7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with Revelation Adventure Safaris on this 7-day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro via the legendary Machame Route. Nicknamed the “Whiskey Route” for its bold and scenic nature, this trail is one of the most popular and visually stunning routes to the Roof of Africa—Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters.

From lush rainforests and sweeping moorlands to dramatic alpine deserts and glacier vistas, every step brings breathtaking landscapes and unique ecological zones. With excellent acclimatization and an extra day built in, your chances of reaching the summit are significantly improved.

This route can also be done in 6 or 8 days, depending on your schedule and preferred acclimatization pace.

7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania – Arrival in Arusha

📍 Arusha | Elevation: ~1,400m
🛏️ Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha | Meals: Dinner

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a representative from Revelation Adventure Safaris will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Here, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a full pre-climb briefing and gear check. Relax, unwind, and prepare for your mountain journey.

Day 2: Arusha – Machame Gate to Machame Camp

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 11 km | Time: 5–7 hrs
📍 Elevation: 1,800m → 3,000m
🛏️ Overnight: Machame Camp | Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate, where your adventure begins. The trail leads through dense montane rainforest, rich in biodiversity and alive with the sounds of exotic birds and colobus monkeys. The day ends at Machame Camp, nestled at 3,000m, where you’ll enjoy your first night on the mountain under the stars.

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–6 hrs
📍 Elevation: 3,000m → 3,840m
🛏️ Overnight: Shira Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Leave the lush forest behind and enter the moorland zone, where the terrain becomes drier and more rugged. The views open up dramatically, revealing Mount Meru in the distance. Arrive at Shira Camp perched on the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert with epic sunset views.

Day 4: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 10 km | Time: 6–8 hrs
📍 Elevation: 3,840m → 4,630m → 3,950m
🛏️ Overnight: Barranco Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Today is a key acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” strategy. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m), where you’ll pause for lunch before descending to Barranco Camp (3,950m). You’ll pass dramatic rock formations and begin to notice the stark alpine scenery. Tonight, you’ll camp beneath the awe-inspiring Barranco Wall.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–5 hrs
📍 Elevation: 3,950m → 4,035m
🛏️ Overnight: Karanga Camp | Meals: B, L, D

The morning starts with the climb of Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical ascent that rewards you with sweeping views. Then follow a series of rolling ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp, your base for rest and further acclimatization.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (Summit Base Camp)

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 4 km | Time: 3–4 hrs
📍 Elevation: 4,035m → 4,673m
🛏️ Overnight: Barafu Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Today’s trek takes you to Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit push. The landscape is now stark and lunar-like, with loose rocks and frigid air setting the scene for what lies ahead. After an early dinner, you’ll rest and mentally prepare for the summit attempt, which begins around midnight.

Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 17 km | Time: 12–15 hrs
📍 Elevation: 4,673m → 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) → 3,100m
🛏️ Overnight: Mweka Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Under starlight, begin the summit push in the stillness of the night. Ascend slowly to Stella Point (5,739m), then make your final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa.

Celebrate with photos and a deep sense of accomplishment before descending back to Barafu Camp for a short rest. Then continue down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend your final night on the mountain.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 10 km | Time: 3–4 hrs
📍 Elevation: 3,100m → 1,640m
🛏️ Overnight in Arusha | Meals: B, L

Your final descent leads through lush rainforest filled with birdsong and tropical vegetation. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate—a symbol of your courage and endurance.

From here, a vehicle will transfer you back to Arusha for a well-earned celebration, hot shower, and a good night’s sleep.

Day 9: Departure or Next Adventure

📍 Optional Activities or Airport Transfer | Meals: Breakfast

Depending on your flight schedule, you can relax in Arusha or embark on a post-climb safari or Zanzibar beach escape—a perfect way to unwind after your summit achievement. We’ll arrange your airport transfer when you’re ready to depart.