The 7-days Machame Route climb, known as the "Whiskey Route," is a popular and scenic Trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from Machame Gate, it traverses diverse landscapes including rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert. It’s ideal for trekkers seeking both challenge and beauty, with a route that allows for better acclimatization. With our dedicated guides, warm meals, and a supportive team around you, this journey becomes more than a climb—it becomes a personal milestone and a memory you’ll treasure forever.

Warm Welcome in Moshi — You’ll be greeted at Kilimanjaro Airport and meet our friendly guide in Moshi, who ensures you’re fully prepped and geared for the adventure ahead.

Rainforest Wonders — Begin your climb through lush, green rainforest to Machame Camp—your first night under African stars.

Stunning Landscapes & Acclimatization — Trek past dramatic ridges and valleys, reaching Lava Tower for vital acclimatization and panoramic views.

Barranco Wall Challenge — Conquer the thrilling Great Barranco Wall and soak in views of majestic glaciers along the way.

Summit at Sunrise — Begin summit night under the stars, and if lucky, witness a breathtaking sunrise from Africa’s highest point—Uhuru Peak.

Proud Descent & Celebration — Return to the gate for your summit certificate—a well-earned reminder of your courage and endurance.

7 Days Machame Route

Trip Highlights

  • Begin in lush rainforest, watching for playful colobus monkeys.
  • Trek through stunning, ever-changing landscapes each day.
  • Climb high to Lava Tower, then sleep low—smart acclimatization.
  • Scramble up the iconic Barranco Wall for epic views.
  • Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise—pure magic.
  • Celebrate a life-changing achievement with your mountain crew.

Day-By-Day

Day

1

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Begin your Begin your tour with a drive to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate from your hotel. When you arrive at the park gate, check in at the office and make final preparations to begin the climb. Our route leads us through the rainforest and along a hill to Machame Sleep, where we will camp for the night.

  • 1800m - 3000m
  • 11km
  • 5-7 hours

Day

2

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

We start hiking after an early morning breakfast, leaving the rainforest behind and continuing our trek up a steep rocky ridge covered in heath, passing a tiny valley and up to a high rocky ridge covered in heath. Our path now heads west across a river gorge. Shira campground for dinner and the night.

  • 3000m - 3850m
  • 9km
  • 4-6 hours

Day

3

Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

This is a critical day for acclimatization, and it will aid your body’s preparation for summit day. This will be our most difficult day so far, and you may begin to experience altitude effects. To acclimate, we will go to Lava Tower (4600m) and eat our lunch there. We next descend to Barranco campground, where we will spend the night. The Western Breach and Breach Wall provide an excellent picture opportunity. While you wait for your meal, the camp is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which will present you with a magnificent sunset.

  • 3850m - 4600m - 3950m
  • 12km
  • 6-7 hours

Day

4

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today begins with a short but enjoyable scramble to the much dreaded Great Barranco Wall’s summit. We proceed via the scree to the Karanga Valley (3930m), which lies beneath the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers’ icefalls. At Karanga campsite, for dinner and a much-needed overnight rest.

  • 3950m - 3930m
  • 7km
  • 4 hours

Day

5

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave the Karanga camp to reach the Mweka descending route’s junction. We proceed up to the Barafu Hut from here. You’ve finished the Southern Circuit, which gives you a variety of views of the top. We may relax, eat dinner, and get ready for summit day in camp. From this vantage point, the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible.

  • 3930m - 4600m
  • 6kms
  • 3 hours

Day

6

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Day 6 of the 7-days Machame Route is summit day so we wake up 23:30 hrs, for some fast tea and snacks. Between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers, we begin our ascent to the top. We’ll take a north-westerly route to Stella Point on the crater rim, ascending via hard scree. This is the trek’s most psychologically and physically demanding section. We’ll take a short break at Stella Point (5732m) and be rewarded with one of the most spectacular sunrises you’ll ever witness (weather permitting).

  • 4600m - 5895m (and down to 3100m)
  • 7km ascent/23km descent
  • 6-8 hours ascent/6-7 hours descent

Day

7

Mweka Camp to hotel

We return to Mweka Park Gate to get your summit certificates which marks the end of our 7 Days Machame Route Trek. It might be muddy and damp at lower levels. The use of gaiters and trekking poles will be beneficial. T-shirts and shorts will suffice (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

  • 3100m - 1800m
  • 11km
  • 3-4 hours

Itinerary Details

MachameGate

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Begin your 7-days Machame Route tour with a drive to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate from your hotel. When you arrive at the park gate, check in at the office and make final preparations to begin the climb. Our route leads us through the rainforest and along a hill to Machame Sleep, where we will camp for the night.

  • 1800m - 3000m
  • 11km
  • 5-7 hours

Machame

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

We start hiking after an early morning breakfast, leaving the rainforest behind and continuing our trek up a steep rocky ridge covered in heath, passing a tiny valley and up to a high rocky ridge covered in heath. Our path now heads west across a river gorge. Shira campground for dinner and the night.

  • 3000m - 3850m
  • 9km
  • 4-6 hours

Shira Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

This is a critical day for acclimatization, and it will aid your body’s preparation for summit day. This will be our most difficult day so far, and you may begin to experience altitude effects. To acclimate, we will go to Lava Tower (4600m) and eat our lunch there. We next descend to Barranco campground, where we will spend the night. The Western Breach and Breach Wall provide an excellent picture opportunity. While you wait for your meal, the camp is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which will present you with a magnificent sunset.

  • 3850m - 4600m - 3950m
  • 12km
  • 6-7 hours

Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today begins with a short but enjoyable scramble to the much dreaded Great Barranco Wall’s summit. We proceed via the scree to the Karanga Valley (3930m), which lies beneath the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers’ icefalls. At Karanga campsite, for dinner and a much-needed overnight rest.

  • 3950m - 3930m
  • 7km
  • 4 hours

Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Spend a full day exploring Serengeti’s diverse landscapes. Spot lions, cheetahs, ostriches, and over 500 bird species including secretary birds and vultures. Visit the visitor centre for insightful displays and enjoy a picnic in the wild.

  • 3930m - 4600m
  • 6km
  • 3 hours

Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Day 6 of the 7-days Machame Route is summit day so we wake up 23:30 hrs, for some fast tea and snacks. Between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers, we begin our ascent to the top. We’ll take a north-westerly route to Stella Point on the crater rim, ascending via hard scree. This is the trek’s most psychologically and physically demanding section. We’ll take a short break at Stella Point (5732m) and be rewarded with one of the most spectacular sunrises you’ll ever witness (weather permitting).

  • 4600m - 5895m (and down to 3100m)
  • 7km ascent/23km descent
  • 6-8 hours ascent/6-7 hours descent

Mweka

Day 7: Mweka Camp to hotel

We return to Mweka Park Gate to get your summit certificates which marks the end of our 7 Days Machame Route Trek. It might be muddy and damp at lower levels. The use of gaiters and trekking poles will be beneficial. T-shirts and shorts will suffice (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

  • 3100m - 1800m
  • 8km
  • 3-4 hours

What to Expect

Climbing Kilimanjaro offers adventure, challenge, and incredible views, supported by expert crews, proper equipment, and thoughtful logistics for a safe ascent.

Connection

Transfers

Airport pickups and transfers to your chosen trailhead.

Activities

Activities

Daily guided treks, acclimatisation hikes, and summit attempts.

Accommodations

Accommodations

Mountain tents or huts with meals prepared fresh daily.

Support 24/7

Support

Certified guides, porters, and 24/7 local emergency assistance.

Knowing Melodica Tours has taken care of everything

"At Melodica Tours and Safaris, we believe the smallest details make the biggest difference. We won’t stop refining your safari experience until everything feels just right. From the very beginning, our focus is to bring your dream journey to life — thoughtfully, beautifully, and down to the finest detail."

About Booking This Tour

Booking your adventure is simple, secure, and fully supported by our expert team. From reserving your place to arranging flexible travel protection, we are here to help you plan with confidence and peace of mind.

Booking your dream safari is easy. Once you’ve chosen your preferred itinerary, simply contact our reservations team through our website, email, or phone.

We’ll confirm availability, answer any questions, and guide you through the booking process. You’ll then receive a detailed confirmation and travel documents, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience from start to finish.

To secure your place, a deposit is required at the time of booking. The amount depends on your chosen tour and will be communicated. Final payment is generally due 60 days before departure.

Our team will send reminders and support you through the process so your payment schedule is clear and stress-free.

We strongly recommend purchasing a comprehensive travel protection plan. This helps safeguard your investment in case of unexpected situations such as illness, delays, or lost luggage.

You can choose coverage through a provider of your choice, or let us assist you with recommended options tailored to East African safaris, giving you greater peace of mind.

We understand that plans can change. If you need to postpone your safari, please contact us as early as possible.

We’ll work with you to reschedule your travel dates, subject to availability, and explain any applicable change fees.

Our team is committed to finding flexible solutions to protect your travel investment wherever possible.

If you must cancel your booking, please notify us in writing right away. Cancellation charges depend on how far in advance you inform us and are outlined in our booking conditions.

We aim to minimise any costs where possible, and we recommend travel insurance to help recover funds for non-refundable services in case of cancellation.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Prepare for a seamless safari journey by arranging your passport, visa, health documents, and baggage details early, ensuring you arrive relaxed, confident, and fully ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Once you have chosen your itinerary, confirming your reservation is the first step. Our team will assist you with securing your spot and provide all necessary pre-departure information.

We recommend confirming early to guarantee availability, especially during peak seasons. Once reserved, you will receive detailed documents to help you prepare.

A deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the remaining balance typically due 60 days before departure.

Full details will be shared upon reservation. Our team will support you with reminders and a clear payment schedule to ensure your planning remains stress-free and your adventure stays on track.

All travellers will need a valid passport, with at least six months’ validity from the date of travel.

Depending on your nationality, a visa may be required for entry into your chosen East African destinations.

We recommend checking requirements early and applying for visas in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

International flights are not usually included in our tours, but we’re happy to advise on the best routes and trusted airlines.

Remember to review your airline’s luggage limits, as smaller safari planes may also have weight restrictions.

Soft-sided bags are strongly recommended for ease of storage on light aircraft and safari vehicles.

Let’s Plan Your Next Holiday Trip

Let’s plan your unforgettable African safari—epic game drives, stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and close encounters with wildlife. Adventure, wonder, and lifelong memories await you here.

  • Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)*
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after the climb)
  • Breakfast is included at the hotel*
  • 1 Post-climb celebratory drink (beer, juice, or soda) on us*
  • Group transport to and from Moshi to ALL Kilimanjaro park gates*
  • No additional transport fees will be charged to the Northern or Western route gates*
  • Kilimanjaro National Park permits
  • Camping/Hut fees
  • Mountain rescue fees
  • Guides/Porters salaries
  • Private toilet for the party on all climbs
  • All-season mountain tents
  • Foam sleeping pad (unless you opt to bring your own instead)
  • Mess tents, tables and chairs for parties of two or more
  • All meals on the mountain
  • No small party supplement fees will be charged
  • No single supplement fees for Private Climbs will be charged

  • Sleeping bag
  • Airfare
  • Personal Gear
  • Tips for Porters & Guides
  • Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
  • Tips and any items of a personal nature

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