About This Tour
The 7 Days Machame Route, famously known as the Whiskey Route, is widely regarded as one of the best and most successful ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. By adding an extra acclimatization day, this itinerary significantly improves summit success while offering breathtaking scenery across all climatic zones—from lush rainforest to alpine desert and icy summit glaciers.
Trip Highlights
- Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak
- Follow the classic Marangu Route, known for its gradual ascent
- Trek through diverse landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert
- Enjoy spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak from Horombo Hut
- -Early-morning summit attempt with a breathtaking sunrise at Uhuru Peak
- Professional mountain guides ensuring safety and support
Itinerary
The 7 Days Machame Route, famously known as the Whiskey Route, is widely regarded as one of the best and most successful ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. By adding an extra acclimatization day, this itinerary significantly improves summit success while offering breathtaking scenery across all climatic zones—from lush rainforest to alpine desert and icy summit glaciers.
- Distance: ~11 km
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Altitude: 1,800 m → 3,000 m
After registration at Machame Gate, begin trekking through dense rainforest filled with giant trees, birds, and blue monkeys. The trail is steady and scenic, providing a gentle introduction to the climb.
Overnight: Machame Camp (tented)
- Distance: ~5 km
- Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
- Altitude: 3,000 m → 3,840 m
Leave the rainforest and enter the heath and moorland zone. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the vast Shira Plateau.
Overnight: Shira Camp
- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
- Altitude: 3,840 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m
A crucial acclimatization day. Trek uphill to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle that greatly boosts summit success.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
- Distance: ~5 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Altitude: 3,960 m → 4,035 m
Climb the iconic Barranco Wall, a fun but non-technical scramble offering spectacular views of glaciers and valleys. Continue across alpine ridges to Karanga Camp.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
- Distance: ~6–8 km (optional acclimatization hike)
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Altitude Gain: up to ~4,600 m
This additional acclimatization day allows short hikes above camp before returning to rest. This day dramatically increases comfort and summit success.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
- Distance: ~4 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Altitude: 4,035 m → 4,673 m
A short but steep ascent to Barafu Camp, your summit base. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing for the midnight summit push.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
- Distance: ~17 km total
- Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
- Altitude: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 1,640 m
Begin the summit attempt around midnight. Pass Stella Point and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate at sunrise before descending via the Mweka Route through alpine desert and rainforest to Mweka Gate for certificates and transfer.
Included/Exclude
The Cost Includes
- Park entry, camping/hut, rescue, and conservation fees for Mount Kilimanjaro
- Professional, licensed mountain guides
- Dedicated porters and cook
- Accommodation in mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo & Kibo Huts)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water on the mountain (treated and filtered)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport or Moshi/Arusha hotel transfers
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
- Fair wages and ethical porter treatment (KPAP compliant, where applicable)
- All government taxes and service charges
The Cost Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and high-altitude medical insurance
- Personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, clothing, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and cook
- Snacks, energy bars, and personal beverages
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls)
- Hotel accommodation before and after the climb (unless stated)
- Any services not specifically mentioned under Tour Includes
Tour Plan
The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most scenic and popular ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering excellent acclimatization and diverse landscapes.
Yes, it is suitable for fit beginners with good stamina. While more demanding than Marangu, it has a higher success rate due to better acclimatization.
The success rate is relatively high (around 70–80%), especially for climbers who are physically prepared and follow their guide’s pace.
No technical skills are required. The climb is a high-altitude trek. The Barranco Wall involves light scrambling but is non-technical.
Accommodation is in high-quality mountain tents at designated camps along the route.
Temperatures at the summit can drop to between -10°C and -15°C. Proper cold-weather clothing is essential.
All meals are included—hot breakfasts, lunches, and dinners—prepared by a professional mountain cook.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone. The Machame Route’s “climb high, sleep low” profile helps reduce risks, and guides monitor climbers closely.
The best periods are January–March and June–October, offering more stable weather and clearer views.
