Tour Overview
The 7 Days Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro thanks to its scenic beauty. It’s steep and challenging on the shortened itinerary, best for adventurous trekkers with some altitude or backpacking experience. Approaching from the south, it climbs through rainforest to the Shira Plateau, traverses beneath the Southern Ice Field along the Southern Circuit, summits from Barafu, and descends on the Mweka route.
Scenic classic with varied terrain from rainforest to alpine desert.
Challenging gradients suited to seasoned hikers and backpackers.
Southern Circuit traverse with acclimatization time at altitude.
Full support crew, transfers, park fees, and logistics included.
Professional guides, cooks, and porters focused on safety and summit success.
Southern approach via Machame Gate, across Shira Plateau, Southern Circuit, summit from Barafu, and descent on Mweka.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro airport, meet your transfer driver, and settle into the hotel in Moshi. Explore town or rest. Meet operations staff and your guide for a full trek briefing and equipment check.
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, then trek through dense rainforest on winding trails up a ridge to Machame Camp.
Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft — Distance: 11 km / 7 mi — Time: 5-7 hrs — Habitat: Rain Forest
Leave rainforest glades for a rocky ridge, traverse the Shira Plateau through heather and moorland, and cross a river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.
Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft — Distance: 5 km / 3 mi — Time: 4-7 hrs — Habitat: Heath
Climb east toward the 300 ft Lava Tower, then descend through the Senecio Forest to Barranco Camp. Time above 15,000 ft aids acclimatization before sleeping lower.
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft then 13,044 ft — Distance: 7 km + 3 km — Time: 6-8 hrs — Habitat: Alpine Desert
Descend to the base of the Barranco Wall, climb the steep but non-technical face, then traverse ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp for acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,107 ft — Distance: 5 km / 3 mi — Time: 4-5 hrs — Habitat: Alpine Desert
Climb the rocky path to Barafu Hut, completing the Southern Circuit with views of Mawenzi and Kibo. Early dinner and rest for summit night.
Elevation: 13,107 ft to 15,331 ft — Distance: 4 km / 2 mi — Time: 4-5 hrs — Habitat: Alpine Desert
Begin the summit push around midnight for sunrise at Stella Point and Uhuru Peak. Descend to Barafu for lunch, then continue to Mweka Camp in the forest.
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft then 10,065 ft — Distance: 5 km up, 12 km down — Time: 11-14 hrs — Habitat: Arctic to Rain Forest
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate for summit certificates, then onward to Mweka Village and transfer to Moshi.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft — Distance: 10 km / 7 mi — Time: 3-4 hrs — Habitat: Rain Forest
Contact our mountain experts to customize this climb for your private party.
We believe luxury is found in the details. Every aspect of your journey is choreographed to ensure absolute comfort and unparalleled access.
Trekking tour according to the itinerary.
Accommodation in huts and hotels as indicated in the itinerary.
Professional English-speaking guide.
Personal porter.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
Drinking water.
Transfers as indicated in the itinerary.
National park fees.
Rescue fees.
The Ultimate Guide
Trekking
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