7 days · Tanzania · Mountain trek
Kilimanjaro: Machame Route
The most popular route on Kilimanjaro, and for good reason. Machame climbs through rainforest onto the Shira Plateau, passes the Lava Tower and the famous Barranco Wall, and gives you superb views and good acclimatisation over seven days.
Enquire about this safariDuration
7 days on the mountain
Route
Machame Gate · Shira · Barranco · Uhuru Peak
Best time
Jan – Mar, Jun – Oct
Ideal for
Private climb or join a group
The “Whiskey” route
Machame is often called the Whiskey route: a little tougher than the old Marangu “Coca-Cola” route, but more scenic and with better acclimatisation. It follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, reaching the Lava Tower at around 4,600 m before descending to sleep in the Barranco Valley. The seven-day version adds an extra day before the summit, which noticeably improves success rates. Accommodation is in tents, and descent is via the Mweka route.
Itinerary
Day by day
A sample route. Your planner will adjust camps and order to match the herds' position in your travel month.
Day 1 · Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Climb through lush rainforest from about 1,800 m to Machame Camp at around 3,000 m.
Day 2 · To Shira Camp
Leave the forest for heath and moorland, with the first big views of Kibo, to about 3,850 m.
Day 3 · Lava Tower & Barranco
Climb to the Lava Tower at about 4,600 m to acclimatise, then descend to Barranco Camp.
Days 4–5 · Barranco Wall to Barafu
Scramble up the Barranco Wall, rest at Karanga Camp, then continue to Barafu high camp at about 4,670 m.
Day 6 · Summit day
Leave around midnight to reach Stella Point and Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) at sunrise, then descend to Mweka Camp.
Day 7 · Down to Mweka Gate
Walk down through the rainforest to collect your summit certificate.
Included
— Park, camping and rescue fees
— Professional mountain guides, cook and porters
— Quality tents, sleeping mats and mess tent
— All meals and treated water on the mountain
— Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
— Hotel nights before and after the climb
— Airport transfers
Not included
— International flights and visas
— Travel insurance with high-altitude cover (required)
— Sleeping bag and personal gear (rental available)
— Tips for guides and crew
— Drinks and personal items
Climb Kilimanjaro with us
Climb privately with your own crew, or join one of our small group departures to share the adventure and the cost. Tell us your dates and we’ll suggest the best option.
Enquire now