The 7-Day Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and successful paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is designed with excellent acclimatization, allowing climbers to gradually adjust to altitude while trekking through some of the mountain’s most diverse and dramatic landscapes.
From lush rainforest and giant heather moorlands to alpine deserts and glacial summit views, the Machame Route offers a true sense of adventure. The additional day compared to the shorter version greatly increases summit success rates, making it ideal for climbers who want both beauty and safety. All overnight stays are in mountain tents, fully supported by professional guides, porters, and cooks from Wildicon Safaris.
The most popular route on Kilimanjaro and loved for its beautiful scenery, diverse landscapes, and good acclimatization profile. Machame is more physically demanding than Marangu, with steeper sections, but offers a very high success rate.
Best for:
• Adventurous trekkers
• Climbers wanting great acclimatization
• Those seeking the best summit success chances
You will be met on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After settling in, you will receive a full climb briefing from your Wildicon Safaris mountain guide, including route details, safety procedures, and a final gear check. The evening is spent resting and preparing for the climb ahead.
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel
Meals: Dinner
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, where registration and final preparations take place. The trek starts through dense rainforest, alive with birds, monkeys, and towering trees. The trail is often damp and muddy, creating an authentic jungle atmosphere as you steadily gain altitude. After several hours of hiking, you reach Machame Camp, set within the forest zone, where you enjoy your first night on the mountain.
Overnight: Machame Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail opens into heath and moorland landscapes with expansive views of the Shira Plateau. The climb becomes steeper, but the scenery grows more dramatic as Mount Meru appears in the distance. As you approach Shira Camp, the air becomes cooler and thinner, marking your entry into higher altitudes. This day offers your first clear views of Kibo Peak, the summit cone of Kilimanjaro.
Overnight: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
This is a critical acclimatization day that greatly improves summit success. The route ascends gradually to Lava Tower, reaching approximately 4,600 meters, where you have lunch and allow your body to adapt to altitude. Afterward, you descend to Barranco Camp, a lush valley beneath the iconic Barranco Wall. The descent helps your body adjust while offering breathtaking views of glaciers and towering cliffs.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
The day begins with a climb up the famous Barranco Wall—a steep but non-technical scramble that rewards you with incredible panoramic views. After reaching the top, the trail undulates through alpine terrain, crossing valleys and ridges before arriving at Karanga Camp. This shorter day allows additional rest and further acclimatization in preparation for the summit push.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Today you ascend steadily toward Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt. The environment becomes stark and rocky, with temperatures dropping as vegetation disappears. Upon arrival, you rest, eat an early dinner, and prepare mentally and physically for the summit climb. Your guides provide a detailed briefing before you settle in for a short sleep.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
You begin the summit attempt shortly after midnight, trekking slowly under the stars toward Stella Point. This is the most demanding part of the climb, requiring determination and steady pacing. As dawn breaks, you continue to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters—where you celebrate your achievement and take in unforgettable views above the clouds. After photos and rest, you descend past Barafu Camp and continue down to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
The final day takes you through lush forest trails as you descend to Mweka Gate. The air becomes warmer and richer with oxygen, and the sense of accomplishment sets in. At the gate, you receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificates before transferring back to Moshi for a hot shower, celebration, and overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
