$2,660/
Per Person
Ready to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro? This detailed Machame Route 7 days itinerary is the perfect guide for your journey to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. The 7-day Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to climb Kilimanjaro, offering better acclimatization and a higher summit success rate than faster routes.
Your adventure begins in the lush rainforest and takes you through Kilimanjaro’s dramatic climate zones—moorlands, alpine desert, and ice-capped summit. Over seven unforgettable days, you’ll pass major highlights like Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Karanga Valley, and the Southern Circuit before your final summit push from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak. The descent via the Mweka Route gives you even more incredible views.
Whether you’re a first-time trekker or an experienced hiker, this 7-day Kilimanjaro itinerary via Machame Route gives you the best chance of reaching the summit safely while enjoying breathtaking scenery every step of the way.
At Zaita Tours, we specialize in affordable, well-organized Kilimanjaro climbs with expert guides, high-quality gear, and personalized service. Join hundreds of climbers who’ve trusted us to make their Kilimanjaro dream come true. Let’s show you the Machame Route better than anyone else.
Included and Excluded in the 7 Days Machame Route Trek
- Experienced and certified Kilimanjaro guides
- Friendly and well-equipped porters to carry camping gear
- Park entrance fees and conservation fees for Kilimanjaro National Park
- Camping equipment including tents, sleeping mats, and chairs
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner) prepared by professional cooks
- Drinking water supplied and purified throughout the trek
- Transportation from Arusha to the Machame Gate and back after the trek
- Rescue and emergency evacuation services if needed
- Accommodation in a hotel or lodge in Arusha before and after the trek (if booked)
- Kilimanjaro trekking permits and park fees
- International and domestic flights to/from Tanzania
- Personal hiking gear (sleeping bags, boots, jackets, etc.)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and cooks
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, and snacks
- Optional activities or side trips not mentioned in the itinerary
Highlights of the 7 Days Machame Route Trek
- Experience All Five Climatic Zones: Journey through lush rainforests, heathlands, moorlands, alpine deserts, and the glacial summit zone — a unique natural adventure.
- Conquer Iconic Kilimanjaro Landmarks: Tackle the challenging Barranco Wall, pass the dramatic Lava Tower, cross the Shira Plateau, explore Karanga Valley, and reach Stella Point.
- Breathtaking Panoramic Views: Witness stunning vistas of Tanzania’s plains and the spectacular sunrise from Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters.
- Optimal Acclimatization for Summit Success: The 7-day itinerary allows gradual altitude gain, significantly boosting your chances to safely reach the summit.
- Support from Expert Guides & Porters: Trek confidently with experienced guides and caring porters, plus enjoy delicious meals prepared by professional cooks.
- Unique Flora and Wildlife Encounters: Discover rare giant groundsels and diverse mountain flora not found anywhere else on Earth.
- Memorable Summit Experience: Celebrate reaching Africa’s highest point — a true once-in-a-lifetime achievement!
- Scenic Descent via Mweka Route: Enjoy a rewarding and picturesque descent on the Mweka trail, completing your adventure in style.
Machame Route 7 Days Itinerary
Begin your adventure with a drive from Arusha to the Machame Gate. After registration, start your trek through the lush rainforest, home to a variety of wildlife and unique flora. The trail gradually ascends to Machame Camp, offering your first night under the stars on Kilimanjaro.
- Elevation: 1,830m / 6,000ft → 3,050m / 9,950ft
- Distance: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Leave the rainforest behind as you ascend a steep ridge to the Shira Plateau. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the impressive Kibo Peak. Arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon, where you can relax and acclimatize.
- Elevation: 3,050m / 9,950ft → 3,850m / 12,600ft
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Today is crucial for acclimatization. Trek east towards the Lava Tower (4,640m) for a challenging ascent and then descend to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to the altitude. The day ends with stunning views of the Barranco Wall.
- Elevation: 3,850m / 12,600ft → 4,630m / 15,190ft → 3,960m / 13,000ft
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Conquer the Great Barranco Wall, a challenging yet exhilarating climb. Traverse the ridges and valleys, passing through the alpine desert to reach Karanga Camp. Enjoy the breathtaking views and take the afternoon to rest and acclimatize.
- Elevation: 3,960m / 13,000ft → 4,035m / 13,200ft
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Continue your ascent towards Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The trail is tough but rewarding, with stunning views of the summit and surrounding glaciers. Arrive in the afternoon, rest, and prepare for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
- Elevation: 4,035m / 13,200ft → 4,640m / 15,220ft
- Distance: 4 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Begin your summit attempt around midnight. The trail to Stella Point is steep and challenging, but reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m) is an unforgettable achievement. After celebrating, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
- Elevation: 4,640m / 15,220ft → 5,895m / 19,341ft (Uhuru Peak) → 3,100m / 10,170ft
- Distance: 17 km
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
- Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
Enjoy your final breakfast on Kilimanjaro before descending through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Celebrate your achievement and receive your summit certificates. Transfer back to Arusha, where a well-deserved rest awaits.
- Elevation: 3,100m / 10,170ft → 1,640m / 5,380ft
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Frequently Asked & Question
The 7-day Machame Route offers a scenic, adventurous, and well-paced climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll start in lush rainforest and gradually ascend through moorlands, alpine desert, and icy glaciers — experiencing all five ecological zones of the mountain. Each day brings new terrain and iconic highlights like Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall, and breathtaking views along the Southern Circuit. With a longer acclimatization period, this route increases your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak successfully while enjoying one of Kilimanjaro’s most rewarding trails.
While the route is considered moderately challenging, it's suitable for fit beginners. The 7-day itinerary helps with acclimatization, making it more manageable for first-time high-altitude trekkers.
Each day brings different terrain and elevation gain, from rainforest to alpine desert to the summit. The route includes highlights like the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, and Uhuru Peak.
The extra day improves your body’s ability to adapt to altitude, increasing summit success rates and reducing the chance of altitude sickness.
The summit success rate for this version is around 85–90%, thanks to the improved acclimatization schedule.
Key highlights include trekking through five ecological zones, the impressive Barranco Wall, panoramic views from the Southern Circuit, and the final push to Uhuru Peak via Stella Point.
The best times are during the dry seasons: January to early March and June to October, offering clearer skies and better trail conditions.
You'll need proper hiking boots, layered clothing, waterproof gear, a warm sleeping bag, headlamp, and a daypack. Your tour operator will typically provide tents and meals.
Prices range from $2,100 to $3,500, depending on the level of service, group size, and what’s included (e.g., porters, meals, park fees, accommodations).
Yes, but the 7-day option allows for better acclimatization, minimizing the risk. Staying hydrated, pacing yourself, and following your guide’s advice helps prevent symptoms.
