the alpine desert towards Lava Tower.
Reach Lava Tower at 4,600 meters for acclimatization.
Descend to Barranco Camp at 3,900 meters for an overnight stay.
Pass through landscapes featuring giant groundsels and Senecios Kilimanjari.
Practice the climb high, sleep low principle to enhance acclimatization.
Distance: 11.5 kilometers.
Trekking Time: 5 to 7 hours.
Zone: Low Alpine Desert to High Alpine Desert.
Altitude Gain: 750 meters.
Altitude Loss: 700 meters.

Day 04

Barranco Wall and Trek to Karanga Camp

Climb the Great Barranco Wall without the need for technical skills.
Pause at the top of the wall to enjoy magnificent views.
Continue through a series of ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.
Distance: 6 kilometers.
Trekking Time: 4 to 5 hours.
Zone: Moorlands.
Altitude Gain: 95 meters.

Day 05

Southern Circuit to Barafu Camp

Complete the Southern Circuit and continue towards Barafu Camp.
Pass the Mweka Trail junction, where climbers descending may be met.
Arrive at Barafu Camp for an early dinner and rest before the summit attempt.
Enjoy views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks from Barafu Camp.
Distance: 4 kilometers.
Trekking Time: 4 to 5 hours.
Zone: High Alpine Desert.
Altitude Gain: 678 meters.

Day 06

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

Begin the summit attempt late at night between 11:00 PM and 12:00 AM.
Ascend steep slopes slowly towards Stella Point at 5,756 meters.
Take a short break at Stella Point for snacks and tea.
Proceed to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate at the summit before beginning the descent.
Descend to Barafu Camp briefly, then continue further to Mweka Camp.
Choose Mweka Camp over Millennium Camp for better oxygen and recovery.
Distance: 10 kilometers to the summit and return to Barafu Camp, approximately 11 kilometers to Mweka Camp.
Trekking Time: 6 to 8 hours to the summit, 6 to 7 hours descent to Barafu Camp, 5 to 8 hours to Mweka Camp.
Zone: Glacial Zone and preceding zones.
Altitude Gain: 1,222 meters.
Altitude Loss: 2,795 meters.

Day 07

Final Descent to Mweka Gate

Begin the final descent through the lush montane forest.
Complete registration at Mweka Gate and receive summit certificates.
Green certificate for reaching Stella Point. Gold certificate for Uhuru Peak.
Return transfer provided to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Distance: 10 kilometers.
Trekking Time: 3 to 4 hours.
Zone: Moorlands transitioning to Montane Forest.
Altitude Loss: 1,460 meters.

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 3 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Hotel accommodation the night before and after the climb, with dinner and breakfast included
Transfer from your hotel to the starting point for your climb, and return to your hotel after your climb
All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits
Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook
Salaries for the mountain crew as per guidelines set by Kilimanjaro National Park
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks while on the mountain
Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables, and sleeping mattress)
Return transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha and from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport