
Machame 7-Day Trek
The Machame Trek: A Safer & More Scenic Climb (7-Day Trek, 9-Day Tour)
Price starting from
$2,423
Machame 7-Day Trek
The Machame route, known as the "Whiskey Route," is celebrated for its stunning beauty and progressive acclimatization profile. While we can accommodate shorter treks for experienced climbers, Tazama Africa strongly recommends the 7-day itinerary for an optimal and safer experience. This extra day on the mountain is a priceless investment in your safety and summit success, allowing your body the necessary time to acclimate and providing a more relaxed journey.
Our team is dedicated to providing an unparalleled experience. With our generous 3-porter-per-guest ratio, a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified guide, and a partnership with an air evacuation service, your well-being is our top priority.
Detailed itinerary for Machame 7-Day Trek
Arrival & Briefing
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a Tazama Africa representative will welcome you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Arusha. In the evening, our head guide will conduct a thorough pre-climb briefing, ensuring your gear is suitable and answering any questions you may have.
⭐Highlights: A seamless arrival and a comprehensive pre-trek briefing.
Accommodation
Accomodation in Arusha/Moshi
Trekking from Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Your adventure begins with a drive to Machame Gate (1,800 m). After completing park formalities, you will begin your ascent through the lush rainforest. The air is cool and humid, and the trail can be wet, so a raincoat is highly recommended. The first day is designed to ease you into the climb.
Upon arrival at Machame Camp (3,000 m), your tents will be set up, and our dedicated chef will prepare a delicious hot meal.
Trek time
5-6 hours
Distance
5 km (3.1 miles)
⭐Highlights: The serene start of your journey through the rainforest.
A Walk into the Moorland to Shira Camp
After breakfast, you will leave the rainforest behind and enter the heath and moorland zone. The landscape opens up, and you'll get your first panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and Kilimanjaro’s summit in the distance. The trek is not technically difficult, but you will begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
At Shira Camp (3,750 m), a hot lunch awaits. To further aid your acclimatization, our guides will lead you on a short, easy acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower. This crucial "climb high, sleep low" strategy is a core part of our approach to a safe and successful climb.
Trek time
4-5 hours
Distance
5 km (3.1 miles)
⭐Highlights: Reaching the Shira Plateau and a vital acclimatization hike.
The Crucial Climb to Lava Tower & Descent to Barranco Camp
This is a pivotal day for acclimatization. You will ascend to Lava Tower (4,600 m), a massive volcanic rock formation. The ascent and the time spent at this altitude are essential for your body's adaptation. You will have lunch here before beginning the descent.
The trail then leads you down into the beautiful Barranco Valley, where you will see the famous Barranco Wall. Your camp is set up nearby, providing a stunning backdrop for the night.
Trek time
6-8 hours
Distance
11 km (6.8 miles)
⭐Highlights: The challenge of ascending to Lava Tower and the dramatic views of the Barranco Valley.
The Barranco Wall and a Trek to Karanga Camp
Today begins with the famous Barranco Wall climb. To avoid crowds, we'll aim for an early start. This is not a technical climb, but a fun scramble that our expert guides will help you navigate. After reaching the top, you'll have a chance to take photos before continuing on a trail with many ascents and descents to Karanga Camp (3,995 m).
After lunch, you will complete another acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp before returning to Karanga Camp for the night.
Trek time
4-5 hours
Distance
5 km (3.1 miles)
⭐Highlights: Conquering the Barranco Wall and another essential acclimatization hike.
The Final Push to High Camp at Barafu
After breakfast, you will begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,673 m). This is your final rest stop before your summit push. Our team will have a comfortable camp set up, so you can rest and prepare your gear. After regaining strength, you will complete a final acclimatization climb towards Kosovo Camp before returning to Barafu for a hot dinner. It is crucial to rest and sleep as much as possible before the night's final ascent.
Trek time
4-5 hours
Distance
6 km (3.7 miles)
⭐Highlights: The final push to high camp and the last acclimatization hike.
Summit Day and Descent to Millennium Camp
The final ascent begins just after midnight. With your headlamps lighting the way, you will begin the slow and steady push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Our WFR-certified guides will be with you every step of the way, monitoring your health and ensuring your safety.
After celebrating your achievement, you will descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing the long descent to Millennium Camp (3,950 m) for the night.
Trek time
7-12 hours
Distance
15.5 km (9.6 miles)
⭐Highlights: Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and witnessing a spectacular sunrise.
Final Descent to Mweka Gate
After a well-deserved night's sleep at the lower altitude, you will begin the final leg of your journey to Mweka Gate (1,640 m). At the gate, the whole crew will gather to celebrate your success. You will receive your official summit certificate and be transferred back to your hotel for a much-needed hot shower and a celebratory dinner.
Trek time
4-5 hours
Distance
12 km (7.4 miles)
⭐Highlights: A triumphant final descent and the certificate ceremony.
Departure
Enjoy a final relaxing morning at your hotel before we provide a comfortable transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure.
Machame 7-Day Trek
Price per person
SOLO | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX | 8 PAX |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$3,912 | $3,063 | $2,805 | $2,751 | $2,690 | $2,569 | $2,492 | $2,423 |
Cost Includes
- All transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Hotel accommodations before and after the climb.
- All park fees, camping fees, and taxes.
- All meals and bottled drinking water on the hike.
- Professional WFR-certified guides.
- A generous porter-to-guest ratio of 3:1.
- A professional and experienced mountain crew.
- Daily medical checks.
- Oxygen tanks and medical kits.
- Portable private toilets.
- A no-single-use plastics policy and sustainable operations.
- Emergency Air Evacuation.
- A seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish.
Cost Excludes
- International flights.
- Tips to the climbing crew.
- Visa fees.
- Personal gear rentals.
- Travel insurance (mandatory).
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Looking for a getaway where luxury meets nature? Relax in exclusive lodges, savor world-class cuisine, and experience the beauty of untouched landscapes with tailored comfort. Your next breathtaking escape awaits.
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